With a D-4D family engine, the roomy Corolla Altis Diesel is a fuel-efficient, reliable luxury sedan, says K Shivraj

Diesel and Toyota is not a new equation. Every diesel vehicle that Toyota has sold in India has had an overwhelming response, be it the Qualis, or the Innova that was launched in 2005. It features the 2.5-litre D-4D common rail family engine. The Corolla has now been equipped with a D-4D family engine. And the first impression of this engine is very positive in the Corolla Altis Diesel. Displacing 1364cc, the engine, breathing through eight valves and operated by a single-overhead cam, generates 88.4PS of power and 205 Nm of torque between 1800 and 2800rpm.

The first positive impression springs when the engine settles down to a silent idle, unlike in many other diesel cars. Little noise or vibes filter in and the car feels almost as silent as a petrol one. It is impressive to find that the motor expresses an ability to rev freely. Mated to the motor is a variable geometry turbo and a six-speed manual transmission. It takes an amount of reeving to get going with a verve. Despite the impressive specifications, there feels an amount of turbo lag initially. A strong pull exerts itself post 2000rpm and way up to 4000rpm. In the city, judicious use of the six-speeder is called for to keep the power flowing to the wheels. So, what the engine calls for is an amount of down-shifting. When the road opens up, there comes an urge for some more power. Highway cruising however is enjoyable in this car as it gobbles up kilometres with ease. Credit should be given to the heavy insulation this car has been treated to.

The cabin, which is quite familiar to that of the petrol Corolla, is a silent place. It is also roomy and a well put together. The seats are comfortable and the level of equipment good. Good ride comfort is effected by the modifications done by Toyota, in turn to compensate for the additional weight of the diesel engine at front. The Corolla Altis Diesel thus employs stiffer springs and dampers. Little noise filters in and suspension — McPherson struts at front and torsion beam at rear — handles the irregularities with confidence. Especially comfortable is the ride at the rear!

Handling is not exactly exciting. After spending some time behind the wheel of this car it is clear that the dynamics are set towards ride rather than handling. An amount of body roll is experienced thus as the car is pushed through corners. The steering offers good feedback. Braking too is reassuring under most circumstances. Connecting with the petrol Corolla, the Corolla Altis Diesel makes it tough to distinguish itself. The only way to find out is probably the grille, which is the mesh type. So, the essence and the character of the Corolla remains unchanged. With this also comes the fact that the premise of reliability continues unabated.

 Having come to earn immense loyalty and admiration, the Corolla Altis Diesel may not be a very powerful car. Wearing the reliability star on its shoulder, like other Toyota’s more or less do, this car shines in the area of fuel-efficiency. The 1.4-litre D-4D diesel motor may not make the Corolla Altis Diesel an exciting car to drive, it however addresses the issue that many Indian buyers are interested about. At Rs 11 lakh approximately, the Corolla Altis Diesel adds a new dimension to the category it is placed into. Those seeking a highly reliable luxury sedan that offers impressive fuel-efficiency will find this one very interesting.