2019 Toyota Corolla launched in Malaysia – two 1.8L variants; Toyota Safety Sense on 1.8G; from RM129k - Latest Car News, Bike news & Reviews, Auto News

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has finally launched the 12th-generation Toyota Corolla in Malaysia, which is available in a choice of two variants. While the C-segment sedan is now officially referred to as the Corolla here, all units will still carry the “Altis” badging at the rear on the count of it being fully imported (CBU) from Thailand – the model is marketed as the Corolla Altis there.

Pricing-wise, the range starts of with the 1.8E, which is priced at RM128,888 on-the-road without insurance. Meanwhile, the range-topping 1.8G retails at RM136,888, and all purchases come with a five-year/unlimited-mileage factory warranty.

Buyers are provided with a choice of five exterior finishes – Celestite Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black, Red Mica Metallic and White Pearl Crystal Shine – with the last option costing an additional RM800.

Under the bonnet, both variants are powered by the familiar 2ZR-FE 1.8 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with Dual VVT-i – this is not the flex fuel version. The naturally-aspirated mill makes 139 PS (137 hp) at 6,400 rpm and 173 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, with drive going to the front wheels via a Shiftmatic CVT with seven virtual speeds. The powertrain also comes with two driver-selectable drive modes – Sport and Eco.

In its latest iteration, the Corolla is now underpinned by the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, and features an overhauled design which we’ve previously detailed – Malaysia follows the European look. There are also revisions to the vehicle’s dimensions, as the sedan now measures 4,630 mm long (+10 mm), 1,780 mm wide (+5 mm) and 1,435 mm tall (-45 mm); the wheelbase remains identical to the 11th-generation car at 2,700 mm.

On the 1.8E, you’ll get automatic, manual-levelling halogen headlamps, 16-inch alloy wheels (with 205/55 series tyres), LED taillights, a reverse camera as well as front and rear parking sensors and fog lamps as standard equipment.

Other items include keyless entry and start, a 4.2-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster display, single-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, a 6.8-inch touchscreen head unit with six speakers, black fabric upholstery and an eight-way powered driver’s seat.

The 1.8G option naturally has more goodies, including LED projected headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels (with 225/45 series tyres), an Optitron meter with a seven-inch display, dual-zone climate control, black leather upholstery, an electronic parking brake (with auto hold), paddle shifters, rear side window sunshades, a Qi wireless charger, an panoramic view monitor and digital video recorders (front and rear).

The last two items are cost options for the 1.8E, and those interested will need to pay an additional RM2,700 for the panoramic view monitor and RM1,100 for the dual DVRs. UMWT also offers a Vehicle Telematics System (VTS) that allows owners to check their vehicle’s real-time location via a mobile app for a further RM1,700, which includes a two-year subscription fee waiver (RM250 per year).

In terms of safety kit, both the 1.8E and 1.8G come with seven airbags (front, side curtain and driver knee), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), ABS with EBD and brake assist, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), tyre pressure monitoring system, and Isofix child seat anchors (rear outer seats).

Once again, it’s the 1.8G that has a wider feature set, as it also gets the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance systems. These include Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist & Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), (Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).

The Corolla will compete against the fourth-generation Mazda 3 and soon-to-be-launched Honda Civic FC facelift in the C-segment sedan market. Of the three cars, which one would you prefer? Or is there another option in your mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Find full specifications of the Toyota Corolla on CarBase.my.

2019 Toyota Corolla 1.8G in Celestite Grey Metallic