Hot on the heels of the new Corolla Altis's launch in Thailand comes the sedan's sporty version called the Altis ESport (E stands for Excellence).
Toyota India opened bookings for the new Corolla at the Auto Expo earlier this month. The ESport could be introduced in India once the demand for the regular variants is addressed, to test the response for a sportier variant, as they have done before with Etios, Fortuner and the Corolla carlines.
Judging by the extravagant look, don't assume that Toyota have raised the output or performance of the ESport as its exactly the same as the regular variant.
Priced at the top-end of the variant ladder, the ESport is an enriched variant of the Altis. The car's suspension is tweaked for a firmer ride and externally, an underbody diffuser and aerodynamic fins add to the car's sporting feel.
The car bears a different radiator grille donning a "Gun Metallic" strip, an aero body kit, LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, "Surface Illumination" rear LED lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The cabin is deluged with an all-black leather upholstery, padded front seats, 4-way adjustable steering wheel with audio buttons, paddle shifter behind the steering wheel, 6-speaker audio system, auto air-conditioning, and a "jack-knife" key.
Power is harnessed from the existing 1,798 cc four-cylinder engine that develops 141 PS @ 6,000 RPM and 18.05 kgm @ 4,000 RPM. It is hooked to a 7-speed (stepped) CVT.
The Corolla Altis ESport is launched in five colours - Dark Brown Mica Metallic, Gray Metallic (new color), White Pearl, Metallic Silver and Attitude Black Mica and is priced at 899,000 baht (17.09 lakh rupees).
