The Unlawyer

The Toyota Corolla isn’t a common sight on Philippine roads as it used to be. I suppose it’s the result of how vehicle manufacturers, even Toyota itself, have successfully segmented the Philippine car market with the introduction of models that cater to even more specific tastes and needs. There are simply more choices that Philippine consumers can avail of.

Make no mistake, however, that this car has had a long and successful run on Philippine roads, and continues to do so, performing service in a variety of roles. Sure, some may chide its conservative styling, but I think this car remains popular with Philippine motorists because of Toyota’s near-legendary reputation for reliability. Anyway, I was able to borrow a 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 G, and so I got to take a look at it close up.

It’s hard to imagine what we now know today as the Toyota Corolla Altis was first introduced way back in 1966. I first recall seeing the Corolla in the Philippines way back in the 1970’s, then even newer Corollas were introduced until the 1983 economic crisis precipitated in part by the assassination of Ninoy Aquino brought car sales to a screeching halt.

It was not until 1988 or so that Toyota business in the country was revived, with the help of new investors led by Toyota itself, and that company lost no time in introducing the sixth-generation Corolla to a public eager for new cars. This particular car was promoted as first one of its kind in the Philippine market to have a 16 valve, double overhead cam engine. Customers practically snapped it up.

Well, the 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis is sold in three trim levels across two engine types. First, the base model, manual-only 1.6 E. Next, mid-range 1.6 G, as featured in this entry, with a choice of either a manual or automatic gearbox.

As for the high-end V series, a customer can either choose between the same 109 hp./6,000 rpm. 3ZZ-FE, 1.6-liter (actual displacement: 1,598 cc.) motor found on the E’s and G’s, or a higher-performance 3ZR-FE, 2.0-liter (actual displacement: 1,986 cc.) engine pushing 141 hp./5,600 rpm. The 3ZR-FE is also fitted with what Toyota describes as Dual VVT-i, a form of variable valve timing technology, as opposed to the 3ZZ-FE which only comes with plain VVT-i. Alas, the V’s only come with one transmission option – automatic.

There used to be a model equipped with a 1.8-liter engine but that has since been discontinued.

This is the 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis’ driver’s position, which is protected by an SRS airbag in addition to the usual three-point seat belt. Note that the car’s 4-speaker audio system can be controlled from the car’s leather-clad, four-spoke steering wheel, which by the way can be tilted up and down and telescoped fore and aft.

The 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis’ analog instrument cluster, which I’ll take over a digital display any day of the week. Note the tachometer redlines this car’s 1.6-liter engine beginning at 6,400 rpm.

This car’s front suspension system consists of MacPherson struts with stabilized L-Shaped lower arms. The rear is supported by stabilized torsion beams (ETA Beam).

The 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis’ automatic transmission is a 4-speeder, by the way, fitted with what the brochure calls Super ECT, which is supposed to operate in this manner:

“ECT controls the shifting of the transmission, while Super ECT detects and senses when to shift or downshift during UPHILL and DOWNHILL drives.”

The 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis’ rear passenger seats, split 60:40 and fitted with a center armrest and three adjustable headrests.

Now, the trunk, which has a carrying capacity of about 475 liters.

Customers can choose from the following colors for the 2009 Toyota Corolla Altis: Super White, Beige Metallic, Black Mica, Dark Grey, Medium Silver, and Metallic Silver. Another color, Pearl White, is exclusively available for V models only, and adds PHP 15,000 to the standard price of the car.

So, how much does this cost? The sticker price of the 2009 Toyota Corolla G in the Philippines with automatic transmission costs PHP 869,000 while the same G model in manual costs PHP 833,000. The E model is of course the cheapest, ringing in at PHP 784,000. The standard-color 1.6-liter V model will set you back PHP 925,000 while a similar 2.0-liter V model hits the scales at PHP 1,110,000.