Toyota launched the much awaited and much needed diesel version of the Corolla Altis today at a launch in Delhi. The Corolla Altis diesel will be priced between 10.95 and 13.75 lakhs (Ex Showroom Delhi) and will be available in 3 variants namely D4DJ, D4DG and D4DGL. The car will more or less resemble its petrol sibling besides a changed front grille.

The Altis diesel is powered by a 1.4 litre common rail diesel engine (D-4D) capable of producing 88.4PS and a torque of 205 Nm and gearshift is by means of a manual 6 speed gearbox. Not very impressive when compared to the Chevrolet Cruze, which fits in the similar price bracket but produces 150 bhp of power but Toyota has got is spot on as far as the fuel efficiency is concerned. Toyota claims a figure of 21 kmpl which is fantastic for a car of this size, the best in the segment by far. Bookings have opened today.

The Corolla Altis Diesel gets a differentiating sporty mesh grille, better aerodynamic characteristics, and the lowest NVH and best ground clearance in its segment. The car is available in seven colours – Silver Mica Metallic, Champagne Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, White Pearl Mica, Light Blue Mica Metallic, Super White and Black Mica.

“The Corolla DNA that has been handed down for 40 years is now in its 10th Generation with over 35 million happy customers worldwide. The car made its debut in India in 2003, and now has more than 60,000 satisfied owners in the country. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota’s technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the Corolla Altis Diesel. The Corolla Altis Diesel has Toyota’s proven D-4D technology, and I am happy to say will have the best fuel efficiency in its segment. ” –
Mr. Nakagawa, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motors

“Apart from the spacious interiors and luxury features of the Corolla Altis, the diesel variant has the best fuel efficiency, lowest NVH and the best ground clearance in its segment. Our target customers are individuals who are business professionals, in the 35 to 45 age group looking for a perfect balance of performance and economy. The launch of the Corolla Altis Diesel has enhanced Toyota’s line-up in India, and we are looking at consolidating our leadership position in the C-segment with a sales target of 10,500 units for the Corolla Altis in 2010.” – Mr Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motors