The Indian car market is growing at a fast pace. Manufacturers are bringing back their vehicles in the market as the demand rises in various segments. The D-segment sedans, which is currently being ruled by the Toyota Corolla Altis has seen competition from the re-launch Hyundai Elantra and soon Honda will launch their all-new Civic in the market. But Toyota is already working on the all-new Corolla Altis that will make the global debut soon. With the launch of the next-generation Corolla Altis and Honda Civic around the corner, it is time to speculate what both of them will offer in the Indian market. Here are all the details of the next-generation Toyota Corolla Altis and the all-new Honda Civic and how they will lock up horns against each other in India.
Which one looks better?
Looks and exterior design is a very expansive and subjective topic but we sure can tell you which one will turn more heads on the road. Both of the vehicles belong to Japanese automotive giants but are extremely different when it comes to the design. The next-generation Toyota Corolla Altis offers a very busy front-end design with angular design elements. It will get aggressive headlamp design and layered front bumper that makes the face very busy. It does look modern but it is a bit too busy to sit and admire the lines. Toyota has become very aggressive in recent times with their designs and almost all their new-age vehicles get a very aggressive front-end. While the move has been welcomed by many, it has a lot many dislikers too. The side of the next-generation Altis remains cleaner relatively with a flowing window-line that becomes the outline of the rear boot. At the rear, the next-generation Corolla Altis gets the same layered designed bumper with aggressive looking split tail lamps.
The next-generation Honda Civic follows Honda’s family design language with a thick single-piece grille at the front that has been blacked out. The headlamps are neatly integrated to the grille while the bumper remains quite aggressive. Honda’s side design remains clean too but the unique coupe-like roof gives it a very unique identity. The windows of the Civic are a lot smaller when compared to the Toyota Corolla Altis. The Civic gets a deep crease on the side profile that continues till the split tail lamps and makes the vehicle look very aggressive.
The Toyota Corolla Altis will target the executives who love the rear seat comfort of the vehicle while the Honda Civic would target the young enthusiasts. Both the vehicles have been designed for the target customers and carry a lot of distinctive highlights.
Interiors?
The Toyota Corolla Altis is all about the rear space and comfort of the rear seat passengers who will move around with a chauffeur most of the time in India. The Honda Civic is for the customers who want to take control and be on the driver’s seat. The Corolla will get a neat dashboard with a lot of premium material like wood and brushed metal. The Honda Civic would be quite different and will offer an all-black theme with contrasting highlights. The Honda Civic would be driver-centric while the Toyota Corolla Altis would be more rear-passenger oriented.
The Civic would offer a very limited rear space and the swooping down roofline will ensure a very limited headroom. The Toyota Corolla Altis, on the other hand, will provide ample legroom, knee room and the headroom for the rear seat passengers. The windows of the Toyota Corolla Altis would be much larger giving an airy feeling to the cabin while the Civic would get streamlined shaped windows.
However, both vehicles are expected to get an equal number of features and safety equipment. Both the manufacturers are yet to officially reveal the Indian spec versions but both of them would be loaded with the features like a touchscreen display, airbag system, ABS+EBD and more.
Which one would be better to drive?
Well, Toyota may only offer the next-generation Corolla Altis in full-hybrid avatar while Honda Civic will be tuned for performance. There’s a good chance that Toyota would use a full-hybrid system that is offered with the Prius. Toyota already offers the Toyota Corolla Altis with a hybrid version in the international markets and the same specifications are expected to be launched in India. The Corolla Altis is likely to be powered by a 1.8-litre VVT-I petrol engine that generates a maximum of 98 Bhp with an electric motor that generates a maximum of 71 Bhp. The effective output is expected to be around 130 Bhp. The hybrid system would ensure exceptional fuel economy. There would be a regular version of the vehicle too, which will be powered by 1.8-litre petrol engine generating a maximum of 138 Bhp – 173 Nm. Toyota may continue to offer the 1.4-litre diesel engine that generates 87 Bhp – 207 Nm but it is likely to be discontinued with the launch of the next-generation model.
The Honda Civic is expected to share its engine line-up with the Honda CR-V in India. It will be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that generates a maximum of 152 Bhp at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 189 Nm at 4,300 rpm. It will get a CVT gearbox too. The Civic is also expected to get a diesel engine option. The 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine of the recently launched Honda CR-V is expected to be launched with the Civic.
Price?
Both Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis would be made in India, which will allow the manufacturers to put a competitive price tag. However, the Corolla Altis is expected to get a slightly higher price tag due to the full hybrid system. Both the vehicles are expected to get a starting price of around Rs. 12.5 lakhs to take on the Elantra.