Toyota unveils Corolla Altis diesel model

Japanese car manufacturer Toyota on Wednesday launched the diesel version of its premium sedan Corolla Altis in India.

Equipped with a 1.4- litre sixspeed manual transmission engine, the car claims a mileage of 21.43 km per litre and will be priced between Rs. 10.95 lakh and Rs. 13.75 lakh (ex- showroom Delhi).

“Diesel car market is going to be exciting in the coming years.

I am happy to say this car will have the best efficiency in the segment,” Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said.

According to Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, Toyota Motor, “ The car is targeted at professionals from 35 to 45 year age group, who are looking for perfect balance of performance, luxury and economy. India unit expects to sell more than 70,000 vehicles in 2010.” But even before its launch, expectations are high from Toyota’s new car Etios and the firm expects half of its sales will come from it. Etios is expected to be launched by end of this year.

Toyota’s products in India include Innova and Fortuner sport utility vehicles, Corolla Altis and Camry sedans, Prius hybrid and the Land Cruiser. In 2009, Toyota sold 55,497 vehicles in India.