Civic vs Corolla Altis

It’s clear from the outset that the new Civic and the new Altis are head-on competitors, says AutoCar (Oct. ’08).

While the Civic is slung marginally lower and sportier, the Altis looks more aggressive with strong styling cues. However it is the Honda that flaunts the more cohesive design, the better build as well as superior look and finish. Quality inside the Altis is a big improvement over that of the previous Corolla, but the Civic still has a clear edge.

The new Altis wins the rear seat test. It is easier to step in and out and the Toyota offers a bit more room too in the rear. Also the Altis is feature rich compared to the Civic. From powered seats for the driver, to HID headlamps with automatic washers, spilt seats for the rear, steering wheel mounted controls, automatically dimming rear-view mirrors, a rear sun blind, trip computer and even cruise control. The Civic has none of these.

The Corolla impresses as soon as you drive it. The motor is very tractable and half throttle is all that’s needed to overhaul traffic. Toyota’s use of a shorter third gear is perfect for city driving and with taller 65-profile tyres, the Altis coasts over bumps.

By contrast the Civic is less at home in the city, observes AutoCar (Oct. ’08). The Civic uses harder shorter-travel springs which make the drive stiffer. Like the Altis, it uses 65-profile tyres and luckily the gearbox of the Honda is light, slick and direct as opposed to the Altis which needs more effort. The Civic has a quicker steering with good body control and darts into corners quite well.

The Altis falls short of the Civic as a driver’s car. Not as stable at speed on its taller spring, shorter wheelbase and non-independent rear suspension, the Altis is a somewhat lacklustre drive.

Delivering comfort, performance, generous features and decent fuel economy
, these two are probably the best cars you can buy rounds up AutoCar (Oct. ’08)

The new Altis is comfortable on the inside and better equipped but it lacks that all-important luxury feel. The Civic on the other hand delivers bagfuls of the feel-good factor with its high quality cabin, refined motor and stunning futuristic design.

The Altis’ motor is more responsive at low-engine speeds and so are equipment levels. But that’s not nearly enough to unseat the Civic and since there isn’t too much difference in the price, the Honda still rules, quite easily actually.