Diesel Toyota Corolla Altis launch likely in 2009

Many have always wondered how come Toyota does not launch a diesel Corolla in India. After the launch of the Corolla Altis a coiuple of months back, the question comes back. Is it gonna happen?

The answer is, possibly yes. There is a diesel Corolla Altis in the European market, but engine mountings for the Indian Corolla Altis aand the European Altis are different, and mating the European Corolla’s diesel engine to the Indian Altis is no easy job. But Toyota has indicated that they are considered the 1.4 liter diesel engine of the Yaris hatchback for the Indian Corolla Altis.

Would a hatchback engine be enough? Well, it should be. The Yaris hatchback’s diesel engine would be capable of churning out some 90-100 bhp – and that coupled wiht good torque should be enough to offer a comfortable ride for the Altis.

It is not like Toyota is averse to diesel engines – the Qualis was always a diesel, and the Innova diesel sells in large numbers in India.

The launch of the Corolla Altis saw a lot of those who were eyeing the Honda Civic breaking away and choosing the new Altis. Sales were better than Toyota expected – a diesel Corolla Altis has the potential to take the game entirely away from the Civic.

We hear that the likely launch date for the Toyota Corolla Altis diesel in India would be mid-2009. Note that there is no confirmation from the company at this time – so waiting for it may not be a wise idea. However if you are looking at a purchase around that time, yes, then better wait to hear more about the diesel Altis to make your decision.