Sitting lower and wider than before, Altis appears much sleeker than its slightly awkward-looking predecessor. The ungainly headlamps of old are gone, and the character lines are more pronounced, but there is little else to mask an overly familiar profile. Unlike Toyota Vios and Camry, Altis looks more like a facelifted than all-new model. While we understand the need to be conservative, there is room for more adventure. Despite using the same chassis as before, Altis handles markedly better on the roads, thanks to the stiffer suspension, lower ride height and wider tracks. Indeed, Altis is more than just competent, it is quite enjoyable to drive, gripping harder, leaning less and exhibiting a certain fluidity through corners. The responsive chassis is much more adjustable at the limit, while the electric power steering is well-weighted and sharper than before. The stiffer suspension results in a slightly firmer ride, which in fact benefits ride comfort as any pitching over undulations previously experienced is virtually eliminated. Cruising refinement is generally good with little engine or wind noise intrusion, although road noise can be an issue. The cabin is as ergonomical as it is classy. The dashboard is logically arranged and easy to operate. In addition to the fine driving position, drivers enjoy two-way steering column and seat-height adjustments. While the previous Altis' cabin felt pedestrian, the cabin now feels classy and upmarket, even more so than Toyota Camry's. From the quality fit-and-finish, the textured dashboard plastics, the tactile switchgear to the doors than shut with a solid thud, Altis arguably has the best cabin in the class. Most of the underlying mechanicals are carried over from the previous Altis, and hence should pose minimal problems if any. The previous drivetrain, consisting of the 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre VVT-i engines and four-speed automatic transmission with Super ECT, has been given the vote of confidence. On paper, both engines have slightly reduced outputs in order to comply with Euro 3 emissions standards. However, on the roads, the drivetrain feel significantly more refined and responsive. The engines are no longer buzzy, and the four-speed automatic shifts smoother than before. And despite the slight kerb weight increase, Altis goes faster than before, too. The wheelbase is unchanged at 2600 mm, and although Altis is wider than before, the front and rear room remains largely as before—more than adequate, that it. Making it comfortable for the middle rear passenger is an almost flat floor. The boot capacity stands at a generous 475 litres, and 1.8E and 1.8G versions come with 60:40 split-fold rear seats that can extend the loading space. In addition to quality and reliability, Toyotas are also popular because of their affordable running costs. Fuel economy is class-competitive, while servicing and repair costs are reasonable. Depreciation is extremely well-contained, too, thanks to the premium enjoyed by the Toyota brand. Contrary to initial impressions, Altis is much more than a facelift. There are genuine improvements in almost every aspect of consideration, particularly in the areas of handling, cabin quality and drivetrain refinement. But compared to Honda Civic, the class-leader, Altis loses out in terms of looks, interior room, drivetrain sophistication, handing and pricing. Altis may boast a classier cabin, a more supple ride and more equipments, but its arch-rival still stays at the top of the class. 1.6E gets 15" alloy wheels, front fog lamps, parking sensors, electric retractable side mirrors with turn indicator, leather gear shift lever & knob, 4-speaker audio system with radio/MP3/WMA/CD, ABS with EBD & BA, dual front airbags, Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) headrests, and front seat-belt pretensioners. 1.8E adds on 16" alloy wheels, leather steering wheel audio switches, automatic air-conditioning, and gearbox with sequential shift. 1.8G further gets chrome finishing for the side protection moulding and external door handles, wood grain finishing for the inside, Optitron metre panel, two additional speakers, 8-way electrically-adjustable driver's seat, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). The Sporty versions all come with an aerokit. Toyota is responsible for producing the cleanest cars. Altis is no different, and its excellent fuel economy and low carbon dioxide emissions rank it among the “greenest” in the mid-size family segment.