Thread: Toyota Corolla Vs Honda Civic-Design

Styling and individualisation of most mass market cars, especially in the premium segments, are an art .that is being flushed down some 100 in a stark white building made of stainless steel and glass that sits pretty amidst manicured lawns and small ponds. Clearly the diktat is to ensure maximum utilisation of the large parts bin thereby keeping costs low. That is why you will invariably find several body panels or headlamps, tail lamps indicators, interior equipment etc all looking the same as on another car from the same manufacturer. I also think a car that intends to reinvent the segment should be lavished with far more attention as regards the way it looks. First impressions after all are the opening clincher in most purchase decisions.

That's why I can find no explanation for the Altis looking similar to the Camry. The lower end of the A-pillar has been taken forward while the base of the C-pillar has been angled further behind to provide a more rakish look. While this does reduce the drag co-efficient it does nothing to take away the Camry like form. While the Camry certainly looked impressive thanks to the low crouched stance, broad flanks and styling that was unique at that time, the Corolla Altis looks a bit odd and out of place. Though the form and contours are smooth and pleasing, they certainly do not inspire or excite.

Major style revisions are focused around the front end. The Toyota badge has moved from the centre of the grille and now looks like it is falling from the hood. The grille looks wider with a small dimple at it base. The wraparound headlamps are very similar to those found on the Camry with the slight bulges that stick out of the ends rather than sitting flush with the fender. The lower air dam has been restyled and the fog lamp inserts are now smaller with small lips on the lower side extending out of the bumper to give it a sportier look. From the side the Altis looks no different than the previous generation Corolla and even at the rear the tail lamps look very similar to the older car.

Even the boot lid along with the lamps and the chrome strip above the number plate wedge look oh-so-familiar. Except for the rear bumper which has some more curves and scoops etched into it the rear styling has not evolved much. However, aside from the front, every other surface is subtly reworked but the changes are so minute you would need a magnifying glass to examine them.



Overall the Corolla Altis does look new and fresher but has none of the dynamism and purposeful stance exhibited by the Civic. It's not a striking visage and you may not exactly give the Corolla Altis a second glance, because the design is more attuned to Japanese and American markets. In that respect, the Civic scores a point over the Corolla. Two years since it was launched it can still make you swoon, that's how captivating the design is. So if first impressions account for 50 per cent of a sale, you would certainly be looking more closely at the Civic.

Step inside and the Corolla has a slightly upper hand with a more modern looking dashboard even though the Civic still looks futuristic and funky. What immediately strikes you inside the Corolla is the acres of wood; looks like a whole rainforest was dumped in here. There are wood inserts on the steering wheel, wood on the centre console, wood on the gear shift knob and even more wood on the door panels. I'm certain this will appeal to a select audience, especially those who love the distinguished feel that wood imparts. But for a yuppie, all that wood may seem a bit too ostentatious and such types would certainly find the Civic to be more appealing.

The Corolla seats are more accommodating and plush, offering more leg and knee room to passengers. For a first, these seats are electronically controllable for height, reach and even lumbar. The large number of cubbyholes and storage spaces are also thoughtful; there is a twin glove box, small change box under the steering wheel, two small slots on either side of the transmission tunnel near the footwell to place wet umbrellas or even water bottles and even the centre armrest has a dual storage bin. The Corolla Altis would be a smuggler's delight with the number of bins to hide contraband in.

The only areas where the Civic scores over the Corolla is the generous amount of shoulder space, nearly 90mm wider, and a nicer steering wheel which looks better sans wood trim and is also better to grip. But where head room, leg room and knee room both front and rear is concerned, the Corolla Altis is far more spacious than the Civic. There is little else I can think of with regard to the Civic that betters or offers more than what the Corolla Altis does. Altis also offers a flat floor at the rear a functionality which the Civic pioneered in the segment at the time of its launch. As a result three passengers can comfortable stretch their legs when seated on that rear bench.