SO, will 2008 be a good year for the Altis? Was the loss of its crown in 2007 a mere blip to be quickly forgotten by rebounding sales? All will only be known at the end of the year but until then, one thing is certain - the new Toyota Corolla Altis looks and feels very different.

The Corolla had been Singapore's most popular model for five straight years until it was dethroned last year by the Mitsubishi Lancer, an older, low-cost, made-in-Japan sedan. This year, though, it should have more than a fighting chance.

The new model is the 10th generation Corolla and the second to bear the Altis suffix. Like its predecessor, this one is also assembled in Thailand.

Its styling is dictated by the current Toyota/Lexus family look, which means it can pass off for a smaller Camry.

Overall, the new Altis may have the same wheelbase but it is wider and longer. Its width has grown from 1,380 mm to 1,420 mm for better shoulder room but the rest of the cabin dimensions are largely the same.

Another enhancement is the flatter rear floor because the erstwhile hump has been levelled off, thus increasing rear legroom.

Passenger comfort is also better because, Toyota says, its doors are taller and open wider than the competition for greater accessibility.

The front seats have also been redesigned and the puffy pouf of old has given way to a pair of proper body hugging replacements.

The centre console has also been modernised, with a smoother, flushed appearance.

There is an audio system with a touch screen and a sleek climate control system that features buttons with cool ribbon lighting. Very un-Toyota and a nice touch.

In general, the cabin remains plasticky to the touch but somehow, it doesn't look as cheap as in some other Japanese cars.

Under the bonnet is the same engine as before, although there have been numerous refinements for noise levels and fuel consumption. The intake and exhaust systems were also upgraded to comply with the Euro III emission system.

But because of its increased kerb weight, the Altis seems a little more sluggish than before. The car has an additional 100 kg because of the longer front and rear overhangs, as well as the extra insulation material all over the car. The result, of course, is that the cabin is slightly quieter.

The steering is also a bit sharper and the handling tighter. All these minor changes have added up to a pretty refined sum of its parts.

And it seems that prospective buyers have noticed too.

Sales are strong and apparently, 'beyond expectations', according to a source at authorised dealer Borneo Motors Singapore.

The total number of orders collected for the 1.6-litre model has long crossed the 1,000 mark, although the volume for the 1.8-litre model is expectedly much smaller.

Good may be an understatement because it looks like '08 will be great for the new Altis.

This article was first published in The Business Times on Mar 15, 2008.