Getting a hybrid vehicle can be one of the best things ever for someone who loves driving. But even one of the newest hybrid options out there isn't perfect. The Toyota Corolla Altis Hybrid,  despite its impressive looks and design, its astounding fuel economy, and its Toyota Safety Sense features, still has tiny details that need to be sorted out.

The devil is in the details

There are actually a lot of piano black trims on the interior. And for non-piano black fans, this is something of a let-down. As you know, piano black not only is a dust and fingerprint magnet but it is also prone to scratch marks as well. With enough of them on the Corolla Altis Hybrid's glossy bits, the interior can look pretty dated quite fast. It doesn't help that you are supposedly driving a car of the future.

The infotainment system also looks dated and out of sync with the rest of the technology in the car. This is purely nitpicking of course, as it works well and can hold its own.  Very minor details, mind you, but still worth noting to manage your expectations.

The Hybrid engine

Now, this is supposed to be on the plus side, but it can go south if you don't maintain your car regularly or if you bring your car for repairs outside the dealership. Now for other Altis variants going outside the dealership might be okay but for the hybrid, I'm sure it makes sense why it should be brought to the dealership only.

Having new technology like an electric motor and battery requires new skills for its maintenance and upkeep, and this is not easily found outside the dealership. Also, even if someone would say they are experts in hybrid technology, would you let these people touch your car knowing that maintaining it in the dealership is the safer choice?

So, yes parts and maintenance are heavily reliant on the dealership. And this should be no problem really if you're the type of person who complies and trusts the opinion of your service supervisor and Toyota mechanics. I mean, Toyota has won Le Mans with a hybrid, and albeit being so different, that technical know-how has trickled down to your Altis. So, trust them and bring your car to the dealership for PMS and constant checks. This is one time when the description, "casa-maintained" actually adds value to the car. 

Another party pooper is the savings that you will get from a hybrid will actually be just similar to gassing up the difference in price with the pure petrol variant of the Altis. Do the math. Despite this, for me, a hybrid is still better for the immediate environment and more forward-looking to the future.  

There you have it. This nitpicker's guide is not actually that helpful. Even if it were, there are only a few details that can dampen your ownership of a Corolla Altis Hybrid. And in our book, this means it's one bang-for-buck car that you can purchase right now.