Back in January of last year, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) quietly launched the Corolla Altis GR Sport (GR-S) HEV. With it, those who are looking to get a stylish but fuel-efficient compact sedan from Toyota could now get one. But with a starting price of PHP 1.746 million, it's not exactly the most affordable compact hybrid.

But do you remember when the Department of Energy (DOE) updated its list of recognized hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and we saw two new Corolla Altis HEV variants? Well, the cat is officially out of the bag, as TMP quietly revealed the more affordable variants of the Corolla Altis HEV.

That's right, those looking to get a Corolla Altis HEV need not get the more expensive GR-S model. Now, buyers can select from two additional HEV models, the 1.8 E HEV CVT and the mid-grade 1.8 G HEV CVT.

Starting with the former, the 1.8 E HEV CVT serves as the entry-level hybrid model and comes with a simpler list of features and amenities. It has 16-inch alloy wheels, manual-adjustable front seats, no foglights, and only four speakers. However, it still comes with leather seats, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, speed-sensing door locks, automatic climate control, and even Toyota Safety Sense as standard.

Over to the 1.8 G HEV CVT, this particular variant comes with a bit more extras. It has a power-adjustable driver's seat, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, smoked LED taillights, and a six-speaker sound system. Like the E variant, the G model comes with leather seats, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, speed-sensing door locks, and Toyota Safety Sense.

Under the hood, both the 1.8 E and 1.8 G HEV CVT variants are powered by a 1.8L 2ZR-FXE four-cylinder hybrid engine with Dual VVT-i. It delivers a combined system output of 122 PS with 142 Nm of torque and is paired with an E-CVT that drives the front wheels.

Still prefer a good ol' naturally aspirated Corolla Altis? TMP is still selling the base 1.8 E CVT, which is selling for PHP 1.213 million.

Available colors for the Toyota Corolla 1.8 E and 1.8 G HEV models are Platinum White Pearl Mica (extra PHP 15,000), Attitude Black Mica, and Cement Gray Metallic. Pricing of the new Corolla Altis HEV models is as follows:

Corolla Altis 1.8 E HEV CVT – PHP 1.489 million

Corolla Altis 1.8 G HEV CVT – PHP 1.602 million