Altezza and Atenza head to head

The Toyota Altezza and the Mazda Atenza have been on a roll lately. Both are quite popular among young drivers. This head to head is to find out if the Mazda has what it takes to take on Toyota’s Altezza.

The Atenza’s model year was from 2002 through 2008 while the Altezza was from 1998 through 2005.
Produced as a supposed direct competitor to the BMW 3 series, the Altezza pulls out all the stops, while the Atenza was the first product of Mazda’s reset strategy that started in the early 2000s and has gained tremendous favour globally.

Driving dynamics
The Mazda has a better handling thanks to its sporty suspension. The ride is smooth and quiet, yet you still have excellent road feel.
The steering is precise and responsive, with a well-defined centre position. The driving dynamics of the IS200 are right up there, with poise and precision through corners to rival anything in its class. If that matters to you, the Altezza is a rear wheel drive whereas the Atenza is a front wheel drive.
Altezza takes the crown on this one with just one metric; the rear wheel drive.

Engine
The Altezza has only three engines with the most common, the 2L and rarer 3L both firing up six cylinders mated to either a 4 speed automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual. There is the even rarer 2L 4 cylinder engine that has a 5 speed automatic or 6 speed manual. The Mazda has a bigger choice of engines from the 1.8L, 2.0L, 2.3L all having 4 cylinders with one 3.0L V6.

The 2.3L is the most common. The 2.3L Atenza fuel consumption is inferior to the 2.0L Altezza with the former returning 8km/l and the later 9km/l.

Safety
Both cars are safe for their intended use. Standard features like dual airbags and ABS are present on both cars. It’s a tie.

Other dynamics about the two cars

Exterior
Both cars’ generations span over six years, proving that the respective manufacturers believed their cars’ aesthetic formulae. From some angles, the Altezza looks extremely aggressive and ready to pounce, increasing its appeal to younger drivers. That said, it has aged well and still doesn’t look dated, so the basics must be right. On the other hand, the Atenza’s aerodynamic silhouette lines just make it pleasing to look at. The three piece projector headlamps make this car look particularly sporty. Both cars came with sport rims wearing low profile tyres adding to the sport appeal. The Mazda takes top marks for the exterior.

Interior
The Altezza and Atenza’s interiors speak volumes of their sporting intent right from the chronograph-style instruments in the Altezza to round air vents on both.
The Altezza though feels better screwed together with better materials, indicating that it was built from the ground up on purpose. The Mazda seems to have carried over its interior from other models within its stable. The Altezza wins the interior race.

Bang for money
The Altezza has Lexus bloodlines as it was marketed as the Lexus IS300 outside Japan. The tight suspension is fine when the roads are smooth, however rougher surfaces do easily upset the Altezza’s composure.
That said, living with both cars should be a hassle-free affair. The Altezza is a winner. However, the Mazda speaks with passion and soul with its very unique and incredible sporty styling.

Recent Altezza model

2013-2016
Lexus IS 300h (AVE30, Japan)
This model includes enhanced handling and performance, Adaptive Variable Suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering. Its more aggressive styling certainly sets it apart from the basic production model.
Its styling includes an edition specific F-Sport pattern front grill, F-Sport logo badges, and five spoke split graphite wheels.
2010-2013
Facelift Lexus IS 220d
In 2010, coinciding with the second IS line refresh; the diesel IS 220d was detuned with improved fuel consumption figures but lower power output by 27 bhp (20 kW; 27 PS).
The addition was called the IS 200d Building on its “F Sport” line of parts and accessories for the IS 250/350.
2008-2010
Lexus IS 250 C
In 2008, the IS line received a styling refresh, and the suspension and steering were retuned for improved stability and control.
After three years with only one body style, the IS returned with a second body style, this time as a hardtop convertible, on 2 October 2008 when the IS 250 C debuted at the Paris Motor Show.

Numbers

16M: AVERAGE AMOUNT IN SHILLINGS YOU WILL BUY AT ALTEZZA FROM THE BOND
17M: AVERAGE AMOUNT IN SHILLINGS YOU WILL BUY AN ATENZA FROM THE BOND
10M: AVERAGE RESALE PRICE IN SHILLINGS OF BOTH CARS

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