For people still deciding between the gli a/t and altis 1.6 a/t, there are few important technical parameters to consider besides the alloys and entertainment system.
The engine on the 1.6 is not just bigger, it's newer and more efficient both in terms of fuel consumption and power output. NZ-FE(1.3)VVTI series vs ZR-FE(1.6)Dual VVTI.
The transmission on both is 4 speed super ECT but it's not the same. The 1.6 has an Aisin Warner (one of the worlds top transmission manufacturer) A341E original japanese transmission. The 1.3 has a toyota U341e which to the best of my Knowledge is from Thailand. The A341E is much smoother and more reliable. Also to consider is that the u341e is designed for 1.5l engines, not 1.3. It has a first gear ratio almost 1.5 times that of the first in manual gli and a second gear ratio equal to what would be a 2.75 gear of the manual while the third is equal to the fourth on the manual. That is why the 1.3 gli AT is significantly slow off the mark as compared to the gli manual. AT is always slightly slower than manual but the difference is quite significant here. The same specs go to the advantage of the 1.6 as the more powerful engine utilizes the lager gear ratios for a more rapid off the mark acceleration and even slightly better fuel economy than the competitions slower 5 speed with a 100cc smaller engine.
So if it's automatic you want, the 1.6 is worth the marginal extra cost. Otherwise settling for the 1.3 city AT (if you dont mind it's other design flaws) or the gli manual would be better.
