Toyota Caldina T21 1.8i 16V (115 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Caldina:

The Toyota Caldina is an automobile manufactured by Toyota for the Japanese market from 1992 to 2007. It replaced the Corona and Carina wagons, and was sold at Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations in Japan. While cars bearing the Caldina nameplate have never been officially exported by Toyota, its available 4WD capability and large capacity have made it a popular grey import in Australia, New Zealand, Russia and many South American countries. When it was discontinued in 2007, the T270 series Avensis wagon/estate assumed its market position....(Read more on Wikipedia)

T21 Overview:

Toyota Caldina (T21). With 155 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1200 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Toyota Caldina T21 was primarily a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the era for JDM models typically differed from European requirements, focusing on domestic regulations.

1.8i 16V (115 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 1.8L 7A-FE engine, paired with an automatic transmission, provides adequate power for daily commuting and light family duties. It's smooth but lacks spirited acceleration, prioritizing comfort and ease of driving.

Fuel Economy

Offers decent fuel economy for its class and era, especially during steady highway cruising. The automatic transmission can slightly impact overall efficiency compared to a manual.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs (especially 1.8L models)
  • • Practical and spacious interior with good cargo capacity
  • • Availability of a high-performance GT-T variant with 4WD
  • • Comfortable ride quality suitable for long journeys
  • • Strong aftermarket support for GT-T models

Cons:

  • • Base models can feel underpowered for some drivers
  • • Dated interior design and features compared to modern cars
  • • Limited availability outside of the Japanese domestic market
  • • Fuel economy of the GT-T model can be high
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T19: 1992 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Caldina
Generation:T21
Modification (Engine):1.8i 16V (115 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1997
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:115 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:65.3 Hp/l [25mm more]
Torque:155 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:7A-FE More details about the engine 7A-FE
Engine displacement:1762
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.7 l
Coolant:5.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:81 mm
Piston Stroke:85.5 mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:10.4 kg/Hp, 95.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.7 kg/Nm, 129.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1200
Max. weight:1475
Max load:275
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4570 mm [25mm more]
Width:1695 mm [Same width.]
Height:1475 mm [5mm more]
Wheelbase:2580 mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1465 mm
Rear (Back) track:1450 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/70 R14 S
Wheel rims size14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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