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Toyota Carina T21 1.5i (100 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Toyota Carina:
The Toyota Carina is an automobile which was manufactured by Toyota from December 1970 to December 2001. It was introduced as a sedan counterpart of the Celica, with which it originally shared a platform. Later, it was realigned to the Corona platform, but retained its performance image, with distinctive bodywork and interior — aimed at the youth market and remaining exclusive to Japanese Toyota dealerships Toyota Store. It was replaced in Japan by the Toyota Allion in 2001 and succeeded in Europe by the Toyota Avensis....(Read more on Wikipedia)
T21 Overview:
Toyota Carina (T21). With 137 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1130 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Toyota Carina T21 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. While its predecessor (Carina E) received 2.5 stars, and its successor (Avensis T22) received 3 stars, the T21's safety features are typical of its era, likely offering basic protection compared to modern standards.
1.5i (100 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An entry-level engine best suited for city driving, offering adequate power for urban commutes. Can feel a bit underpowered on highways, especially with a full load.
Fuel Economy
The most economical petrol option, providing excellent fuel efficiency for city driving. Highway economy is still decent, but performance suffers.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional reliability and durability
- • Comfortable and spacious interior
- • Economical engine options (especially diesels)
- • Low maintenance costs
- • Smooth ride quality
Cons:
- • Uninspired styling
- • Lack of driving excitement
- • Limited advanced safety features (typical for its era)
- • Some interior plastics feel dated
- • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E Wagon (T19): 1995 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Carina |
| Generation: | T21 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5i (100 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 100 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 66.8 Hp/l [50mm less] |
| Torque: | 137 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 5A-FE More details about the engine 5A-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1498 |
| 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 l |
| Coolant: | 5.3 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 121.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1130 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 60 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4495 mm mm [50mm less] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [60mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2580 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1450 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.2 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota Carina?