Toyota Celica T23 1.8 VT-i 16V (143 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Celica:

The Toyota Celica is an automobile produced by Toyota from 1970 until 2006. The Celica name derives from the Latin word coelica meaning heavenly or celestial. In Japan, the Celica was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store dealer chain. Produced across seven generations, the Celica was powered by various four-cylinder engines, and body styles included convertibles, liftbacks, and notchback coupé.
In 1973, Toyota coined the term liftback to describe the Celica fastback hatchback, and the GT Liftback would be introduced for the 1976 model year in North America. Like the Ford Mustang, the Celica concept was to attach a coupe body to the chassis and mechanicals from a high volume sedan, in this case the Toyota Carina....(Read more on Wikipedia)

T23 Overview:

Toyota Celica (T23). With 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1070 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2002
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars 4
Expert Note:
The Toyota Celica T23 achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, indicating a good level of safety for its era.

1.8 VT-i 16V (143 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The automatic transmission slightly dulls the sporty feel compared to the manual, but still provides smooth and comfortable acceleration for everyday use.

Fuel Economy

Similar to the manual, offering good fuel efficiency, though potentially marginally less efficient in certain driving conditions.

Best Use Case: City driving, comfortable commuting, and drivers preferring an automatic transmission.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Striking and timeless exterior design
  • • Engaging handling and driving dynamics
  • • Reliable Toyota engineering (especially 1ZZ-FE)
  • • Good fuel economy for the base engine
  • • Spirited performance from VVTL-i engines

Cons:

  • • Rear seats are very cramped
  • • Interior plastics feel dated on some models
  • • VVTL-i engines can consume oil and have 'lift bolt' issues
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds
  • • Limited aftermarket support compared to some rivals

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T23: 2000 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Celica
Generation:T23
Modification (Engine):1.8 VT-i 16V (143 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:July, 1999
End of production:April, 2006
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:143 Hp @ 6400 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:79.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:170 Nm @ 4200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:1ZZ-FE More details about the engine 1ZZ-FE
Engine displacement:1794
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:5.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79 mm mm
Piston Stroke:91.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.7 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.5 kg/Hp, 133.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.3 kg/Nm, 158.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1070
Max. weight:1565
Max load:495
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:365 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4335 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1735 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1320 mm mm [5mm more]
Wheelbase:2600 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1490 mm
Rear (Back) track:1480 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 brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size195/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

What’s the best feature of the Toyota Celica? Tell us in the comments!