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Toyota Caldina T21 1.8i 16V (115 Hp)
Overall Rating
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.
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) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.8L 7A-FE engine with a manual transmission offers a more engaging and direct driving experience than its automatic counterpart. Power is adequate for daily tasks, providing a balanced blend of usability and control.
Fuel Economy
Likely the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, benefiting from the driver's ability to optimize gear selection. It's a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing running costs.
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) |
| 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.5 mm 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 mm [25mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1475 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2580 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1450 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 S |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Toyota Caldina!