Toyota Corsa L50 1.5 i (94 Hp)
Overall Rating
Toyota Corsa:
The Toyota Tercel is a subcompact car manufactured by Toyota from 1978 until 1999 across five generations, in five body configurations sized between the Corolla and the Starlet. Manufactured at the Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Japan, and sharing its platform with the Cynos and the Starlet, the Tercel was marketed variously as the Toyota Corolla II —sold at Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Corolla Stores—and was replaced by the Platz in 1999. It was also known as the Toyota Corsa and sold at Toyopet Store locations. Starting with the second generation, the Tercel dealership network was changed to Vista Store, as its badge engineered sibling, the Corolla II, was exclusive to Corolla Store locations....(Read more on Wikipedia)
L50 Overview:
Toyota Corsa (L50). With 132 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.5 l/100km). Weighing only 840 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 Corsa L50 was produced before widespread Euro NCAP testing for its segment, and as a primarily JDM model, it was not officially tested. Safety features are basic by modern standards.
1.5 i (94 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.5-liter 5E-FE petrol engine offers adequate performance for daily driving and city commutes. With 94 Hp and a relatively light kerb weight of 840 kg, it feels reasonably sprightly for its era, though not sporty.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is commendable for a mid-90s petrol engine, with reported figures of 7.5 l/100 km in urban settings and an impressive 4.2 l/100 km extra-urban, making it an economical choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional Toyota reliability and durability
- • Excellent fuel economy, especially with the diesel engine
- • Practical and straightforward design
- • Low maintenance and running costs
- • Compact size ideal for city driving
Cons:
- • Dated safety features by modern standards
- • Basic interior and limited amenities
- • Uninspiring performance, particularly the diesel variant
- • Limited availability outside specific markets (e.g., Japan)
- • Ride comfort can be firm on rougher roads
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Hatchback (L40): 1990 - 1994).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Corsa |
| Generation: | L50 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5 i (94 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 94 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 62.8 Hp/l [190mm more] |
| Torque: | 132 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 5E-FE More details about the engine 5E-FE |
| Engine displacement: | 1496 |
| 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: | 2.8 l |
| Coolant: | 4.9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 74 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 4.2 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 111.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 840 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4120 mm mm [190mm more] |
| Width: | 1660 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Height: | 1370 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2380 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1430 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 155/80 SR13 |















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