Toyota Cynos EL52 1.5i 16V Beta (110 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Cynos:

The Toyota Paseo in Japan and other regions) is a sports-styled subcompact car sold from 1991 until 1999 by Toyota and was directly based on the Tercel. It was available as a coupé and in later models as a convertible. Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet. Several parts are interchangeable between the three....(Read more on Wikipedia)

EL52 Overview:

Toyota Cynos (EL52). With 136 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 920 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 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 Cynos EL52 was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the mid-1990s, it features basic safety equipment like ABS, but lacks modern active and passive safety systems.

1.5i 16V Beta (110 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers spirited performance for a lightweight compact convertible, with a rev-happy nature suitable for enjoyable driving and decent acceleration for its class.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy at 5.1 l/100 km, making it an economical choice for daily use and longer trips without sacrificing too much power.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving, spirited weekend cruises, and daily commuting.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Fun and engaging driving experience (especially 1.5L manual)
  • • Excellent fuel economy across the range
  • • Toyota's renowned reliability and low maintenance costs
  • • Unique convertible styling for its segment
  • • Compact and easy to maneuver in urban environments

Cons:

  • • Limited rear passenger and cargo space
  • • Basic interior materials and features by modern standards
  • • Older safety technology (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Road noise common for convertibles of this era
  • • 88 Hp engine can feel underpowered on highways

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L44: 1991 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Cynos
Generation:EL52
Modification (Engine):1.5i 16V Beta (110 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:110 Hp @ 6400 rpm.
Power per litre:73.5 Hp/l
Torque:136 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:5E-FE [Same engine] More details about the engine 5E-FE
Engine displacement:1497
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:5 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) - combined:5.1 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 119.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 147.8 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:920
Max. weight:1140
Max load:220
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4155 mm mm [10mm more]
Width:1660 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1295 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2380 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1405 mm
Rear (Back) track:1395 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad 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 size175/65 R14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSuspension with traction connecting levers

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