Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Toyota Cynos EL52 1.5i 16V Beta (110 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
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.
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) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Maintains good power delivery for daily driving, though the automatic transmission slightly dampens the sporty feel and direct engagement compared to the manual version.
Fuel Economy
Good overall fuel economy at 5.1 l/100 km, comparable to the manual version, offering a balance of power and efficiency with the convenience of an automatic.
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) Automatic |
| 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 Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad 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 | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
What’s the best feature of the Toyota Cynos? Tell us in the comments!