Toyota Tercel AC52 1.5 i (94 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.2 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Tercel:

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)

AC52 Overview:

Toyota Tercel (AC52). Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 15 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 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 Tercel AC52 was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the mid-1990s, its safety features would be basic compared to modern standards, likely including dual airbags but lacking advanced driver-assistance systems.

1.5 i (94 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The most capable petrol engine in the lineup, offering the best acceleration and highway performance for the Tercel AC52. Still modest by modern standards.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for its power output, providing a reasonable balance between performance and running costs. Slightly less economical than the 1.3i.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / Light Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and durability
  • • Excellent fuel economy (especially diesel and 1.3i)
  • • Low maintenance costs
  • • Affordable to purchase and run
  • • Simple, straightforward mechanics

Cons:

  • • Modest performance across all engines
  • • Basic interior and amenities
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Dated styling compared to newer rivals
  • • Limited rear passenger space

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(AC52: 1994 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Tercel
Generation:AC52
Modification (Engine):1.5 i (94 Hp)
Start of production:1998
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:94 Hp Same horsepower
Engine Model/Code:5efe More details about the engine 5efe
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:15 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:15 sec
Maximum speed:180 km/h
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:14.3 sec
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion

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