Toyota Tercel EL41 1.5i 16V VS (100 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.4 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 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)

EL41 Overview:

Toyota Tercel (EL41). With 126 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 880 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. 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 EL41 generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997). As such, it does not have an official rating. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typically limited to seatbelts and a robust chassis for its era.

1.5i 16V VS (100 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A well-balanced engine offering good power and responsiveness, enhanced by the engaging manual gearbox for a more direct driving feel.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, slightly surpassing its automatic counterpart due to the manual transmission's efficiency.

Best Use Case: Mixed

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional fuel economy across the lineup
  • • Legendary Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Compact and highly maneuverable for city driving
  • • Low running and maintenance costs
  • • Simple, proven mechanicals

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards
  • • Modest performance (except for the 115 Hp VZ trim)
  • • Interior design and materials are dated
  • • Can be noisy at highway speeds
  • • Limited creature comforts and technology

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(AC52: 1998 - 1999).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Tercel
Generation:EL41
Modification (Engine):1.5i 16V VS (100 Hp)
Start of production:September, 1990
End of production:1993
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.8 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:126 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
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 layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:74 mm mm
Piston Stroke:87 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:4.7 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:8.8 kg/Hp, 113.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7 kg/Nm, 143.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:880
Max. weight:1155
Max load:275
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:3930 mm mm
Width:1645 mm mm
Height:1365 mm mm
Wheelbase:2380 mm mm
Front track:1400 mm
Rear (Back) track:1395 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9 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
Tires size175/70 R13
Wheel rims size13
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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