Toyota Caldina T21 2.0 i 16V GT-T (260 Hp) 4WD Automatic


Overall Rating

7.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 3.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Caldina:

The Toyota Caldina is an automobile manufactured by Toyota for the Japanese market from 1992 to 2007. It replaced the Corona and Carina wagons, and was sold at Toyota Store and Toyopet Store locations in Japan. While cars bearing the Caldina nameplate have never been officially exported by Toyota, its available 4WD capability and large capacity have made it a popular grey import in Australia, New Zealand, Russia and many South American countries. When it was discontinued in 2007, the T270 series Avensis wagon/estate assumed its market position....(Read more on Wikipedia)

T21 Overview:

Toyota Caldina (T21). With 324 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1470 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. 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 Caldina T21 was primarily a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicle and was not tested by Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the era for JDM models typically differed from European requirements, focusing on domestic regulations.

2.0 i 16V GT-T (260 Hp) 4WD Automatic Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

Featuring the legendary 3S-GTE turbocharged engine and 4WD, this trim delivers exceptional performance for a wagon. It offers strong, exhilarating acceleration and superb all-weather grip, making it a true 'sleeper' sports car.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is a secondary consideration for this performance-oriented model. Expect higher fuel consumption, particularly when driven enthusiastically, typical for a powerful turbocharged engine with 4WD.

Best Use Case: Performance Driving / Enthusiast / All-weather capability

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and low maintenance costs (especially 1.8L models)
  • • Practical and spacious interior with good cargo capacity
  • • Availability of a high-performance GT-T variant with 4WD
  • • Comfortable ride quality suitable for long journeys
  • • Strong aftermarket support for GT-T models

Cons:

  • • Base models can feel underpowered for some drivers
  • • Dated interior design and features compared to modern cars
  • • Limited availability outside of the Japanese domestic market
  • • Fuel economy of the GT-T model can be high
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(T19: 1992 - 1997).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Caldina
Generation:T21
Modification (Engine):2.0 i 16V GT-T (260 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Start of production:1997
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:260 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:130.1 Hp/l [45mm more]
Torque:324 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:3S-GTE More details about the engine 3S-GTE
Engine displacement:1998
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.5 l
Coolant:8.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:5.7 kg/Hp, 176.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 220.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1470
Max. weight:1745
Max load:275
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4590 mm mm [45mm more]
Width:1720 mm mm [25mm more]
Height:1495 mm mm [45mm more]
Wheelbase:2580 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1480 mm
Rear (Back) track:1450 mm
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/60 R15
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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