Toyota Caldina T21 2.0 i 16V GT-T (260 Hp) 4WD Automatic
Overall Rating
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.
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:
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.
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 wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |











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