Toyota Carina T21 2.0i (135 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Carina:

The Toyota Carina is an automobile which was manufactured by Toyota from December 1970 to December 2001. It was introduced as a sedan counterpart of the Celica, with which it originally shared a platform. Later, it was realigned to the Corona platform, but retained its performance image, with distinctive bodywork and interior — aimed at the youth market and remaining exclusive to Japanese Toyota dealerships Toyota Store. It was replaced in Japan by the Toyota Allion in 2001 and succeeded in Europe by the Toyota Avensis....(Read more on Wikipedia)

T21 Overview:

Toyota Carina (T21). With 181 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1130 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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 Carina T21 generation was not directly tested by Euro NCAP. While its predecessor (Carina E) received 2.5 stars, and its successor (Avensis T22) received 3 stars, the T21's safety features are typical of its era, likely offering basic protection compared to modern standards.

2.0i (135 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides smooth and refined power delivery, ideal for comfortable cruising. While not as spirited as the manual, it's perfectly adequate for most driving situations.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a 2.0L automatic of its time, offering a good balance between performance and convenience, though slightly less efficient than the manual.

Best Use Case: Mixed / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional reliability and durability
  • • Comfortable and spacious interior
  • • Economical engine options (especially diesels)
  • • Low maintenance costs
  • • Smooth ride quality

Cons:

  • • Uninspired styling
  • • Lack of driving excitement
  • • Limited advanced safety features (typical for its era)
  • • Some interior plastics feel dated
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E Wagon (T19): 1995 - 1998).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Carina
Generation:T21
Modification (Engine):2.0i (135 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:1996
End of production:2001
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:135 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:67.6 Hp/l [50mm less]
Torque:181 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:3S-FE More details about the engine 3S-FE
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:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.9 l
Coolant:6.8 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 119.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.2 kg/Nm, 160.2 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:1130
Fuel tank capacity:60 l
Size:
Length:4495 mm mm [50mm less]
Width:1695 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1410 mm mm [60mm less]
Wheelbase:2580 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1465 mm
Rear (Back) track:1450 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.2 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]

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