Toyota Corsa L40 1.3 i (88 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Corsa:

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)

L40 Overview:

Toyota Corsa (L40). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.5 l/100km). Weighing only 840 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 Corsa L40 was produced before the establishment of Euro NCAP in 1997. Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards, typical for compact cars of the early 1990s, focusing on basic structural integrity rather than advanced occupant protection systems.

1.3 i (88 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

This 1.3L engine provides adequate performance for daily commuting and city driving. While not as spirited as the 97 Hp version, it's a reliable workhorse, though it may feel strained during highway overtakes.

Fuel Economy

Offers good fuel economy, slightly less efficient than its more powerful counterpart due to potentially working harder, but still a cost-effective option for regular use.

Best Use Case: Primarily city driving, short commutes, and for drivers prioritizing reliability and low running costs over outright performance.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Excellent fuel economy, especially with the diesel and 1.3i 97hp engines
  • • Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments
  • • Simple, robust engineering leads to lower maintenance costs
  • • Good value for money on the used market

Cons:

  • • Basic safety features by modern standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Uninspiring exterior design, typical of its era
  • • Limited performance on lower-powered trims, especially the diesel
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
  • • Interior materials are functional but lack premium feel

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Corsa
Generation:L40
Modification (Engine):1.3 i (88 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:88 Hp @ 6000 rpm.
Power per litre:67.7 Hp/l
Torque:123 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:4E-FE
Engine displacement:1299
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:3.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:75 mm
Piston Stroke:73.5 mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4.2 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 104.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.8 kg/Nm, 146.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:840
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4120 mm
Width:1660 mm
Height:1370 mm
Wheelbase:2380 mm
Front track:1400 mm
Rear (Back) track:1430 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Front brakesDisc
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires size155/80 SR13

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