Toyota Corsa L40 1.3 i (97 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 113 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 (97 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Equipped with the 4E-FE engine, this trim offers a surprisingly lively and responsive performance for its size and era. It's agile in city traffic and capable enough for comfortable highway cruising.

Fuel Economy

Boasting excellent extra-urban fuel economy (4.2 l/100 km) and respectable urban figures (7.5 l/100 km), this engine provides a great balance of power and efficiency, making it very economical to run.

Best Use Case: Mixed city and highway driving, ideal for drivers seeking a balance of spirited performance and low running costs.

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 (97 Hp)
Start of production:1990
End of production:1994
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:97 Hp @ 6400 rpm.
Power per litre:72.9 Hp/l
Torque:113 Nm @ 5200 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:4E-FE
Engine displacement:1331
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:74 mm mm
Piston Stroke:77.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.6:1
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:8.7 kg/Hp, 115.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.4 kg/Nm, 134.5 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:840
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4115 mm mm
Width:1660 mm mm
Height:1370 mm mm
Wheelbase:2380 mm 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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