Toyota Cynos EL52 1.3i 16V Alpha (88 Hp)


Overall Rating

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

Toyota Cynos:

The Toyota Paseo in Japan and other regions) is a sports-styled subcompact car sold from 1991 until 1999 by Toyota and was directly based on the Tercel. It was available as a coupé and in later models as a convertible. Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet. Several parts are interchangeable between the three....(Read more on Wikipedia)

EL52 Overview:

Toyota Cynos (EL52). With 123 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~6.2 l/100km). Weighing only 870 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 4 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 Cynos EL52 was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the mid-1990s, it features basic safety equipment like ABS, but lacks modern active and passive safety systems.

1.3i 16V Alpha (88 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers basic but sufficient performance for daily driving, with the manual transmission allowing for better control and engagement than the automatic, making the most of its 88 hp.

Fuel Economy

Likely the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup, ideal for budget-conscious drivers prioritizing low running costs over outright power.

Best Use Case: Economical daily commuting, city driving, and first-time car owners.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Fun and engaging driving experience (especially 1.5L manual)
  • • Excellent fuel economy across the range
  • • Toyota's renowned reliability and low maintenance costs
  • • Unique convertible styling for its segment
  • • Compact and easy to maneuver in urban environments

Cons:

  • • Limited rear passenger and cargo space
  • • Basic interior materials and features by modern standards
  • • Older safety technology (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Road noise common for convertibles of this era
  • • 88 Hp engine can feel underpowered on highways

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(L44: 1991 - 1995).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Cynos
Generation:EL52
Modification (Engine):1.3i 16V Alpha (88 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:88 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:67.7 Hp/l [10mm more]
Torque:123 Nm @ 4400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:4E-FE More details about the engine 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 mm
Piston Stroke:73.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:6.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:4 l/100 km
Weight-to-power ratio:9.9 kg/Hp, 101.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.1 kg/Nm, 141.4 Nm/tonne
Space:
Kerb Weight:870
Max. weight:1090
Max load:220
Fuel tank capacity:45 l
Size:
Length:4155 mm mm [10mm more]
Width:1660 mm mm [15mm more]
Height:1295 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2380 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1405 mm
Rear (Back) track:1395 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size175/65 R14
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionSuspension with traction connecting levers

Have you ever driven an Toyota Cynos?
How was your experience with it? Share with us: