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Toyota Sprinter Marino 1.6i (165 Hp)
Overall Rating
Toyota Sprinter:
The Toyota Sprinter is a compact car manufactured by Toyota as a variant of the Corolla. Exclusively sold in the Japanese domestic market, the Sprinter was aimed to be sportier than its Corolla sibling and also using different sheet metal mostly on the C-pillar. The Sprinter was exclusive to Toyota Auto Store, while the Corolla is similarly unique to Toyota Corolla Store. In 1998 Toyota Auto Store was replaced by Netz Store.
The Sprinter is notable for being used as the base vehicle for two joint projects between Toyota and General Motors in the United States, known under GM as the S-car. From 1984 to 1997, variants of the Sprinter were manufactured by NUMMI in Fremont, California, known as the Chevrolet Nova and Geo Prizm....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Marino Overview:
Toyota Sprinter (Marino). With 162 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1030 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.
The Toyota Sprinter Marino was produced before Euro NCAP testing became widespread, and as a JDM-focused model, it was not subjected to these specific safety assessments. Safety features are basic by modern standards.
1.6i (165 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The legendary 165 Hp 4A-GE (likely 20-valve 'Black Top' or 'Red Top') delivers thrilling, high-revving performance, making the Marino surprisingly sporty.
Fuel Economy
While not the most economical, its fuel consumption is reasonable for a performance engine of its era, especially when driven enthusiastically.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent Toyota reliability
- • Stylish hardtop design (JDM appeal)
- • Range of efficient and sporty engine options (4A-GE)
- • Good fuel economy for most trims
- • Nimble and easy to drive
Cons:
- • Limited safety features by modern standards
- • Parts availability can be challenging outside Japan
- • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
- • Rear drum brakes on some trims
- • Interior plastics show age
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sprinter: 1991 - 1995).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Sprinter |
| Generation: | Marino |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6i (165 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1992 |
| End of production: | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 165 Hp @ 7800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 104.6 Hp/l [95mm more] |
| Torque: | 162 Nm @ 5600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | 4A-GE More details about the engine 4A-GE |
| Engine displacement: | 1578 |
| 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 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 160.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.4 kg/Nm, 157.3 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1030 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4385 mm mm [95mm more] |
| Width: | 1695 mm mm [125mm less] |
| Height: | 1315 mm mm [60mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2465 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1470 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13 |
| Wheel rims size | 13 |
If you could change one thing about the Toyota Sprinter, what would it be?