Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Toyota Tercel EL41 1.5i 16V VZ (115 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Toyota Tercel:
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)
EL41 Overview:
Toyota Tercel (EL41). With 135 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 910 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Toyota Tercel EL41 generation predates the establishment of Euro NCAP testing (1997). As such, it does not have an official rating. Safety features are basic by modern standards, typically limited to seatbelts and a robust chassis for its era.
1.5i 16V VZ (115 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers strong performance for a compact car of its time, though the automatic transmission slightly reduces its sporty edge compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel efficiency for the power, making it a capable and relatively economical choice for varied driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional fuel economy across the lineup
- • Legendary Toyota reliability and durability
- • Compact and highly maneuverable for city driving
- • Low running and maintenance costs
- • Simple, proven mechanicals
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Modest performance (except for the 115 Hp VZ trim)
- • Interior design and materials are dated
- • Can be noisy at highway speeds
- • Limited creature comforts and technology
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(AC52: 1998 - 1999).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Tercel |
| Generation: | EL41 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.5i 16V VZ (115 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | September, 1990 |
| End of production: | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 6600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 76.8 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 135 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1497 |
| 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 layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 74 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 87 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 126.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.7 kg/Nm, 148.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 910 |
| Max. weight: | 1185 |
| Max load: | 275 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 45 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3930 mm mm |
| Width: | 1645 mm mm |
| Height: | 1365 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2380 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1400 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1395 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9 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 | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Was the Toyota Tercel what you expected? Let us know!