Toyota Tercel 2nd Generation L20 (1982-1986)
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Production period: | 1982 to 1986 |
Body versions : | Sedan , hatchback , station wagon |
Layout : | Front-engine, front-wheel-drive or four-wheel drive |
Engines: | Gasoline : 1.3-1.5 liters (55-66 kW) |
Length: | 4310 mm |
Width: | 1615 mm |
Height: | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase : | 2430 mm |
The Toyota Tercel L20 also as the Toyota Corsa was designed specifically for North America and Europe and the five-door hatchback model should be a competitor to the Nissan Cherry in the home market .
History
It was still the entry-level model in North America, while in Europe, it was Toyota's direct opponent against the VW Golf, Opel Kadett, Ford Escort, and other competitors. The selling began in May 1982, and Tercel is currently available worldwide. The Tercel was sold in the United States through the Toyota Vista dealer network. The same engines were available, the 2A-U 1.3 L with 55 kW (75 hp) and 1.5 L 3A-U with 61 kW (83 hp), as well as a third 3A-HU with 63 kW. (86 hp). Only the Toyota Sprinter Carib, Toyota's first sport utility vehicle, was exported.
The Sprinter Carib Toyota developed hurriedly from the fixed plans of the Tercel L20, combined with the rear-wheel drive of the Toyota Corolla / Sprinter. So Toyota could realize by means of transfer case a cost-effective shiftable four- wheel drive . This model was the 1981 successfully launched Nissan Prairie . Unlike this, the Sprinter Carib was not a minivan , but a station wagon with rear-raised roof for plenty of hold. The Sprinter Carib was offered in Japan for the first time in August 1982, based on him a four-door sedan, which was offered only in Asia.
The transmission of power was basically via 5-speed manual or optional 3-speed automatic transmission. Only in North America, the base model had only a manual 4-speed transmission.
As only the first two generations were sold officially in Europe, this was the last generation of the Tercel series available there, with either the hatchback or station wagon bodywork. In Japan, power outputs were as follows:
- 1295 cc 2A-U: 75 PS (55 kW) at 6,000 rpm
- 1452 cc 3A-U: 83 PS (61 kW) at 5,600 rpm (9.0:1 compression, 82.05–86.05)
- 1452 cc 3A-U: 85 PS (63 kW) at 5,600 rpm (9.3:1 compression, 86.03–88.02)
- 1452 cc 3A-HU: 86 PS (63 kW) at 6,000 rpm (variable venturi carburetor, 9.3:1 compression, 82.05–84.08)
- 1,452 cc 3A-SU: 90 PS (66 kW) at 6,000 rpm (twin variable venturi carburettors, swirl intake version, 84.08–88.02)
- From 1983, the Sprinter Carib was also exported, as Tercel 4WD to Europe and Oceania and as a Tercel Wagon to North America. In a few markets he was also available only with front-wheel drive.
- In August 1983, Toyota added a three-door hatchback variant in the model series.
- From August 1984, Toyota also built a 4WD version of the sedan. At the same time, the 1.5 L-3A-SU with 66 kW (90 hp) replaced the 3A-HU in both the Asia-only sedan and the Sprinter Carib / Tercel 4WD / Tercel Wagon.
- In January 1985, a special model of the sloping back with air conditioning , which was often bought especially in North America and appeared there as a separate equipment line. In September, there was the special model Sedan 4WD VL in Asia with numerous extras such as electronic suspension, two-tone paint, electric sunroof and air conditioning.
- The sedan and the Carib received in May 1986 a facelift, at the same time the production of Tercel hatchback models was discontinued and replaced in the home market by the Tercel L30. Until October, the L20 series was still available for export.
