FULL MODEL CHANGE FOR CARINA

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION has announced today full model changes for the Carina four-door sedan, Carina Surf wagon and Carina Van. These new models will go on sale nationwide immediately.

Carina Four-Door Sedan

1. Styling

   The low-front, high-deck wedge profile, dynamically rounded form and aerodynamically refined curvature express the power and dynamic sensation emanating from this high-quality compact model.

   The design has a wide sporty look, reflecting the model's exceptional performance. This is achieved by a creative combination of the vehicle's simply designed front mask that integrates the headlamps and turn indicators, the rear view that features a combination lamp and an acrylic finish extending over the entire width of the vehicle.

2. Engines

   Three types of family-car-use twin-cam engines―the 4S-Fi, 4A-FE and 5A-F―have been added to the powerplant lineup for the new Carina. All the gasoline engines, including the field-proven 4A-GE type, are twin-cam 16-valve engines.

   The power of the twin-cam 16-valve engines assures excellent performance worthy of a true sport sedan, while simultaneously providing low fuel consumption and quietness.

   In addition, the output of the 2-liter 2C type diesel engine has been improved, vibration and noise have been reduced and reliability increased.

3. Chassis and body

   All the new models feature a four-wheel independent MacPherson strut-type suspension with a geometry radically improved by Toyota's unique CAD system, the CASTAC (Computer Aided System of Toyota Advanced Chassis Design). The spring rate, the damping force of the shock absorbers and so forth have been tuned perfectly in the advanced suspension system of the new Carina.

   The new vehicles boast improved handling and cornering performance based on optimal tuning, quick-response steering achieved by a smaller caster angle and lower Ackerman ratio, and use of stabilizers in the front and rear of all the new models.

   The body has been designed to implement both weight reduction and increased rigidity through generous use of high-strength sheet steel and reinforcement in body joints. The new Carina also features front and rear subframes for mounting the suspension. This facilitates excellent riding comfort and quietness, as well as outstanding stability.

4. Interior cabin and luggage space

   The overall cabin width has been increased by 20mm, and the rear leg space has been boosted by 30mm due to a sculpted front seatback.

   In addition, a large number of effective storage spaces have been designed to further enhance space practicality.

   The cockpit-type instrument panel contributes to enhanced visibility and ease of operation. Everything is within easy reach of the driver, and design and layout improvements of the meters, indicators and controls have raised their effectiveness and readability.

   A high-class feeling results from the car's overall harmony and attention to detail. This feeling of luxury has been attained through top-quality streamlined trimming, panel surface treatment, garnishes and refined color coordination throughout the cabin.

   The new air conditioning system blows fresh air at head level for increased comfort even when the heater is on. The blower produces a steplessly variable flow of air (an automatic air conditioner), bringing about quiet and comfortable air conditioning.

   A large trunk (with an effective capacity of 512 liters, VDA standard) that opens up immediately above the bumper and the 60/40 fold-down split rear seatbacks greatly enhance usable luggage space.

The new Carina four-door sedan includes the following new features and equipment depending on grade

• A.B.S.

  An anti-lock brake system that ensures stability and steerability during braking on slippery roads.

• TEMS

  A system to automatically change the damping force of the front and rear shock absorbers to ensure riding comfort, handling and stability.

• New back sonar

  A system in which a compact ultrasonic sensor warns the driver by a buzzer of an obstacle when reversing.

• Wireless door lock remote control system

  An in-key ultraminiature transmitter with a switch for locking and unlocking the door from a distance.

In addition, all automatic transmission models are equipped with a shift lock system to prevent improper operation of the automatic transmission. The shift lock system is a combination of the following two devices

1. Key interlocking shift lock device

   A device allowing the driver to shift from "Park" to another position only if he depresses the brake pedal, and allowing removal of the ignition key only in the "Park" position.

2. Shift lever reverse position warning device

   An alarm to alert the driver that the gear is in the Reverse position.

Carina Surf and Carina Van

Both the Carina Surf and Carina Van are now front-wheel drive for the first time. At the same time, two types of twin-cam gasoline engines, the 1.8-liter 4S-Fi and the 1.5-liter 5A-F, have been made available to the Carina Surf powerplant lineup. The 1.5-liter 12-valve 3E-J gasoline engine and the 2.0-liter 2C diesel engine have also been made available for the Carina Van, greatly improving performance.

Cargo space has been extended by 45mm and floor width between rear wheel housings by 140mm and the rear opening has been lowered to improve loadability.

The rear seat of the Carina Surf is a fold-down split type.

By raising the seat cushion, storing the headrest and folding back the seat, it turns into a flat and wide luggage space. The fold-down split seat and roll type tonneau cover enhance the practical value of the wagon.

All the Carina Van models come with radial tires, and Power steering is now available as an option for improved handling.