Toyota CELICA PREMIUM
If You Want A
Toyota Celica, Then Most Of The Spec Youll Need Is On The Version Featured Here, The Celica Premium. Jonathan Crouch Reports
There has never been very much wrong with the current generation Toyota Celica. Nothing that a few marketing tweaks wouldnt put right anyway. Which is exactly what weve seen in recent times.
Previously, there was an entry-level model too poorly equipped to tempt the typical Celica customer. And a T-Sport flagship loaded to the gills but far too expensive for this cars station in life. Fortunately, a re-think at Toyota HQ has put things right. The T-Sport, priced at £21,150, is much more affordable.
| Build |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Depreciation |
|
| Economy |
 |
| Equipment |
|
| Handling |
|
| Insurance |
|
| Performance |
 |
| Styling |
|
| Value |
|
And the entry-level £16,650 Style model now includes 17-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler, sports pedals and a classy stereo system. Its the version we examine here, the plush £18,150 Celica Premium, which accounts for the majority of sales however. Its key advantages over the Style variant leather, a power sunroof and climate control were previously pricey options on the accessory list. Now theyre part of a sensibly priced total package.
Other standard equipment includes twin front and side airbags, ABS, a leather-covered steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors. Apart from these spec changes, the car has been upgraded in recent times with a whole package of tweaks to make it stand out as much on the road as in showroom. Modifications have been made to both front and rear shock absorbers in order to create a flatter, more comfortable ride, while at the same time improving traction. Changes have also been made to the steering to create a more responsive feel, while small aerodynamic modifications have resulted in superior high-speed stability by reducing rear lift.
There are bigger front brake discs too. Styling changes run to a revised front grille, a bigger badge and restyled front and rear lamps. Inside, the interior colours are darker, creating what
Toyota hope is a higher quality feel to the cabin. Theres revised
seat trim too, updated heating controls and nicer coloured lighting for the ancillary switchgear and the audio unit.
"This Celica remains a car that its impossible for any credible customer to ignore..."
The two main reasons why people buy Celicas are unchanged however. First, that wonderful high-reving 1.8-litre engine. And second, that unmistakable sharp-edged styling - still clean, aggressive and particularly stunning from a front three-quarter view.
The engine continues to be offered in both 140 (VVT-i) and 189bhp (VVTL-i) guises, the latter unit boasting one of the best specific power figures in the world (over 100bhp per litre from a normally aspirated engine). Unfortunately, VVTL-i power is now restricted to buyers of the pricey flagship T-Sport version. If you cant stretch to £21,150 however, don't let the comparative lack of power put you off buying this 140bhp Premium model. Absolute power has corrupted many a cleverly conceived coupe. In any case, the Yamaha-designed VVT-i 1794cc unit is, on paper at least, anything but slow. Indeed, this 1.
8-litre 140bhp Celica's 0-60mph time of 8.7s comfortably beats most other rivals. You can get the most from it too, thanks to a standard six-speed manual gearbox. Other aids to an involving driving experience include strong brakes and an impressive engine-speed-sensing power steering system that keeps you constantly in touch with what the front wheels are doing.
Toyota has also learned much about suspension systems in the last 10 years, producing a fine set-up perfectly suited to the kind of people who will buy this car. It aims to comfortably absorb poor surfaces at low speeds yet is sufficiently damped for sharp, fluid handling around your favourite back doubles. Older Celicas tended to suffer from premium pricing but this car seems likely to prove a much more sensible proposition. For one thing, the £18,150 Premium asking price undercuts obvious competitors from
Alfa Romeo and
BMW.
For another, the combined fuel consumption figure of nearly 37mpg should make the Toyota the cheapest car in its class to run. Otherwise of course, its the standard Celica recipe which means that youll either love or hate that sharp-edged styling. Other rivals may have pioneered this pointy, angular look but the Toyota takes it to another dimension. The shark-like lines remain clean, aggressive and particularly stunning from a front three-quarter view, where it's easy to form the impression that this seventh generation Celica is bigger than its predecessor. In fact it's smaller, 90mm shorter and 15mm narrower to be precise though despite this, a wheelbase extended by 65mm over the previous generation model has actually improved cabin space. Though there's enough legroom for a couple of adults to sit in the back, headroom is at more of a premium, if youll excuse the pun. Having said that, the given space is a lot less cramped than that offered by some rivals. We could go on to talk about split-folding rear seats and useful luggage space but we'd be in danger of coming over all practical and practicality is not one of the things youll have in mind when choosing this car. Maybe its the demise of several cars from the medium-sized coupe sector. Maybe its that a number of the cars that are left are ageing quickly. Or maybe its that this Celica is so darn good.
Whatever, the Toyota coupe remains a car that its impossible for any credible customer to ignore.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Toyota Celica Premium
PRICE: £18,150 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 185g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 7.2s / Max Speed 140mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 24.6mpg / (extra urban) 42.8mpg / (combined) 33.6mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4335/1735/1432mm
<< Back to Toyota car reviews
<< Back to car reviews homepage
Find New & Used Cars in the UK |
New & Used Toyota Cars For Sale UK
