Hello everybody. I would like to talk about the Toyota Allex car. There will be a lot of letters, for those who don’t know...

The Toyota Alex hatchback was based on the Corolla E120 platform and was offered only for the Japanese domestic market. The cars were equipped with gasoline engines with power from 110 to 190 hp. With. In addition to the basic modification with front-wheel drive, there was a version with all-wheel drive, characterized by improved cross-country ability and stable behavior on slippery roads.

Toyota Alex is a spacious hatchback produced by a Japanese brand.

Description of the Toyota Allex car

The car was presented to the public in mid-2001 and was based on the Corolla sedan, which did not have a protruding trunk. The model was produced for sale through Toyota Netz Store dealerships.

At the same time, there was a very similar modification of the Corolla RunX on the market, intended for delivery through the Toyota Corolla Store. The presence of 2 hatchbacks based on the same platform did not create competition between the models, since they were designed for different target audiences.

Distinctive features

The basic versions of RunX and Allex had no visual differences; the model could only be identified by the inscription on the trunk lid. Different paints were used for the cars (the colors did not overlap), and Alex's front bumper had a chrome trim near the license plate. The finishing materials of the seats and door panels also differed, and there were minor nuances in the equipment of the cars.

History of creation

By the end of the 20th century, Toyota's production line retained the Sprinter sedan, which gradually lost popularity among customers due to obsolescence. To stimulate sales, 5-door hatchbacks were introduced to the market, which turned out to be in demand among buyers. The cars remained on the assembly line until the fall of 2006, having undergone a slight design modernization in 2004. New cars were not officially sold outside of Japan; used cars purchased through the used vehicle auction system were imported into Russia.

Only used cars were imported into Russia.

Advantages

Key benefits noted by owners:

• reliable design;
• comfortable and quiet interior;
• low fuel consumption;
• no problems with finding and purchasing spare parts;
• good maneuverability;
• possible transformation of the interior.

Machine modifications

Several equipment levels were offered for Japanese customers:

1. The base model XS150 or XS180 was equipped with stamped 14-inch wheels with hubcaps (175/70 or 185/70 tires), and there were protective pads on the side surfaces of the doors. Manual air conditioning was installed by default. The customer could only order a 4-speed automatic transmission and choose a car with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.
2. The middle level S Edition or G Edition included wheels with a diameter of 15 or 16″ (stamped and aluminum, respectively). An automatic transmission was offered, and there were fog lights at the front. The client could order a car with 1-zone climate control, and the option of choosing the type of drive was retained. The list of additional equipment included a sunroof, and a keyless entry system was available upon request.
3. The sports modification RS180 was distinguished by engine power and the use of a 4-speed (with support for Tiptronic mode) or 6-speed manual transmission. Pearl white color was not available for the car; special paints were not provided. The car featured improved disc brakes designed for increased speed and dynamics.

The base model contains 14-inch wheels.

The main thing is balance

The appearance of the Toyota Allex is completely reminiscent of European models. The sporty features of this car are emphasized by unique elements. Inside, the spacious interior is especially striking. But externally, the interior is practically no different from the entire Corolla range.

Toyota Allex is an absolutely balanced car. It has excellent technical characteristics. Since 2001, many car owners have already tested the reliability of this “iron horse”. Therefore, you can find many different reviews about the model on the Internet.

Main characteristics

Standard equipment included front airbags for the passenger and driver (side airbags in the backs of the front seats were offered as an option). There were electric window drives. The glazing of the rear part of the body from the central pillar was factory tinted. The car had an independent front suspension and a rear torsion beam; due to the settings of the steering mechanism and short wheelbase, the turning radius was only 4.9 m (versions with all-wheel drive had poor maneuverability).

Operational

Basic parameters of the Allex car:

• body length – 4175 mm;
• width – 1695 mm;
• height – 1480 mm;
• wheelbase – 2600 mm;
• ground clearance – 160 mm (for the version with all-wheel drive – 170 mm);
• passenger compartment length – 1930 mm;
• width – 1430 mm;
• maximum height from floor to ceiling – 1230 mm;
• Fuel tank capacity – 50 l.

The length of the Toyota Alex body is 4175 mm.
All seats were equipped with inertial seat belts; pyrotechnic tensioning devices were provided in front, which were triggered in the event of an accident. The rear row had ISOFIX mounts for child seats. The manufacturer produced upon request vehicles adapted for transporting disabled people.

The passenger seat had a swivel base, which made it possible to quickly transfer to a wheelchair (included in the delivery package).

Technical

The cars were offered with naturally aspirated engines 1NZ-FE and 1ZZ-FE with a displacement of 1.5 and 1.8 liters, respectively. The engines developed power of 109 and 125 hp. With. For lovers of sporty style, a 190-horsepower modification of the Allex RS180, equipped with a 2ZZ-GE generation unit, was supplied. The engine features a VVTL-i phase control system with variable valve lift height. The complexity of the mechanism predetermined high demands on the operation of the oil system; if there is a lack of lubrication, the unit fails. The table shows the main parameters of the motors.

The engines had 16-valve heads with chain driven camshafts. An EFI injection system was used to supply fuel; a high compression ratio required the use of gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95 units. Liquid cooling system with thermostat and mechanical pump. The exhaust gas removal system included a catalytic converter with an oxygen concentration sensor.

The automatic transmission had a 3rd direct speed, the 4th stage was an overdrive. The version for the 190-horsepower engine was distinguished by increased gear ratios; direct speed was not provided. Depending on the transmission scheme, the ratio of the main pair changed.

On vehicles with all-wheel drive, a viscous coupling was provided that automatically connected the transmission of power to the rear wheels.

What users say

• Thousands of Toyota Allex users like it for its performance characteristics, due to independent front MacPherson struts and rear special torsion bar semi-independent structures.
• Owners also really like spatial salons. The necessary places are reserved for glove compartments and buttons.
• Car owners appreciated the good climate controls. When the stoves turn on, the space is instantly filled with warmth and comfort during the cold season.

Important! Five-door hatchbacks are very practical. For long trips, you can sleep right in the car by folding down the rear seats. The car provides full-fledged sleeping places. Some travel long distances with kitchen tiles and cabinets.

• Disadvantages are noticed in right-hand drive vehicles. But then they quickly get used to it and this no longer seems like a disadvantage.
• It is also noted that a lot of fuel and oil are consumed. But this minus most likely relates to a malfunction of the fuel mechanism. Because basically, cars are praised for their efficiency.
• Inexpensive service. You can always buy spare parts.

Car design

The design of the car overlapped with the design of the Corolla E120 sedan. The difference was the rear wings with a modified configuration and cutouts for the original optics. The trunk lid had an aerodynamic trim with an integrated brake signal, which reduced glass contamination. Standard equipment included a rear wiper with a fluid injection nozzle. An Elegant Sports Version plastic body kit was offered for the car, which included headlight covers, sills, modified bumpers and a “sports” black fuel tank flap.

Salon

The interior was decorated with soft plastic; the analog instrument cluster was equipped with a speedometer with a scale marked up to 180 km/h.

The Toyota Alex interior is made of soft plastic.

In the central part of the instrument panel there was a window for installing a 2 Din radio; the lower trim smoothly transitioned into the center console with an armrest. The steering wheel with a polyurethane rim or leather trim did not have control buttons; a column with mechanical adjustment in 2 positions was used. On some models, the interior trim used linings with a coating that imitates varnished wood.

The interior could be decorated with dark or light-colored materials. The front seats were adjustable in length and backrest angle; the driver's seat had a height adjustment. The rear row of seats folds completely, allowing you to create a flat surface for installing large cargo. The front passenger seat was equipped with a folding backrest for organizing a small table.

In addition to a radio with a radio, a navigation system with a color touch screen could be installed.

Body

The silhouette of the car with a sloping hood and sloping windshield hinted at good dynamic capabilities. The head plastic optics contained halogen lamps, the direction indicators had bulbs with orange bulbs. Door handles with chrome trim were different from those used on Corolla sedans and RunX hatchbacks. Enamels with special effects were used for painting (the color range included 7 shades in total).

Approximate cost

On the secondary market there are cars with naturally aspirated engines of 1.5 and 1.8 liters. Price depends on condition and mileage. Cars that do not require restoration repairs will cost 340-350 thousand rubles. Modifications with a 190-horsepower power unit are rare; sellers ask for cars up to 400 thousand rubles. A thorough inspection is required before purchasing; almost all sports versions have been in accidents.

The cost of the car depends on the mileage.

Owner reviews

Roman, 42 years old, St. Petersburg

In 2008, I purchased a Toyota Allex at a Japanese auction; the car had a mileage of 32 thousand km and was equipped with a 109-horsepower gasoline engine. Over the next 12 years, I drove another 140 thousand km, there were no major breakdowns. I had to change the shock absorbers and serviced the suspension several times with the installation of new silent blocks. Fuel consumption on the highway at a speed of 110-120 km/h is within 6 liters per 100 km, in the city with traffic jams and air conditioning - up to 9.5 liters. There are paint chips on the body, but no signs of rust.

Oleg, 45 years old, Krasnoyarsk

From 2012 to 2021, I operated an Allex with a 1.5-liter engine; it had enough power for the city and the highway. The trunk was roomy, and the folding rear row of seats made it possible to transport large loads. The chassis is strong, but the springs had to be changed due to the stock ones sagging. The driver's workplace is comfortable for people up to 180 cm tall, the climate control system worked without problems. In winter, the car started in frosts down to -30°C after 1-2 seconds of starter operation. The reason for the sale was the need to purchase a car with increased interior capacity.

Interior

According to generally accepted data, the height to the driver's seat from the ground should be 55 cm. This makes it easy to get out and into the car. These are the parameters that Toyota Allex has. Thanks to this, a driver of average height can safely get into the car without bending.

The ceiling in the model is quite high. The Japanese hatchback is not inferior to European modifications. The rear seats also have a large space so that even tall passengers feel comfortable there. The width of the trunk allows you to transport fairly large cargo.