The Toyota Corolla Spacio is a compact van that was first demonstrated in 1997. According to the main idea of the marketers, the car was supposed to replace more expensive minivans and become an affordable and compact version of a “family” car. The word "spacio" comes from the English "space" - space. The modification was built on the basis of an ordinary 1997 Toyota Corolla, but the characteristics are still different.
This model was a five-door family minivan with 3 rows of seats. The main difference between Spasio and other models is that the middle row of seats was intended only for transporting two children. The Japanese placed great emphasis on “family” and the Corolla received everything that a “real mommy” needs: an automatic transmission, an ABS system and a tire pressure monitoring system. The dashboard was a multifunctional screen where all the necessary data was displayed.
Almost all Spacio seats had advanced functionality, for example, the front passenger seat can be rotated 180 degrees to sit facing the baby. Children's seats are transformed into a dining table. The Toyota Corolla interior itself can be completely converted into a comfortable sofa. Toyota has allowed us to take a fresh look at the class of compact vans.
The Spasio model and its first generation with right-hand drive were produced exclusively for Japan. Later in 2001, a new, more recent modification appeared, which underwent cosmetic changes in 2005.
First generation 1997
The first Tyota Corolla Spacio minivans were produced only for the domestic market, so their steering wheel was located exclusively on the right side. The car windows were positioned in such a way that excellent visibility was achieved, and due to the fact that the driver's seat had a high seating position, visibility increased.
The Spasio model is translated from English as “free space”
During the entire existence of the model, changes occurred not only in technical terms, but the overall dimensions also changed; in 1997 they were as follows:
- Length 4.135 meters;
- Width 1,690 meters;
- Height 1,620 meters;
- Wheelbase 2,465 meters;
- Ground clearance 15 centimeters.
This year's family minivan could be equipped with two types of gasoline engines:
- 1.6 liter with a power of 110 hp. and marking 4A-FE;
- 1.8 liter with a power of 120 hp and marking 7A-FE.
Each power unit was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and in a more powerful version with a 1.8 liter engine, the car could be all-wheel drive. There were no other differences between the first models.
Technical parameters of the first generation
Toyota Corolla Spacio in 1997 was equipped with two powertrain options. Both engines were gasoline and were paired with an automatic transmission. Volumes are 1.6 and 1.8 liters, with a power of 110 and 120 horsepower, respectively. Moreover, the more powerful unit was installed only on a car with all-wheel drive. Toyota Corolla Spasio with a smaller engine capacity had only front-wheel drive.
Fuel consumption for the cars varied from 7.6 to 8.8 liters per hundred kilometers, but when driving quietly at 60 km/h, the Spacio consumed only 5 l/100 km.
The first generation had many different trim levels, from the most budget ones to the expensive 1.8 black sports G package.
READ MORE: Technical characteristics of the 2013-2015 Toyota Corolla car
1998 generation
Toyota Spacio, released in 1998, differed from the previous one in body color “all its elements were painted black”, as well as a new designation of configurations, the name Package and the letters G, L, S were added to its description and, depending on the configuration, it was designated by one or another letter .
The front passenger seat could rotate 180 degrees, which was very important when transporting children.
Before entering the American and Asian markets in 2001, the model was slightly restyled in 1999.
Toyota Corolla Spacio / Toyota Corolla Spacio
Corolla Spacio: parameters, tests (test drive, crash test), reviews, car dealerships, photos, videos, news.
Toyota Corolla Spacio
- production began in 1997. The combination of style and technology Corolla Spacio, created by Toyota, has proven itself in the market and is time-tested.
Among the existing basic colors of Corolla Spacio, you can easily find one that suits you, but most likely you can choose it to order. We most likely do not have all the configurations of this Toyota Corolla Spacio model, among which there are various options for assembling the Corolla Spacio: the gearbox can be automatic or manual, the interior is trimmed with leather or wood inserts, wheels and other additional elements of the Corolla Spacio body, which are certainly will be reflected in the price of the Corolla Spacio. Technical characteristics are good, but don’t forget about the safety of the Corolla Spacio or the engine size, which will then make itself felt in terms of operating costs in the future, as well as Corolla Spacio repairs and maintenance with a warranty period. Since the purchase is made not for several months, but for several years, so consider for yourself what you will do in the summer and winter, what trips to make in the Corolla Spacio
. The table below compares several configurations of the Corolla Spacio; the parameters include: what are the overall dimensions of the Corolla Spacio, what is the fuel consumption in the city, highway or mixed, engine size, maximum speed and acceleration time to 100 km/h, curb or gross weight Corolla Spacio, wheelbase, front and rear wheel tracks, transmission type (gearbox/gearbox), what drive, tire size, what power or torque and what price. In addition to all the numbers, you can read reviews of car owners about the Corolla Spacio, watch videos or news, tests (test drive, crash test).
2001 generation
The second generation of Corolla Spasio was produced with right and left-hand drive, the first version was produced for the domestic market, and the second was intended for the USA. The body of the version updated in 2001 was completely changed, the technical equipment was also changed, and as a result new power units were installed.
The new engines met the strict requirements of environmental services, and were quite economical, with the following characteristics:
- 1.5 liter with a power of 110 hp. and marked 1NZ-FE;
- 1.8 liter with a power of 125 hp and marked 1ZZ-FE.
Each of the engines had a new VVT-I gas distribution system, and could be paired with an improved four-speed automatic transmission.
The left-hand drive model released in 2001, which was aimed at the American market, was called Verso.
The overall dimensions of the Corolla NZE121 were larger compared to the first generation:
- Length 4,240 meters;
- Width 1.695 meters;
- Height 1,610 meters;
- Wheelbase 2.6 meters;
- Ground clearance is 15.5 centimeters.
The dashboard has changed in the cabin, the instruments of which have become completely analog. We updated the multimedia system which received a navigation system. Changes also occurred in the seat layout, which began to be placed according to the 2,3,2 pattern, this is 1 person more compared to the first generation. The gearbox was moved to a special ledge on the front console, which allowed the driver to move freely around the cabin.
In 2003, a slight restyling was carried out as a result of which the new Spasio 2003 entered the market. The updated version received an increased ground clearance of 16.5 centimeters, as well as an ABS and BAS system.
Characteristics of Toyota Corolla Spacio
Description of the Toyota Corolla Spacio car
The launch of mass production of the Toyota Corolla Spacio minivan took place in 1997. When developing this model, the automaker focused on the European market, where there is a demand for economical, maneuverable, non-bulky vehicles that can easily move along city streets and have a fairly spacious interior. The vehicle fully meets all these criteria; it is capable of carrying up to seven people; its relatively small overall dimensions and small turning radius contribute to the most efficient operation of the vehicle in dense urban areas.
The nose of the minivan has a well-designed aerodynamic profile; the oncoming air flow will easily flow around the body due to the matching angle of the windshield pillars and the hood. The sill line has a steep ascent angle, the rear lights have a diamond-shaped design, and the loading height of the trunk is lowered due to the U-shaped cutout made in the upper part of the bumper. The interior, especially in the area of the front seats, is very spacious; this was achieved by moving the transmission selector pad to the front panel. There is also a wide console, the most notable element of which is the information system display.
Exterior
Toyota's large front light units are diamond-shaped and extend vertically to the middle of the Corolla Spacio's wings. The classic trapezoidal radiator grille is decorated with several slats made of unpainted polymer, the space behind them is covered with a fine-mesh metal mesh. The surface of the front bumper has a slight negative angle, its center is allocated for the layout of horizontal louvres covering the air intake. Small niches are formed on the sides of these parts of the body; cylinders of fog lights are mounted in them.
The ascending line of the window sill increases its steepness as it approaches the rear pillars, which have an inclination angle reversed from the standard one. The rounded side surfaces of the body in the area of door handles and thresholds intersect the smoothed edges of the stamping. The slope of the roof ends with a spoiler, large diamond-shaped taillights are installed at a 50-degree angle, the tailgates have branded inscriptions, decorative trims, and a license plate niche is formed. Body dimensions – 4240/1695/1610 mm, front track size – 1480 mm, rear – 1460 mm. For a full turn, the car requires a diameter of 9.8 meters, trunk volume - 415 liters, curb/gross weight - 1195/1695 kg.
Interior
The door armrests, Toyota console, and the front part of the front panel of the Corolla Spacio are finished with inserts imitating the texture of natural wood. The interior is finished mainly in light shades; against this background, the dark plastic of the front panel stands out in contrast. The middle row of seats is equipped with a transformation system; using the capabilities of the seat system, you can rotate them 180 degrees, fold them, and transform them into something else, for example, into a box or a table. Cup holders can be found near the rear seats; the inner surfaces of the doors are equipped with massive armrests, pockets, and car audio speakers. The front panel expands towards the center, where it is adjacent to a low cabinet; a transmission selector is installed on its surface. The wide console houses an information system display, air ducts, a car radio panel, several keys for turning on service systems, and air conditioning controls. The instrument panel has dials with a white field, with several colored indicators distributed above them.
Specifications
The gasoline power units installed on board the Toyota Corolla Spazio are paired with a 4-range automatic transmission. In the base, the car is equipped with a 110-horsepower unit with a displacement of 1496 cm3. It provides an acceleration time of 11.3 seconds and an average fuel consumption of 7.7 liters. The top version of the car contains under the hood a 132-horsepower engine with a volume of 1794 cm3, its torque is 173 Nm.
What else does Spasio please its owners?
The undoubted advantages of the car include a wide viewing angle thanks to good glazing and the openness of Spasio. Combined with the high seating position, this reduces the likelihood of a collision when exiting, even in difficult situations.
Salon of Toyota Corolla Spasio
Spasio has three rows of seats. The additional row in the middle is removable and is designed to carry two children. The front passenger seat can be rotated 180 degrees towards the children's row. The middle seats can also be transformed into a table, and the salon itself can be transformed into two large sofas, each of which can accommodate an adult. For additional convenience, the Toyota Corolla Spacio has a variety of accessories: shelves, cup holders, sockets and other little things, without which the trip would not be so comfortable.
Thus, the Toyota Corolla Spasio, a roomy compact van, is a full-fledged family car, designed both for moving around the city and for long trips with maximum comfort. The quality and reliability of Toyota makes this car irreplaceable in any situation!
Model features
The car confirms its family status with its technical characteristics. Until a certain point, it was equipped exclusively with an automatic transmission, which made it easier for both men and women to drive, and allowed them to increase their attentiveness while driving for greater safety. In addition, the car is equipped with an anti-lock braking system and a tire pressure monitoring system. For the convenience of the driver, all dial instruments were removed from the panel and a multi-display was installed, which displays both various indicators and alphanumeric values.
Spacious and compact Toyota Spacio
As for the technical characteristics of the Toyota Corolla Spasio, the user could choose from 1.5L, 1.8L (for front-wheel drive) and 1.8L (for all-wheel drive Corollas) engines in the latest generation of this model. At the same time, the minimum power of the car was 109 hp, the maximum – 132 hp. There is already a 5-speed manual transmission.
The Toyota Corolla Spacio is equipped with electric windows, central locking, electric mirrors, sunroof (optional), airbags (standard 2), and a rear view camera can be installed.
