Review: Toyota E100 Corolla (1994-99)

Review: Toyota E100.I Corolla (1994-96)

Overview

Released in September 1994, the E100 Series I (E100.I) Corolla was available as a small five-door liftback or sedan. Manufactured in Australia, the E100 Corolla was available with either 1.6- or 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines; transmission choices consisted of a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual. Furthermore, the E100.I Corolla range comprised five variants: CSi, Conquest, CSX, RV and Ultima.

Body and dimensions

Compared to its E90 predecessor, the E100 Corolla liftback was 100 mm longer (at 4095 mm), 30 mm wider (1685 mm) and 15 mm taller (1380 mm), though the wheelbase was unchanged (2465 mm). Compared to the liftback, the E100 sedan was 175 mm longer (at 4279 mm), though the other measurements were unchanged. The E100 Corolla had new front and rear sub-frames and a greater proportion of its chassis was made from high-strength steel – these changes contributed to an increase in torsional rigidity of up to 37 per cent and an increase in bending rigidity of up to 23 per cent (depending on the model).

Suspension

The E100 Corolla had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Within the E100.I Corolla range, safety equipment such as airbags and ABS were only available as options. Models fitted with 1.8-litre engines had disc brakes for all wheels, though 1.6-litre models had rear drum brakes.

Features: Corolla CSi, Conquest, CSX, RV and Ultima

Standard features for the Corolla CSi and Conquest included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, central locking, a tilt adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats and UV-reducing windows. Beyond this, the CSX added velour trim and power mirrors.

The Corolla RV had a firmer suspension tune and wider, low profile tyres; features were also extended to include a CD player, though velour trim was omitted in favour of sports seats. Furthermore, features unique to the RV included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob and an alarm. The RV could be identified by its body-coloured grille and rear spoiler.

Compared to the CSX, the Corolla Ultima added a CD player, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat and an alarm. The Ultima could also be identified by its body-coloured door handles and chrome window surrounds.

Review: Toyota E100.II Corolla (1996-99)

Overview

Released in July 1996, the E100 Series II (E100.II) Corolla introduced a revised range as the Ultima variant was discontinued and the 1.6-litre petrol engine was solely available for the CSi variant.

Features: Corolla CSi, Conquest, RV and CSX

Standard features for the Corolla CSi included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, split and folding rear seats, central locking and a tilt adjustable steering wheel. Beyond this, the Conquest added remote central locking and an immobiliser.

Compared to the Conquest, the RV featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and power front windows. Visually, the RV could be identified by its body-coloured grille.

Compared to the Conquest, the CSX added air conditioning, velour trim, power windows (front and rear) and an alarm system.

September 1998: Corolla update

From September 1998, the CSi and Conquest variants were fitted with air conditioning as standard.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Toyota E100 Corolla