When we previously drove a Celica convertible ["The Celica ST-185 Convertible" ] we loved pretty well all aspects of the car - but for the rear seat room. Why? Because in that car the roof retraction mechanism became a de facto rear seat passenger, taking away masses of shoulder room from each side. Rear passengers were forced to sit in a contorted and uncomfortable position - it was a major downer in a car that was otherwise a very practical and effective way of gaining an open four-seater.
But now, enter the availability of the next model. As with the previous car, the ST202 model is available in Australia only in used form as an import. But again, it's a car that offers more than it initially appears to - and in a body shape that has a sweet and timeless appeal. And if you're a back-seat passenger, thankfully you're also now well looked after....
The 1994 car on test was supplied by Sports and Luxury Cars of Melbourne, and was priced at $32,990. For the money you get a car that initially looks to be a Celica with its roof removed... it's only when you look more closely that you realise that in fact it's based on a different car - no other Celica in this model range came with rear sheet metal like this. The result is that from front three-quarters the car looks quite familiar; while from the rear the seductive haunches and Soarer-style tail-lights cause a double-take from onlookers. With our test car shod with aftermarket 16-inch alloys - and in that black duco - it's a car that makes a real visual impact.
And, since people very often buy soft-tops cos they like others looking their way, it's just as well this one has the appearance to back up the open-air ambience. About the only visual downer - both from outside and also when driving the car - is that the folded roof creates two large humps each side at the rear of the cabin. Rather than tuck this mechanism down into the rear seat shoulder space, Toyota engineers have this time elected to make it all stand proud and tall. Unfortunately, it's so tall that it actually limits over-shoulder vision for the driver.
But inside it's otherwise pretty well all good news. While lacking the four-wheel steer of the previous model, the Celica still handles confidently. There's probably a little more scuttle shake than we remembered from the previous car, but otherwise the normal next-model upgrades have taken place. Engine NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is much diminished - although still present at both ends of the rev band - while the 3S-GE DOHC 2-litre continues to work very well with the auto transmission. The trans (equipped with Power, Economy and Overdrive buttons) operates like the modern auto it is, picking part-throttle downshifts with ease and making the most of the small engine.
Small engine? It is when you look at the mass of the car! The soft-top weighs in at a hefty 1350kg, no less than 200kg heavier than the equivalent coupe. While in Japan the engine is rated at 127kW at 6600 rpm (134kW at 7000 rpm in the manual car) it never really feels that strong. Instead, the naturally aspirated four-cylinder can be regarded simply as adequate in this sort of cruisy car application.
Other than a few ergonomic glitches (the trans T-bar obscures the rear window electric buttons and the handbrake hides the Power button for the trans) the interior of the car is as-usual Toyota effective. The quality adjustable steering wheel (which contains an airbag) and clear switchgear and instruments makes the Celica easy to drive, while the factory sound system has enough grunt to fill the car with music, even with the top down. In fact there are separate tweeters, mids and bass units in each door, while there're also speakers in the rear three-quarter panels. All of these are driven by a double-DIN, single-CD cassette tuner than also controls a stacker. The high equipment level continues with four electric windows, good quality sports-style seats, and an analog climate control system.
A glass rear window replaces the previous model's plastic design, while lowering the roof remains an easy and quick job. Unclip the two header rail fasteners, press the button and watch the roof retract, then clip the tonneau in place over the folded cloth. The whole operation takes only a minute or so, with the tonneau being easy to attach. When the top is down there is little buffeting of the occupants; raising the front and rear side glass lessens it still further. The hood is lined internally and with it raised, both headroom and vision remain very good. It's also a car that still looks elegant with the roof on - something that can't be said for all convertibles!
Practicality was obviously high on the priority list for Toyota, and the car succeeds admirably in this regard. Both front and rear room are excellent - although it can be a little difficult getting into the rear seat, once there the front seat occupants can slide their seats well back without amputating the legs of those behind. In fact it's possible to fit two 1.8-metre tall occupants one behind the other, making the car a genuine four-seater. Boot space is extensive, while there is also a large number of pockets and other small storage spaces. With the roof in place, in-cabin ventilation remains good and there is only low wind noise - and no groans and squeaks.
So what's bad about the car? As mentioned, the four-cylinder engine isn't a paragon of smoothness or power, while at times with the roof down an exhaust resonance booms through the cabin on throttle lift-off. But other than that, it's hard to find fault.
If you want to drive a practical, stylish and effective soft-top, put this one on your list.
Contact:
Sports and Luxury Cars:
+61 3 9753 5822
http://www.crossovercarconversions.com.au
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