Toyota Corona EXiV

Toyota Corona EXiV
Production period:	1989-1998
Class :	Middle class
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Previous model:	New Zealand : Toyota Corona Japan : Toyota Corona Coupé

The Corona EXiV (Japanese: コ ロ ナ EXiV) is a car model of the Japanese automobile brand Toyota , which rolled off the production line in Thames, New Zealand as a successor to the Corona T150 / T160 and was officially offered in New Zealand and Japan. The abbreviation EXiV resulted from: EX tra i mpressi V e.

Model overview

First generation

ST180
Production period:	1989-1993
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.8–2.0 liters (77–121 kW)
Length:	4500 mm
Width:	1690 mm
Height:	1320 mm
Wheelbase :	2525 mm
Empty weight :	1110-1270 kg

The EXiV was developed on the platform of the Corona GT-R and that of the Carina ED . The Toyota Motor Corporation attached great importance to the sedan's sporty design. In the interior, luxury was consistently avoided. The covers are made of fabric and plastic elements predominate. Apart from air conditioning and a radio with cassette player, there were no other standard features. Nevertheless, quality was also an important issue for the new prestige model, and great importance was attached to it.

A sunroof, ABS, sports gearshift and automatic air conditioning were available as options. Nevertheless, the Corona EXiV was priced higher than the normal Corona models. A world first was the 2WD / 4WD system, which was installed in series for the first time in this vehicle. With the Dual Mode button, the driver was able to switch the vehicle from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive. In the automatic version there was also a program selection. This made it possible to choose between three different levels. Economy City Mode (E) was specially designed for starting and for driving within cities and towns. The gear shift was set so that the vehicle shifts into high gears as quickly as possible in order to stay in the lowest possible speed range and to minimize fuel consumption. Toyota had a special engine control system developed to regulate the injection . Road Driving Mode (D) was the second stage. For trips from 60 to 100 km / h this was designed for driving on roads outside of public places. For motorways, however, the driver could switch to Speedway Drive Mode (S) for faster acceleration . This was where the fuel consumption was greatest, as the ECU control was suspended.

In the introduction of the Corona exive following engines were available:

• 4S-Fi with a displacement of around 1.8 L and an output of 105 hp
• 3S-FE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 125 HP
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 165 hp

In August 1990 the performance of some engines was improved and the following selection was made:

• 4S-FE with a displacement of around 1.8 L and an output of 115 hp
• 3S-FE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 140 PS
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 165 hp

The model remained in production almost unchanged until October 1993. The second generation was replaced in October 1993.

Second generation

ST200
Production period:	1993-1998
Body versions :	Limousine , coupe
Engines:	Petrol engines : 1.8–2.0 liters (92–132 kW)
Length:	4500 mm
Width:	1740 mm
Height:	1325 mm
Wheelbase :	2580 mm
Empty weight :	1120-1220 kg

The Celica and Carina ED are also the official sister models of the second generation . With the generation, Toyota introduced the Corona EXiV Hard Top . This was a coupe model with leather upholstery and the GT-FOUR version entered the 1994 Japan Touring Car Championship (JTCC). The EXiV took 3rd place. As a result of this achievement, the tax on this model was increased dramatically in both New Zealand and Japan. This resulted in a significant drop in sales.

The following motors were available:

• 4S-FE with a displacement of around 1.8 L and an output of 125 hp
• 3S-FE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 140 PS
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 170 PS (2WD AT)
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 180 PS (2WD MT)
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 165 PS (4WD AT)
• 3S-GE with a displacement of around 2.0 L and an output of 175 PS (4WD MT)

In September 1995 the driver airbag became standard equipment in the new generation. The model also got new doors and lights, central locking with remote control, cruise control and automatic air conditioning. However, these improvements failed to restore the company's once-economic stability in New Zealand. Sales remained sluggish.

Toyota New Zealand made its last attempt in June 1996 to make the Corona EXiV more attractive to customers. ABS, a passenger airbag and even a start button have now been installed as standard. But the company's economic situation became increasingly critical.

After the Corona EXiV was deleted from the Toyota model range in Japan in December 1997 , the doom of Toyota New Zealand was sealed. Nevertheless, the model continued to be built until April 1998. The Thames plant was then closed and Toyota New Zealand was only an importer from now on.

Sources and web links

• Former Official website of the Toyota Corona EXiV (English)
• Former Official website of the Toyota Corona EXiV (Japanese)