Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: January 1971
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Road testing the Toyota Carina 1600ST

The Toyota Carina (advertised featuring the character, “Karina”), first unveiled to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall of 1970 and released on December 1st, is a five-seat semi-fastback sedan with exterior dimensions closer to that of the Corona 1500/1700 than the Corolla. It is powered by three engines: the same 1407cc 86p OHV with crossflow head that powers the Corolla 1400, a 1588cc 100ps engine with enlarged bore, and a 105ps twin-carburetor version. A wide variety of transmissions is available, including a 3-speed column shift, 4-speed floor shift, and even a 5-speed option on the 1600cc model, a major attraction of the Carina. The suspension is different from any previous model. While the front suspension is a conventional MacPherson strut, the rear suspension is essentially the same as the Crown, a rigid axle susepnded with a four-link and Panhard rod system and supported by coil springs. The body is available in two-door and four-door versions, with prices ranging from 509,000 yen for the 1400 Standard with 3-speed column shift, to 720,000 yen for the 1600ST four-door with twin carburetors and 5-speed.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: July 1971
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Summary:A family sports car with a 1.6-liter DOHC engine based on the two-door Carina ST. Excellent 5-speed gearbox. The engine is flexible enough to use fifth gear at 60km/h, making it suitable for low-speed driving in the city. High fade resistance from disc/drum brakes. High maneuverability on bias-ply tires. Balanced engine and chassis. Good comfort and interior equipment. Fuel economy is rather poor.