Toyota Celica – 2003 Model

• 140bhp engine available on Celica, Celica Style and Celica Premium
• Celica Style adds 17-inch alloy wheels and rear spoiler, sports pedals and enhanced audio package to the standard Celica
• Celica Premium adds climate control, full leather seats and electric sunroof
• 189bhp engine only available on Celica T Sport
• Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control (VSC & TRC) now standard on T Sport
• Darker interior trim for sportier, quality feel
• Improved chassis and brakes
• On sale in October

Visitors to this year’s British International Motor Show will see the upgraded Toyota Celica with enhanced safety features, subtle handling and styling tweaks.

SEE FURTHER, CORNER FLATTER, STOP QUICKER

Even the most experienced driver needs a car with high safety levels to benefit from the full potential of a well-balanced chassis and a powerful engine. For this reason, safety and driving pleasure are seen as one in the upgraded Celica.

Front disc diameter is increased to 275mm on all models for extra stopping power and more resistance to fade – the 189bhp T Sport has been so equipped since launch.

Celica T Sport also has VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), TRC (Traction Control) and BA (Brake Assist) as standard equipment.

Modifications to both front and rear shock absorbers on the upgraded Celica result in a more flat, comfortable ride and better traction.

Changes made to the steering achieve a more responsive feel, while small aerodynamic modifications result in superior high-speed stability by reducing rear lift.

THE SAME, BUT SOMEHOW DIFFERENT…

The Toyota Celica’s exterior design has undergone a subtle change at the front – not so much a face-lift as a new collar and tie. The cut-away of the lower grille is wider, making the vertical bars widen more emphatically as they descend. The openings around the integrated fog lamps have a sharper shape. The rear lamps now feature a double-barrelled internal shape and are now co-ordinated in all red lenses.

Finally, the latest Toyota Celica wears its badge with more pride – the Toyota emblem on the bonnet has been increased in size. In addition, two vibrant new colours, Sahara Sun and Island Green have been added to the range.

Unmistakable Higher Quality For Celica’s Cockpit

The stylish, sporty interior of the Toyota Celica now offers unmistakable higher quality thanks to a darker, more sober colour choice with contrasting inlays.

New coloured lighting for many of the ancillary controls and audio unit results in a co-ordinated sporty look, making the main instrumentation easier to read at a glance, while the heater controls have also been changed.

Front and rear fabric seats now feature black central sections with vibrant red side trims. The Celica Premium now features restyled full leather seats and the T Sport model has unique leather seats as standard.

FEATURING THE ‘ENGINE OF THE YEAR’ (1.4-1.8 CLASS)

The engines – both 140bhp and 189bhp versions – are already among the best 1.8-litre power units and they remain unchanged. Both are 1.8-litre capacity and offer Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-i) on the 140bhp version and Variable Valve Timing with Lift-intelligent (VVTL-i) technology on the 189bhp version.

A panel of judges from all over the world considered the 1.8 VVTL-i engine from the Celica T Sport as the best among all 1.4 to 1.8-litre powertrains in the market, including diesel. As a result, this engine received the title of ‘Engine of the Year’ in the 1.4 to 1.8-litre class from Engine Technology International Magazine.

The reasons for the judges’ choice are clear: besides boasting one of the best specific power figures in the world (over 100bhp per litre from a normally aspirated engine), the 1.8 VVTL-i can deliver breathtaking performance with surprisingly low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

ENDS