Toyota Corolla (E70)

Toyota Corolla E70
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1300 DX (KE70)
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Daihatsu Charmant Toyota Sprinter Toyota T-18 [1]
Production	March 1979–June 1987
Assembly	Toyota City, Japan Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Thames, New Zealand, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door hardtop coupé 3-door liftback 3-door station wagon 5-door station wagon 3-door van [2] 5-door van
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	1290 cc 4K I4 1452 cc 3A I4 1496 cc 5K-J I4 1588 cc 2T I4 1588 cc 12T I4 1587 cc 4A I4 1770 cc 3T I4 1770 cc 13T I4 1839 cc 1C diesel I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	94 in (2,400 mm)
Length	159.4–161.6 in (4,050–4,105 mm)
Width	63 in (1,610 mm)
Height	54.5 in (1,385 mm)
Curb weight	1,885 lb (855 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Corolla E30
Successor	Corolla E80

The Corolla E70 was the fourth generation of cars sold by Toyota under the Corolla nameplate.

The fourth-generation model was released in March 1979 in Japan, and was the last generation to have the entire lineup in rear-wheel-drive configuration. Export sales commenced in August 1979.^[3] Although most of the fourth generation was replaced by 1984, the station wagon and van versions were offered into late 1987. In 1980 Corolla daily production reached an all-time high, averaging 2,346 units. The one-millionth Corolla was a 70-series, built in February 1983. A limited "One Million Edition" was released in Japan at this time.^[4]

Development

This generation (apart from the wagon) got a new rear coil spring five-link rear end with a panhard rod, and the wheelbase was longer at 94.5 in (2,400 mm). A new underwhelming 1.8 L (1,770 cc/108 in³) 3T engine was optional to some markets, while parts of the world retained the old 4K. The most notable inline-four engine advancement came in 1983, however, as Toyota began offering the 1.6 L (1,587 cc/96 in³) 4A-C. The aluminum head, SOHC engine, although bulkier in size and weight than the K and T engines it was offered alongside, was a grand step up in performance. This would be the last generation of Corollas to use any pushrod or iron cylinder head engines, as Toyota made the decision to focus exclusively on aluminium head, OHC engine design from this point forward. This was the first generation to have power steering. In the US market, this was introduced in the 1981 for the 1982 model year.

Corolla Wagon following the 1982 facelift

Various facelifts were made during production. In 1979-1980, a four-round headlamp setup was used in most markets. A restyle for 1981 involved two rectangular headlamps. A more extensive facelift was given for 1982, involving a new sloping nose with wraparound headlights, remodeled taillights and new bumpers, which on some models were rubber moulded. From August 1983 (subsequent to the changeover to front-wheel drive for the rest of the range) the Corolla Van received a new 1.5 litre 5K-J engine as well as a light restyling, and also a roof raised by 45 mm (1.8 in).^[5] The Wagon/Van underwent a final light facelift in August 1985, including an upgraded 1C-II engine for the diesels.^[6] It also received seats that could be folded nearly flat to make the car bedable, and continued in production until being replaced by the 90-series Corolla Van/Wagon in August 1987.

Design

Design work was started in 1974 by Fumio Agetsuma. The goals he told his team were:^[7]

• Quiet cars will have a definite edge. Conservation of both resources and fuel will be very important. Economy and value will also carry considerable weight.
• Our new Corolla must be as aerodynamically perfect as the parameters allow. It must be comfortable, with enough interior room to move about in. It will need all the modern features that future customers will want as well.
• Corolla must change. But we should never destroy the popular base upon which Corolla sales are built. Our new car must reflect the wishes of the consumer, the ordinary people who drive Corollas.
• There should be no generation gap with Corolla. It should appeal to young and old alike. Corolla must also transcend national boundaries. It must perform as well in sub-zero temperatures as it does in the tropics or in the heat of the deserts of the world. Above all, Corolla must be a car that pleases.
• Corolla has an illustrious tradition. Now, let us build our new Corolla on that tradition, the kind of new Corolla we know the drivers of the world will expect.

Japan

Corolla Sedan 1600 GT (TE71)

In Japan, where it was introduced in March 1979, the Corolla was offered in all body styles: two-door Sedan, four-door Sedan, two-door Hardtop, three-door Coupe, and three-door Liftback. The three- or five-door Van models were added to the lineup in August 1979, until then the old 30-series Van had continued to be available.^[8] This was also when the 1.8 litre 13T engine first became available in the domestic Japanese market.^[9] The Levin continued as a coupe, with a sporting four-door sedan called the Corolla GT also available.

February 1982 saw the introduction of the Toyota 1C diesel engine installed in the Corolla sedan.^[4] This car was exclusive to the Toyota Diesel Store to encourage sales at the largely commercial truck retailer for Toyota in Japan, alongside the larger, diesel-engined Toyota Vista. At the same time, the Van was no longer available with the 1.6 litre gasoline engine, but the five-door KE73G wagon was introduced as the first Corolla Wagon to be sold in Japan (rather than the "van" commercial car).^[5] The Van/Wagon continued to be offered until August 1987, skipping the first front-wheel-drive generation of Corollas. After the introduction of the front-wheel drive E80-series Corolla, the Van range received a facelift and a new set of chassis codes (KE72V, KE74V, CE71V).

Japanese market engines:

• 4K-U — 1.3 L (1290 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod, carb, 74 PS (54 kW) (KE70, KE73G)
• 4K-J — 1.3 L (1290 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod, carb, 69 PS (51 kW) (KE71V, KE72V, van only) 72 PS (53 kW) in later models^[10]
• 5K-J — 1.5 L (1496 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod, carb, (KE74V, van only)
• 3A-U — 1.5 L (1,452 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 80 PS (59 kW) (AE70)
• 12T-J — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod, carb, 86 PS (63 kW) (TE73V,^[5] TE74V from August 1981)
• 2T-GEU — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve DOHC, EFI, 115 PS (85 kW) (TE71)
• 13T-U — 1.8 L (1,770 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod, 95 PS (70 kW)^[11] (TE70)
• 3T-C — 1.8 L (1,770 cc) I4, 8-valve pushrod (TE72)
• 1C - 1.8 L I4 diesel, 65 PS (48 kW)^[11] (CE70, CE71V)

North America

North American market engines:

• 3T-C — 1.8 L (1,770 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb, 75 hp (56 kW)
• 4A-C — 1.6 L (1,587 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 90 hp (67 kW)

North American market chassis:

• E-71 — Sedan, 2-door/4-door (Std, DX)
• E-71 — Wagon, 5-door (Std, DX)
• E-71 — Hardtop, 2-door (SR5)
• E-71 — Coupé, 2-door (SR5)
• E-71 — Liftback, 3-door (Std, SR5)
• E-72 — Sedan, 5-door (Std, DX)
• E-72 — Wagon (Std, DLX)
• E-72 — Coupé 2-door (Std, SR5)
• E-72 — Liftback, 3-door (Std, SR5)
• E-72 — Hardtop, 2-door (Std, SR5)
• E-75 — Hardtop, 2-door (SR5)
• E-75 — Coupé, 2-door (SR5)
• E-75 — Liftback, 3-door (Std, SR5)

Australia

The TE72 Liftback was marketed in Australia as the Toyota T-18.^[12] Introduced in October 1979, it was fitted with a 1.8 litre engine and a five-speed transmission.^[13]

70 series sedan, wagon and panel van variants were introduced in October 1981 with a 1.3 litre engine.^[14] Facelifted models was offered from October 1983, with a 1.6 litre engine now available as an option.^[15]

Australian market engines:

• 4K-C — 1.3 L (1290 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb, 65 hp (48 kW)
• 4A-C — 1.6 L (1587 cc) I4, 8-valve SOHC, carb, 78 hp (58 kW)
• 3T-C — 1.8 L (1770 cc) I4, 8-valve Pushrod, carb (E72, sold as the "Toyota T-18")

Europe

Most E70-series Corollas sold in Europe were fitted with the 1.3 litre 4K engine, producing 60 PS (44 kW).^[16] All European market cars were rated according to DIN. There was also the 1.6 litre 2T engine with 75 PS (55 kW), which was also available in the wagon in some markets, as well as a twin-carburetted version of the same (the 2T-B) for the coupés and liftbacks. The 2T-B has 86 PS (63 kW). The twin-cam 2T-G was also listed in Europe (only with coupé/liftback bodywork), with 108 PS (79 kW) at 6,200 rpm.^[17] The European twin-cam has twin carburettors rather than the fuel injection found in domestic Japanese cars. Due to their peculiar emissions regulations, the most powerful engine available to a Swiss liftback buyer was the 1,770 cc 3T unit, producing 80 PS (59 kW).^[18]

Asia

This generation of Corolla was marketed in many Asian countries. One of its most popular market was Malaysia, where it was sold as the "Corolla DX" grade. The Malaysian market Corolla was equipped with the 4K engine and only offered as a four-door sedan. This Corolla model has become somewhat of a collector item since.

Motorsport

Win Percy won the 1982 British Saloon Car Championship driving an E70 series Toyota Corolla GT.

Gallery

Corolla TE72 2 Door Sedan (USA)  Corolla KE70 Wagon  Corolla KE70 Wagon  Corolla TE72 Hardtop Coupe (US)  Corolla Liftback  Corolla Sedan KE70 SE (Australia)  Toyota Corolla Levin series TE71 (Japan)  Corolla KE70 4-door (Malaysia)  Corolla KE70 4-door interior

References

1. David Boyce, What Car is That? in Australia & New Zealand, 1981, page 168
2. Australian market sales brochure for Toyota Corolla (KE70) sedan, station wagon and panel van, circa 1981
3. Toyota Vehicle Identification Manual. Japan: Toyota Motor Corporation - Overseas Parts Department. 1984. Catalog No.97913-84.
4. Car Graphic: '80s Car Archives, p. 16
5. "5th Corolla Van". 75 years of history: Vehicle lineage. Toyota. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
6. Car Graphic: '80s Car Archives, p. 18
7. "The Toyota Corolla story", Toyota publication KE-CS/E-8003/D/No.85527/23200, March 1980
8. "4th Corolla Van". 75 years of history: Vehicle lineage. Toyota. Retrieved 2013-11-16.
9. 自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book 1979/1980] (in Japanese) (Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) 26: 116. 1979-11-01. 053-790026-3400. Missing or empty |title= (help)
10. Corolla Van (catalog) (in Japanese), Toyota Motor Corporation, February 1982, p. 16, 151087-5702
11. Car Graphic: '80s Car Archives, p. 17
12. Corolla 7# 4th generation, Stepho's Toyota Site Retrieved 6 April 2016
13. Gover, Paul (12 October 1979). "Two Toyota sporting sedans on show". The Canberra Times (ACT). p. 7. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
14. Toyota Corolla (KE70), www.goauto.com.au Retrieved 6 April 2016
15. Toyota Corolla (KE70 Series II), www.goauto.com.au Retrieved 6 April 2016
16. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 10, 1983). "Automobil Revue '83" (in German and French) 78. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag, AG: 1. ISBN 3-444-06065-3.
17. Automobil Revue '83, p. 518
18. Automobil Revue '83, p. 157

Works cited

• 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 80年代の日本 [Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese). Tokyo: Nigensha. 2007. p. 1. ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6.

See also