Toyota Paseo

Toyota Paseo
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Also called	Toyota Cynos
Production	January 1991[1]–July 1999[1]
Assembly	Takaoka Assembly, Toyota City, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Sport compact
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Corolla coupe

The Toyota Paseo (known as the Cynos in Japan and other regions) is a sports styled compact car sold from 1991–1999 and was loosely based on the Tercel. It was available as a coupe and in later models as a convertible. Toyota stopped selling the car in the United States in 1997, however the car continued to be sold in Canada, Europe and Japan until 1999, but had no direct replacement. The Paseo, like the Tercel, shares a platform with the Starlet. Several parts are interchangeable between the three.

"Paseo" is Spanish for "a walk" or "a stroll."

First generation (1991–1995)

First generation EL44
Overview
Production	January 1991[1]–August 1995
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe
Powertrain
Engine	1.5 L 5E-FE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length	4,145 mm (163.2 in)
Width	1,656 mm (65.2 in)
Height	1,275 mm (50.2 in)

The first generation of the Paseo was made from 1991 to 1995. Based on the Tercel, the Paseo featured a 1.5-liter 5E-FE inline-four engine. In most markets, the Paseo's engine was rated at 100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS) @ 6400 rpm and 91 pound-feet (123 N·m) of torque @ 3200 rpm. In 1993 in California and other states with California level emissions standards, it was rated at 93 hp (69 kW; 94 PS) and 100 pound-feet (136 N·m) of torque. It was offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.

1991–1995 Paseo (EL44, Australia)

Toyota Cynos (Japan)

Second generation (1995–1999)

Second generation EL54
Overview
Production	September 1995–July 1999[1]
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 4E-FE I4 (Japan) 1.5 L 5E-FE/FHE I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length	4,155 mm (163.6 in)
Width	1,661 mm (65.4 in)
Height	1,295.4 mm (51.0 in)

The second generation of the Paseo was introduced to Japan in 1995, and for the 1995 model year in North America. Apart from some modernizing in the engine electronics, the only noticeable change was in the body sheet metal. A convertible model was shown at the October 1995 Tokyo Motor Show^[2] and was released for sale in August 1996. This was the last year the Paseo was sold in the United States (1997 model year).

To reduce emissions levels, the second generation Paseo's engine was reduced to the same specifications as the California CARB models, delivering 93 hp (69 kW; 94 PS) and 100 pound-feet (136 N·m), this, another E series engine, the 5E-FE inline-four engine. It was sold in the United Kingdom (UK) from 1996 to 1998, but was withdrawn due to slow sales.

Toyota Paseo Convertible

The UK had three models in the Paseo range: the base ST, the Si adding 14-inch alloy wheels, a Sony CD player, color-keyed boot spoiler with third brake light and anti-lock brakes, and the Galliano, featuring a color-keyed chin spoiler, mud guards, and yellow paintwork with aquamarine decals on the bodysides, as well as wider 15-inch alloy wheels with low-profile 195/50 tyres. The Paseo convertible was not sold in Britain. All UK models came with the 5E-FE engine producing 89 bhp (66 kW; 90 PS). The top speed, as claimed by Toyota, is 112 miles per hour (180 km/h).

The Japanese market version was again named "Toyota Cynos". Three versions were available: Alpha, Beta, and Juno. All came with color-coded wing mirrors and a rear windscreen wiper. The models differed in their dashboards, interior upholstery, steering wheels, and engines. The Juno came with a 1.3 4E-FE engine with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The Alpha had the 1.5 5E-FE engine with a five-speed manual gearbox and the Beta came with a 5E-FHE engine (commonly known in the Toyota Sera), also with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Toyota discontinued the Cynos/Paseo in 1999.

References

1. "Toyota Family Tree". toyota-global.com. Retrieved 2014-08-25.
2. "Tokyo Motor Show Toyota press information" (PDF). Toyota. October 1995. Retrieved 2011-04-17.

External links

Media related to Toyota Paseo at Wikimedia Commons