Hatch Heaven

In 1980, the front wheel drive, 5-speed Toyota Tercel 1.3GL managed a 47.9 MPG rating at a constant 56 MPH and had a 97MPH top speed. It had a spacious 32.2 cubic feet of storage space, and came with halogen headlamps, polypropylene bumpers, internally adjustable door mirrors, rear seats belts, individually folding rear seats, FM radio, tinted glass, rear wash/wipe, mud flaps, “low fuel” and “door ajar” warning lights and luggage lamp, all standard.

The 1979 rear wheel drive Toyota Starlet GL 1000 5-door had a 993 cc, four cylinder engine reaching a minimum speed of 84 MPH and got 48.3 MPG. It was a dream to drive with its rack and pinion steering and looked great with its smooth lines and wind tunnel tested profile giving it a low drag coefficient body.

It was fired with MacPherson strut-type suspension at the front and four-link location coil spring suspension at the back. It even had some pretty high safety standards like collapsible steering column and the body structure was designed to adsorb the maximum amount of energy on impact.

The 1985 Toyota Corolla Trueno GTV Twin Cam 16 (AE86) had the “Lasre Pegasus” suspension, LSD differential and interior trim design as the two door (known as the GT). It was introduced by Toyota in 1983 as part of the fifth generation Toyota Corolla lineup. It  had front vented disc brakes and rear solid disc brakes as standard equipment and didn’t change much during its almost 5-year run except for minor exterior trim pieces. The earlier versions are called “Zenki” (the first), and the later versions are referred to as “Kouki” (last). It was equipped with a DOHC 16-valve Inline-4 which produced 112 HP.

1979 Toyota Starlet 1.2 1200 GL 5-door hatchback came with a 5-speed manual transmission (the 1000 GL had a -speed) and courtesy lights on al five does as standard. Another feature to note is the bi-level heater which could allow cold air to come in from the dashboard vents, and warm air to emerge at feet level. There was also a special air-mix mechanism which lets you adjust the temperature freely and had side window dimisters and was somewhat quiet since it was “soundproofed”. Outside, it had a distinctive look with its sport wheels, matte black bumpers which were as practical as they were attractive and all-around protective side moldings. Other features fitted as standard included a door mirror, lockable petrol flap, matt-black windshield wipers to cut down on glare plus a heated rear window with washer/wiper. The hatchback door could either be opened from the outside with a key or from a lever in the driver’s compartment. Even the both the back seats up, there’s still 6.0 cubic feet of space for luggage. They fold independently, but when they are both folded down, your space grows to 21.2 cubic feet.

The fun, efficient Toyota Yaris, which was all-new for the 2012 model year, continues into 2013 in this five-door liftback model, and is also available in a three-door version. With a $14,370 MSRP, it 1.5 liter 4-cyliunder develops 106 HP. The 2013 Yaris is offered in three grades, with the entry-level L and value-packaged LE editions available either as a three-door liftback or five-door liftback. The sport-tuned SE is available only as a five-door.

The 1978 Toyota Corolla SR-5 Liftback made driving fun again with its standard 5-speed overdrive transmission mated to a 1.6 liter engine. It also had MacPherson strut front suspension, power assisted front disc brakes  and steel belted radial-ply tires.

The aerodynamic styling and spirited performance of the Celica GT Liftback quickly secured the title “Import Car of the Year for 1976 and again in 1978.

The 1980 Toyota Celica USGP (which stands for United States Grand Prix) was a one-year only model produced to commemorate Toyota’s association with Grand Prix racing in the United States. Toyota had been actively involved in Grand Prix racing as the Official Pace Car of the Long Beach Grand Prix from 1975, and the Toyota Grand Prix of the United States at Watkins Glen since 1977. It came in Red, White (shown below) or Blue. It is believed that only 200 were produced of each color and it weighed just 2530 pounds.

This $750.00 option was offered only in 1980 and included the following:
Exterior:
• A special honeycomb grill
• Flat Black B pillars
• Special “Grand Prix” two-color side stripes
• Mud guards
• Aluminum alloy wheels and 185/70 HR14 steel-belted radial ply tires raised white letters
Interior:
• Ivory vinyl seats with black piping
• Ivory colored headliner and door panels
• Black leather wrapped steering wheel
• A high performance sound system, which featured electronic AM/FM tuner, cassette deck, equalizer/amplifier and four speakers
• A USGP dash plaque.

The 90hp, 2.2 liter 4-cylinder SOHC engine delivered smooth yet powerful acceleration. 5-speed overdrive transmission reduced engine wear.

The interior included complete instrumentation, including tachometer, which let you monitor the engines’ performance. MacPerson strut front suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars provided a fairly precise and comfortable ride. A power assisted front disc/rear drum brakes brought it to s smooth stop.

For personal luxury, an illuminated entry system greets you when you turn the door lock key and the driver’s seat adjusts six different ways and even included adjustable lumbar support.

This 1978 Toyota Startlet looks like most of the hatchbacks of the era. With the exception of the front end. It’s very similar to cars like the Volkswagen Rabbit, to name just one. (image source: John Lloyd)