The first generation of the Toyota Soluna (1978-1982)

 

The Tercel was introduced in Japan in August 1978,^[1] Europe in January 1979^[2] and the United States in 1980.^[3] It was originally sold as either a two- or four-door coupé, or as a three-door hatchback. A version marketed in parallel through a separate distribution network in Japan was called the Toyota Corsa.^[4] In the United States it was named as the Corolla Tercel. Models sold in the US were powered by a 1,452 cc SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 60 hp (45 kW). Transmission choices were either a four- or five-speed manual, or a three-speed automatic available with the 1.5 engine from August 1979 on.^[5]

In the Japanese market, the 1500 engine developed 80 PS (59 kW) at 5,600 rpm,^[6] while the lesser 1.3-litre 2A engine, added in June 1979, offered a claimed 74 PS (54 kW).^[5] In Europe mainly the smaller 1.3 version was available, with 65 PS (48 kW).^[7]

In this new front-wheel-drive design, the first for Toyota, the engine was mounted longitudinally. The transmission was mounted under the floorpan, as is the case in a rear-wheel-drive car. Unlike a rear-wheel-drive car, the transmission had a ring and pinion gear on the front part of the transmission, underneath the engine. The engine, transmission and differential were located a little side from the centre line of the car, but still roughly in the centre. Halfshafts then extended from the transmission to the front wheels.

In August 1980 the Tercel (and Corsa) underwent a facelift, with considerable changes to the front and minor ones to the interior and rear. The 1A engine was replaced by the 3A of identical displacement but now with 83 PS (61 kW).^[4]

 1981 Tercel coupé (North America, facelift version)

^{Source : wikimapia}

First generation
Overview
Also called	Toyota Corsa
Production	Aug 1978[1]–Apr 1982[2]
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan
Layout	FF layout
Powertrain
Engine	1.3 L 2A I4 (AL11) 1.5 L 1A I4 (AL10) 1.5 L 3A I4 (AL12)
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual