Introduction

In February 1992, the new Carina E model was presented by Toyota for the European market. The designation "E" is used in Europe as a mark of superior quality. This vehicle inherited all the well-known qualities of its predecessor, the Carina II, and added many new advantages.

The Carina E model was offered in three body styles: four-door "Sedan", five-door "Hatchback" and "Estate" (Fig. 1.1.).

Fig. 1.1. Body styles of the Toyota Carina E: hatchback, sedan and estate

The manufacturer offered five internal combustion engines (ICE) for the customer to choose from.

Two 1.6-liter gasoline engines with double overhead camshafts and 4 valves per cylinder. One is a standard engine, the second is a "lean-burn" engine (an engine running on a lean air-fuel mixture) with lower power and torque, but with more economical fuel consumption.

In addition, there were two 2.0-liter gasoline engines, also with double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder: one standard type and one sporty type specifically for the 2.0 GTi model. Finally, a 2.0-liter diesel engine was supplied.

All engines are in-line, mounted transversely in the engine compartment, and have four cylinders with 4 valves in each.

Fig. 1.2. General view of the engine compartment of the Toyota Carina E with the 4A-FE gasoline engine, 1600 cm 3 ; with manual transmission,

where: 1 - throttle body assembly; 2 - ignition coil; 3 - upper strut mount; 4 - air cleaner housing; 5 - battery; 6 - distributor; 7 - fuse and relay box; 8 - horns; 9 - radiator filler cap cover; 10 - exhaust manifold heat shield; 11 - alternator; 12 - cooling system expansion tank cap; 13 - 4A-FE engine; 14 - engine oil filler cap; 15 - washer reservoir filler cap.

Valve train operation on all engines is driven by a drive belt and two overhead camshafts. The valves are adjusted using sealing plates (adjusting shims). The engines have a sealed cooling system with a expansion tank. The cooling fan has an electric drive with thermostatic control.

The clutch has a hydraulic actuation system.

All models were generally supplied with a 5-speed manual transmission. An automatic transmission could be fitted to models with the 1.6-liter engine (4A-FE engine) and the 2.0-liter engine (3S-FE engine).

The Carina E model has independent front and rear wheel suspension. The MacPherson front suspension consists of a strut assembly with a coil spring and gas-filled shock absorbers. Versions with the 3S-GE engine are equipped with "Super Struts" front suspension.

At the rear, trailing arms are used, with two parallel brackets on the left and right in the transverse direction and a reaction rod in the longitudinal direction. In addition, a stabilizer bar is installed at the front and rear on all models.

The steering is a rack-and-pinion type with a small drive pinion and, depending on the equipment level, power-assisted steering.

The Carina E model is equipped with a reinforced dual-circuit brake system with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, as well as a load-sensing brake force regulator. Models with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) have rear disc brakes.

The following description mainly covers the 1996 model year Toyota Carina E with "Hatchback" and "Sedan" body styles, with the 4A-FE gasoline engine of 1587 cm³ and the 3S-FE (1998 cm³). A brief technical specification of the Toyota Carina E with the 1587 cm³ engine is given in Table 1.1.

Table 1.1. Technical specifications of the Toyota Carina E, "Sedan" body