Rock-solid reliability of a modern classic

THE Toyota Corolla GLi twin-cam 16 was as easy to love in the 1990s as it is today.

Its reputation for bullet-proof reliability and a rock-solid build has made the Corolla GLi the the veritable “Microsoft stock” of its time.

The GLi is thus sought after for its robustness, eraleading comfort features, “ahead-oftime” styling and predictably impressive performance, even by modern standards.

Shipping industry employee, 37-year-old Kuben Thavaraj is the owner of this week’s “sweet ride”.

Thavaraj, of Chatsworth, is a diehard car enthusiast.

“I have had a passion for cars since my school days and my dream car was a GLi. This is my second. I’ve had this car for 15 years,” he said.

His car has mechanical upgrades such as a set of Toda Verniers and a Jasma performance branch mated to a Doug Wallace 57mm exhaust system front to back.

Engine management comes by way of a Dastek Uni-chip performance management system.

The car has a Koenic coil-over lowered suspension system with a 40mm drop all round. A set of 17-inch TRD mag wheels and rubbers also feature.

Thavaraj installed a premium sound system including a Sony double DIN head unit, Pioneer super tweeters, a Lanser 7, Calibre amps and two 10-inch JBL sub-woofers in a perspex box.

While the interior is standard, the car has one of the nicest sets of original equipment manufacturers’ leather seats I have ever seen on this type. The exterior received slight attention to detail by way of Oyster grey paintwork and a Webasto sunroof.

It was not disclosed how much was spent on this build. SERVICE PROVIDERS: • Wheel Emporium. • Webasto Sunroofs.