TOYOTA CELICA 1999-2006
The seventh-generation Toyota Celica is a smartlooking thing. Lightweight and sharp, it is poised and nicely balanced, partly thanks to an engine that isn’t overwhelmingly powerful. Progress is swift enough, and you actually enjoy the experience of driving, rather than simply holding on for dear life. The four-pot makes a nice muted sound, and you need to rev it hard to get the best out of it.
That said, over-revving creates loads that it just can’t cope with, causing the timing chain to snap.
Decent standard kit included air conditioning, electric windows and alloy wheels, while Premium trim added climate control, leather and a CD player. Sport meant some extra details, including a bodykit and alloy pedals. Dynamic was similar.
There was a facelift in 2002 and minor spec adjustments, making Style and T packs available.
Although the Celica is nominally a four-seater, it really is quite a squeeze in the back.
Interestingly, the sunroof on UK cars is made of a special polymer, rather than glass. It may be much lighter, but it can be scratched and marked easily.