Summary

This is the seventh incarnation of the Toyota Celica. It’s been around since 1999, but the sharp, aggressive shape still looks fresh, a testament to how good a design it was. This model was never developed with rallying in mind, so there is no four-wheel-drive turbocharged version. But that doesn’t make it a wimp. It still manages to deliver a decent driving experience and Toyota’s reputation for reliability is a significant draw for most customers. Easy to overlook, with RX-8, Crossfire and 350Z hogging all the recent coupé limelight but Celica is still a nice car. Recent GT model wears a bodykit worthy of The Fast and the Furious.

The 1.8 is available in two forms: 140 and 189bhp. It’s a Variable Valve Timing Intelligent (VVT-i) engine and needs to be revved hard to get the most from it. The 140bhp version is tepid, but still has enough power to provide fun. The 189bhp makes Celica a genuine sports coupé but only really delivers strong performance in the upper quarter of its rev range, when it suddenly starts pulling hard. The six-speed gearbox is notchy and needs precision for quick changes.

Handling

The Celica is now only available with front-wheel drive. The ride is pleasingly compliant, but not at the expense of dynamism. It tackles corners with enthusiasm and the steering is quick to respond but not particularly communicative. Celica is happy enough on the motorway, too. This is a competent driving set-up, but not one that particularly delivers driving pleasure to the degree that say little brother MR-2 does A traction control system that beeps a warning to you if you use it suggests this isn’t a car designed to be pushed beyond it’s limits.