Corolla Generasi Ke-5

The 5th Generation COROLLA

The front wheel drive COROLLA.

"A spacious interior in a compact sedan. Clearing the hurdles to meet world standards."



Fumio Agetsuma,
Development Leader of the 5th Generation COROLLA



Production Period (1983 - 1987)
*Production period in Japan. The period of introduction for this generation model may vary by region.



The 5th generation COROLLA was introduced on the market in May 1983, two months after the production total of COROLLAs reached the 10 million vehicles mark. Japan at that time was seeking a richer lifestyle, and preferences for high grade products were born. Individuals, particularly the younger generation, were exploring their own unique lifestyles, and their sense of values was diversifying. Providing an answer to this trend was the main issue for the 5th generation COROLLA. The key development themes for the new model were "follow the worldwide trend of technical innovations and convert the COROLLA into a front wheel drive passenger car," and "pursue ample room and styling favored by the younger generation."

The list of appealing features and new technology incorporated in the new model could go on and on. Examples include a gracefully curved silhouette emphasizing the trends of the new era, a sleek aerodynamic body, a choice of drivetrains ― front wheel drive for spacious interior and seating comfort / rear wheel drive for driving excitement and a sporty feel, a high performance engine with power and response, and a fine-tuned suspension and power train.

The 5th generation COROLLA was developed to further strengthen the dominance of the COROLLA as the best selling car in the world. And in the four years after its release, the 5th generation COROLLA successfully acquired the No. 1 position in domestic sales and also received favorable reputations overseas.

In March 1979, Fumio Agetsuma, who had served as Development leader of the previous generation, set forth policy to design the 5th generation COROLLA as an FF (front engine, front wheel drive) model. The world at that time was beginning to show signs of FF based passenger cars becoming the mainstream, and in 1978, Toyota released its first FF model. However, the idea of converting the COROLLA to an FF design was not readily approved. Because the COROLLA was a passenger car produced in record numbers, was loved by a wide range of users regardless of age or sex, and was being exported throughout the world, extreme caution was taken before making drastic changes.

In the first part of 1980 after the switch to an FF design had been approved, Agetsuma focused on the positioning of the 5th generation COROLLA and stressed the need to "strive to ensure its status as a worldwide strategic vehicle that is a high quality, high grade family car and to reinforce its international competitive strength." He also declared that this COROLLA "should be an innovative vehicle that incorporates new breakthroughs in every area," and thus launched the development policy for the new model.

Concerning the FF vehicle, Agetsuma stated at that time, "I believed that competitive family cars both from Japan and overseas would soon move towards FF designs to pursue the merits of straight line stability at high speeds, handling performance, and a spacious interior." Two hurdles stood before Agetsuma, who advocated an FF design for the COROLLA from this belief.

The first hurdle was a technical problem. FF designs use a complex mechanism to transmit drive power to the road surface while steering with the front wheels. Because of this complex mechanism, apprehensions existed concerning durability and repair serviceability after miles of use on rough roads. The COROLLA was being exported to many nations with poor road conditions and thus would be driven continuously for long periods of time on bad roads. In fact, around this time there was a European manufacturer that had catastrophic results in exporting FF vehicles to nations with poor road conditions.

The second hurdle was that of cost. In 1979, preliminary calculations showed that the investment needed to convert the FR COROLLA plant, producing 727,000 units per year, into a FF COROLLA plant would total 120 billion yen. This problem was solved with engineering technology that had made significant progress, and by producing the COROLLA in both the FF and FR drivetrains. By adopting the FF design for the sedan, which stressed seating comfort, and the FR design for the coupe, which stressed driving excitement, and by using existing equipment as much as possible, the team successfully reduced the equipment investment expense by almost half. In addition, to those within the company who were opposed to the switch to an FF design, Agetsuma enthusiastically explained the value demanded by the times and the importance of the FF design, and then finally in November 1979, the decision to convert to FF was official.

Computers were widely used to engineer the engine and design of the 5th generation COROLLA, and numerous world-first mechanisms were adopted in the newly developed engine. In addition, a truly innovative vehicle was developed with over 500 patent and utility model applications made during developments. On the other hand, Agetsuma stated the following concerning developments at that time. "The COROLLA has a continuous responsibility of being the 'bread and butter' for various people in nations throughout the world. We placed emphasis on the basic areas that have the greatest impact on passengers even though those areas may be low-key. For example, we used sound proofing and vibration proofing technology, and achieved an incredible level of quietness. Even when we drove the vehicle at 170km/h on the Autobahn in Germany, it provided a comfortable, secure feeling." He also stated, "When Ove Andersson, a professional rally car driver, and other European specialists praised the vehicle for being a step above European vehicles in the same class, it was more wonderful than someone praising my own son." This 5th generation COROLLA was created for the world market in May 1983.

The 5th generation COROLLA entered the market with five body types including the 4-door and 5-door (the former liftback) models in the sedan series, the 2-door and 3-door models in the coupe series, and the wagon. Later in October 1984, 3-door and 5-door model hatchbacks that focused on overseas strategy were added to the lineup. Furthermore, sales of the 4th generation wagon and van models continued without any model changes, and as a result, a total of nine body types were available during that time.

Gasoline engine variations for the sedan series included the newly adopted 1.3-liter OHC 2A-LU engine, the transversely mounted 1.5-liter OHC 3A-LU engine converted from the former 3A-U, and the newly developed 1.6-liter OHC 4A-ELU engine with an EFI system. The 1.8-liter 1C-L diesel engine, which switched the former 1C engine to a transverse mount, was also available.

In addition to offering the 1.5-liter OHC 3A-U II engine from the previous model for use in coupe models, which emphasized a sporty drive, the newly developed 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4A-GEU engine was also made available.

In October 1984, the 4A-GELU engine, the L indicating that it was a converted version of the 4A-GEU to be mounted transversely, was offered in the sedan series and hatchback (COROLLA FX). Also, in May 1985 in the latter half of the model period, the 2A-LU engine was replaced by the newly developed 1.3-liter OHC 2E-LU engine.

The 5th generation COROLLA adopted the FF drivetrain in the sedan and hatchback models, and the FR drivetrain in the other models. To better emphasize a sporty image, all coupe models, which continued to use the FR drivetrain, were unified with the vehicle name "COROLLA Levin" regardless of the type of engine used.

The design concept adopted for the 5th generation COROLLA was "Let's return to the 1st generation COROLLA". The essence of this design concept was to create original style for the 5th generation with technological innovations such as conversion to FF, while achieving innovation like that of the 1st generation model. The major policy at the startup of design was to fully utilize the merits of the FF drivetrain and "create as spacious an interior as possible" and "adopt a style somewhat directed at the younger generation". The exterior, which was designed with awareness of the younger generation, featured a large slanted nose and rounded wedge shape that emphasized surface beauty. Concerning this style, Agetsuma stated, "I think that the gently curved silhouette will create a new trend in world car designs."

Concerning the interior, the development staff at that time stated, "We returned to ground zero and strived to create space for 5 adults." Specifically, the interior was expanded to the maximum limit through methods such as moving the steering wheel forward 5.5 centimeters, lowering the floor surface, and adopting a more vertical angle for the rear window. In this class, designers typically agonized over making millimeter increments, so this move to expand the space by several centimeters was truly revolutionary.

Looking at the exterior design by body type, the sedan adopted a clean, notchback style and expressed an airy image and ease of use. The 5-door model focused on aerodynamic characteristics and targeted a style that appeals to the younger generation as a vehicle featuring innovative style and function. While the coupe model was based on a design theme similar to that of the sedan series, it adopted a design with a carefree form typical of an FR vehicle, with the back end of the rear hatch pinched like a spoiler on the 3-door models.

Three types of engines were used in the sedan series including the 1.3-liter 2A-LU and 1.5-liter 3A-LU developed based on the 3A-U from the 4th generation, and the 1.6-liter 4A-ELU. The 2A-LU and 3A-LU engines strived to improve fuel economy and power performance by adopting the world's first SCV*1 to adjust combustion efficiency at medium and low speeds, a manifold converter, and the IIA*2. As a result, the 2A-LU engine achieved a maximum output of 74ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 10.9kg-m / 3600rpm, and the 3A-LU engine achieved a maximum output of 83ps / 5600rpm and a maximum torque of 12.0kg-m / 3600rpm.

The 4A-ELU engine had increased engine displacement, EFI, and TCCS*3, while inheriting the compact, lightweight, good fuel economy, and low noise characteristics of the base 3A-U engine. This high performance engine generated a maximum output of 100ps / 5600rpm and a maximum torque of 14.0kg-m / rpm.

The 1.8-liter 1C diesel engine introduced in the final model period of the 4th generation was converted to a transverse mount and was offered on the 5th generation COROLLA as the 1C-L. To make compatible to the FF drivetrain, the flywheel was made lighter, and changes were made to the auxiliary equipment. However, there were no changes in performance, and a maximum output of 65ps / 4500rpm and a maximum torque of 11.5kg-m / 3000 rpm were generated.

On the other hand, the engines for the coupe series included the 1.5-liter 3A-U II continued from the 4th generation and the 1.6-liter 16-valve 4A-GEU. The 3A-U II engine strived for improvements in fuel economy and power performance by adopting a dual exhaust manifold and the IIA and such. The 4A-GEU engine, also based on the 3A-U, replaced the famed 2T-GEU. The 4A-GEU, initially developed as a single cam, 2 valves per cylinder engine, was converted into a double-overhead cam, 4-valve design after approximately a year and a half into development. This was done in favor of the higher output in the high speed range, increased combustion efficiency, and intake/exhaust efficiency that the new design offered. Along with this new generation DOHC design, the engine incorporated the latest technologies including an aluminum alloy cylinder head, forged crankshaft, Toyota-Variable Induction System, and higher compression ratio. As a result, a truly high power engine with high response was achieved that generated a maximum output of 130ps / 6600rpm and a maximum torque of 15.2kg-m / 5200rpm. The engine was given the name LASRE*4 like the other new generation Toyota engines, and was called the LASREα 4A-GEU engine.

In October 1984, the 4A-GELU engine, which was a converted version of the 4A-GEU engine for use in a FF drivetrain, was loaded in the sedan series and hatchback (COROLLA FX). Then in May 1985 in the latter half of the model period, the 2A-LU was replaced by the newly developed 1.3-liter OHC 2E-LU engine. This engine adopted SCV, cross flow type intake and exhaust ports, a 3-valve method, and a variable venturi carburetor and such to achieve good fuel economy and high power with a maximum output of 81ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 11.0kg-m / 4400rpm. Furthermore, a Partial Lean System was adopted to stabilize lean air-fuel mixture combustion and conserve fuel through computer control of the air-fuel ratio, and this contributed to superior fuel economy performance.
*1: Swirl Control Valve 　*2: Integrated Ignition Assembly
*3: TOYOTA Computer Controlled System 　*4: Light-weight Advanced Super Response Engine

The 4-speed and 5-speed manual transmissions available for the sedan series were completely updated. The overall length was shortened to accommodate the transverse mounting of the engine due to the conversion to an FF drivetrain. In addition, a 3-speed automatic transmission (which was later replaced by a transmission with a lockup clutch) was available in models equipped with the 2A-LU and 3A-LU engines. Models equipped with the 1C-L engine featured a 3-speed automatic transmission with a lockup clutch that contributed to fuel economy performance. Models equipped with the 4A-ELU engine featured an electronically controlled 4-speed ETC-S automatic transmission. On-board computer was used to control this transmission in response to various road conditions such as departure from slippery road surfaces and driving on winding roads.

In February 1984, a 4-speed automatic transmission with a lockup clutch was added to each model equipped with the 2A-LU, 3A-LU and 1C-L engines, and fuel economy performance and quietness were improved by the OD (overdrive) mechanism.

On the other hand, coupe vehicles equipped with the 3A-U II engine were made available with a 4-speed automatic transmission with a lockup clutch from the time of its initial release. At the time, this was rare option in the 1.5-liter engine class vehicles and had a great impact. Models with the sporty 4A-GEU engine were initially only available with a 5-speed manual transmission, but later the electronically controlled 4-speed ETC-S automatic transmission was added to the lineup.

All suspensions for the sedan series were newly designed as a result of the conversion to the FF drivetrain. A MacPherson strut with an L-shaped lower arm was adopted for the front suspension, while a dual link strut with two lower arms was adopted for the rear suspension.

The suspension for the coupe series adopted the same proven layout of the 3rd generation COROLLA, with the front using a MacPherson strut, and the rear using a 4-link coil with a lateral rod. However, the suspension alignment and lateral rod positioning were reviewed to improve driving stability and riding comfort.

For the steering system, all models of the 5th generation COROLLA adopted rack & pinion steering, and the availability of power steering was expanded. However, to accommodate user needs and to expand their choices, a “-less” option (without power steering) was offered to customers not comfortable with the power steering.

The front seats featured fully reclining seatbacks, expanded slide range, and finer adjustment pitches to improve comfort and expand the freedom of driving postures. In addition, large fabric headrests were adopted in the sedan. For the rear, the availability of split folding seats was expanded in the sedan to enable various seating arrangements to match usage purposes. Distinctively designed lounge seats, appearing as if they are integrated with the trim, were given to the coupe model.

Efforts were also made to enhance equipment. Centralized door locks for convenience in getting in and out, intermittent wipers that reduce hassle in rainy weather, and an automatic air conditioner to maintain interior comfort were adopted. Other features included power door mirrors, power windows, power sunroof, and a multi-use tray and such.

Along with the many features and equipment, the expanded interior dimensions of the 5th generation COROLLA also contributed to providing comfort. With the adoption of a FF drivetrain, the sedan offered a roomy cabin with expanded head clearance and legroom.

In an effort to help enhance occupant protection, a crushable body structure was adopted. By allowing a portion of the body to crumple in a rare event of a collision, this revolutionary body structure efficiently absorbed and dispersed the impact load.

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Other Technologies and Equipment

● Bar type digital rev counter designed with consideration of innovation and visibility

● Mud guards to reduce dirt and scratching

● Lights left on notification buzzer to prevent the battery from draining because the driver forgot to turn off the lights

● Auto drive that enables low speed driving without having to press on the accelerator

● Digital quartz clock

● Power remote control door mirrors
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Major Specifications

*The specifications listed here are for the displayed vehicle (shown in the photo on the left) at the Corolla 40 year anniversary event held in August 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.




Specifications of displayed vehicle
5th generation
Model code
E-AE81-EEMES
Grade
4-door 1500SE Saloon sedan
Model year
1985
Vehicle price (JPY)
1,201,000
Vehicle weight (kg)
890
Minimum turning radius (m)
4.7
Overall length (mm)
4185
Overall width (mm)
1635
Overall height (mm)
1385
Wheelbase (mm)
2430
Min. ground clearance (mm)
160
Interior dimensions
　
length (mm)
1810
width (mm)
1380
height (mm)
1160
Passengers
5
Engine type
3A-LU
No. of cyls & arrangement
Water cooled, inline 4-cylinder OHC
Fuel
Gasoline
Engine displacement (cc)
1452
Fuel consumption (km/L)
-
60 km/h constant speed driving
27.4
10 mode fuel efficiency
16.4
10・15 mode driving
-
Transmission type
5-speed manual
Drive train
FF
Max. output
83PS / 5600rpm







Vehicle Diagram and Dimensions


Secret of COROLLA

Continuously cherished "Hachi-roku"
The last COROLLA with a FR drivetrain was the coupe model "Levin" equipped with the 1.6-liter 16-valve 4A-GEU engine. From the vehicle code "AE86", this vehicle became known as the "86 (Hachi-roku) Levin", and even today is cherished by many fans. The proof of this is this model's continued service even today after 20 years since its release, the holding of one-make races by its fans, and its appearance in the popular TV animation, "Initial D" in Japan, the US, and Asia.


Introduction of the computer
While today computer technology is the obvious choice, the 5th generation COROLLA was a revolutionary car because computers were introduced for its exterior design and engine engineering. A CAD (Computer Aided Design) system just perfected in 1981 was introduced two years before the model's release to aid in design layout. With this system, the preparation of three-dimensional drawings from clay models, which normally took three experienced designers one full month, could be accurately and easily achieved. Full-scale introduction of computers in engine design began around 1980, making it possible to quickly find the most efficient shape by using a computer to handle complex computations such as rigidity calculations. Computers were also actively used in the development of electronically controlled systems, which were becoming more complex as the performance of engines increased. Today, designs that use computers have further expanded, and computers have become an essential element in vehicle development.


Pursuing passenger protection
Research has progressed on crushable body structures that absorb impact energy and protect passengers in a vehicle collision. The number of prototype vehicles manufactured to develop the 5th generation COROLLA totaled 600. Of these prototypes, approximately 100 were used in collision tests. In addition, computers were also used to analyze test results.