Toyota Paseo

Toyota Paseo (Cynos in Japan) is a sporty, subcompact coupe introduced to in 1991 for the 1992 MY. The Paseo is an entry level vehicle with origins in the compact and long-lived Tercel, although many of its features were a departure from the Tercel. If you examine the side of the Paseo/Cynos and also the Tercel, you can see the bodylines are largely similar. The Tercel front end has been converted on a Paseo before now, so it shows from front fenders onwards you can interchange the parts. Though the Tercel is a largely squared shape compared to the Paseos smooth lines.

Lightweight and nimble, the Paseo/Cynos received the last generation of E series Toyota E engine family. The straight-4 piston engine series, has a timing belt rather than a chain. The engine(s)are of the non-interference type. Typical of Toyota's durable engines, the the two engines available on the first and second generation Paseo/Cynos have cast iron blocks, and aluminum cylinder heads.

The Paseo was available in a range of countries for the second generation EL54 shape. The UK market comprised of the 1.5 5efe engine with a 5speed manual transmission in ST and Si trim, and a small hook up with fashion designer John Galliano saw a yellow edition with optional front lip and mudguards, 15 inch Exclusive Line alloy wheels with 195/50/15 tyres. It was a limited run of 50 specifically for the UK. It also had a aquamarine decal on the flanks. It was based on the Si model. The ST trim was base specification and the Si was the higher, more equipped model. The Si came with 14 inch 'Griffin' alloy wheels, bootspoiler with third brake light, ABS and a CD Player. It's been said that ST and Si models handle differently, as though the Si had a slightly stiffer feel.

To the UK, standard colours were Satin Black (metallic) 205, Sunburst Red 3E5, Pure White 040, Quicksilver (metallic) 1A0, Tropicana (metallic) 756, Azure (metallic) and Canary Yellow 576 for the Galliano.

Over seas saw Coral Wreath, Maroon/Wine, Dark Green and a tinge lighter than Tropicana - A more minty green. Colourcodes are to be confirmed.

For the UK prices started at a shade under £15,000 for the base ST and just under £16,000 for the Galliano.

The Paseo is classed as a rare sight, especially in the UK market, as it did not sell as well as the competitive models such as the Ford Puma, Renault Megane Coupe and The Honda Civic Coupe. Only 1500 were sold from 1996 to 1999 when it was discontinued. It was not as well equipped as the rivals.