Model tested: Toyota Celica 1.8 VVT-i T-Sport
Price: £21,145
Date tested: February 2009
Road tester: Richard Dredge

Overall rating: 86%
When Toyota ditched the Celica, it was a tragedy that such an icon had bitten the dust. However, even though the Celica is now history, it still makes a great buy; here's why.

1: Looks
There's no ambiguity with the Toyota's lines; you can tell immediately that this is a car with sporting pretensions. The details are just right too, so it looks distinctive without being pretentious.
8/10

2: Looks inside
The Celica's cabin is something of a mixed bag, as the layout works well, there's plenty of standard equipment and most bits are durable enough. However, it all looks a bit low-rent.
6/10

3: Practicality
For a sporting car, the Celica is impressively practical thanks to its hatchback. The fitment of fold-down rear seats ensures that even large loads can be carried.
8/10

4:Ride and Handling
Even though it's front-wheel drive, this is a true driver's car thanks to a sharp turn in, and neutral handling when pressing on through the bends. Even better, the ride is reasonably compliant.
9/10

5: Performance
The T-Sport has a top speed of 140mph and can despatch the 0-60mph sprint in just 7.2 seconds. But you have to really wring the engine; you'll need 6200rpm on the dial before the engine really comes on cam.
8/10

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6: Running costs
Depreciation isn't much of an issue and excellent reliability mean you can run a Celica surprisingly cheaply. However, fuel consumption can dip to 20mpg and insurance is group 15.
8/10

7: Reliability
There's little to worry about when it comes to reliability, but watch out for grey imports not properly rustproofed. Heavy oil consumption is normal and ask if there have been any ECU upgrades.
10/10

8: Safety
Toyota didn't crash test the Celica, but there are anti-lock brakes and electronic brake force distribution plus twin front airbags, side airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, three-point belts all round, plus side impact bars in the doors. Posher Celicas got stability control, brake assist and traction control.
10/10

9: Equipment
The Celica comes with a raft of standard equipment including leather trim, an electric sunroof, CD player and climate control plus alloy wheels.
10/10

10: X-Factor
With good looks, decent dynamics, superb reliability and masses of standard equipment, the Celica makes a great sporting buy. The cabin lets it down, but in return there's reasonable practicality while purchase costs are admirably low.
9/10