Although it carried a slightly unusual name, the Toyota T-18 was a usual car, especially if you knew that it was practically just a special version of Corolla.
When talking about best-selling vehicles, three things come to mind—dependability, durability, and low running costs—and T-18 wasn’t any different.
The main thing with this nameplate is that it was used for a 3-door liftback version of the Corolla for only one generation. The T-18 was the first "Corolla" with this body style in Australia.
Despite the discontinuation of T-18 after one generation, Toyota continued to use exclusive nameplates for this body style in this part of the world. Let’s see how it went.
The First (and only) Generation of Toyota T-18 (1979-1984)
The development of the Toyota T-18 started in the late 1970s. Toyota was working on the new generation of the model that would later become the best-selling car in history. Of course, we are talking about the Corolla.
Back in the day, the Australian version of the E30 (third-generation Corolla) was offered in three body styles: sedan, coupe, or wagon. For the next generation, the Japanese manufacturer was preparing something new.
The goals of the new generation were to continue the evolution of a recognisable design and to bring improvements in all aspects without making radical changes.
At the same time, Toyota also wanted to offer something new, a new body style that would make Toyota's compact appealing to a broader range of potential buyers.
The fourth-generation Corolla, codenamed E70, brought a new body style indeed. Besides the variants mentioned above, the E70 also came as a three-door liftback, but it didn't carry the Corolla nameplate. Instead, it came with the T-18 moniker. That model came in March 1979, and it was available until 1984. For all these years of production, this liftback was offered in just one grade, the Toyota T-18 SE Deluxe.
Design
The T-18 was introduced in 1979, and just like the rest of the E70 range, it brought a lot of new designs and technical solutions. Compared to the previous E30 model, it featured completely new mechanics, including a new suspension setup and new engines with aluminium heads (some versions continued with engines with iron heads and pushrods).
This particular version was offered in a 3-door liftback body style, a layout that ensured a good balance between compact size and practicality back in the day.
One of the most interesting technical solutions was the new rear suspension, which included a 5-link setup, Panhard rod, and coil springs. This significantly improved the handling and overall ride quality.
We’ve seen a similar setup two years earlier in Nissan’s Sunny, one of Corolla's key rivals in the previous decades.
On the other hand, T-18’s brakes were pretty typical for the time, with discs at the front and drums on the rear axle.
Dimensions
Like the rest of the Corolla range, the T-18 featured a wheelbase of 2,400mm, around 30mm more than the previous-generation E30 model. Other dimensions also increased, with 4,105mm total length, 1,340mm height, 1,625mm width, and a pretty low ground clearance of around 115mm.
Thanks to its compact dimensions, the turning cycle was just 9.56 metres, while the kerb weight was under 1,000kg. The front rack is 1,325mm, while the rear rack is 10mm wider.
Toyota T-18 Dimensions
- Wheelbase: 2400mm
- Height: 1340mm
- Length: 4105mm
- Width: 1625mm
- Ground clearance unladen: 115mm
- Turning circle: 9.6m
- Rear track: 1335mm
- Front track: 1325mm
- Kerb weight: 985kg
Toyota T-18 Engine
E70 models were offered with several powertrain options, but that wasn't the case with the Toyota T-18. This model was exclusively offered with one engine option, the company's new 1.8-litre petrol unit.
The new engine was codenamed T3 and featured a so-called TGP ("Turbulence Generating Pot") lean burn system, which Toyota was using to meet emissions standards in certain parts of the world.
This inline-four engine featured an 85mm × 78mm cylinder bore and stroke, so the engine capacity was 1,770cc. The max output was rated at 54kW and 122Nm of max torque, which was enough to ensure decent performance.
At the same time, the car was efficient, with an average fuel economy of 8.2 L/100km combined, according to the manufacturer.
Another thing we should mention about the Toyota T-18 is the transmission. Unlike other E70 models that were also available with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, this model was exclusively offered with a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.
Toyota T-18 Engine Specs
- Engine Capacity: 1770cc
- Number of cylinders: 4, inline
- Fuel type: Leaded Petrol
- Max power: 54kW
- Max torque: 122Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Fuel consumption: 8.2L/100km (combined)
- Fuel tank capacity: 50L
Was there a second generation of Toyota T-18?
No, there wasn't. The T-18 was produced between 1979 and 1984, while the E70 generation of Corolla was replaced in 1987 with the E80 model. Technically, the T-18 was discontinued, but the Japanese manufacturer continued offering Corollas in a 3-door liftback layout. In Australia, that model was named Sprinter.
The Sprinter was actually a rebadged AE86, which is widely considered one of the most legendary Corollas of all time. The catch with this model was in the fact that Toyota kept rear-wheel drive (most E80s switched to the FWD layout). In combination with new, more powerful engines, this model would eventually become one of the biggest drift legends and a rally icon.
Are there any T-18s on today’s used car market?
Considering the car's age, it's quite easy to conclude that finding a T-18 in good condition would be a challenging task. If you find one of these, expect to pay between $1,900 and $3,300, which is the current average price of this oldie.
If you own a T-18 or any other old Corolla and need replacement parts, feel free to send a query. We may be able to find the parts you need. If you want to advertise your Toyota T-18 for sale, you can do it on our website and find more interested buyers.
By Nebojsa Grmusa