TOYOTA COROLLA SPACIO: Which Version Do You Like for Used Car?

The Transformation of the Corolla Spacio

First Generation (1997 – 2001)

The first generation TOYOTA COROLLA SPACIO was released in January 1997 as a small minivan developed using the chassis of the Corolla as the base. The body size measured in length, width, and height at 4,135mm, 1,690mm, and 1,620mm respectively, thus making its height 235mm higher than the COROLLA Sedan, securing great riding comfort and loading capacity.
The outer design employed an avant-garde cabin-forward form featuring a short front bonnet, combined with a C pillar in the same color as the body. From the side, the design was one that was unprecedented and unique. Moreover, round lamps were utilized for the rear combination lamps, and an air of uniqueness was exuded from this element as well.
Two options were available for the riding capacity: 4 people in 2 rows of seats, and 6 people in 3 rows of seats. Effort was placed on providing variation with the seat arrangement, as rotating swivel seats and the installation and removal of junior seats were made possible, thus responding to many needs and preferences.

The 1,587cc gasoline engine with 110 horsepower was made available. The designated fuel was regular gasoline.

The transmission that could be combined with this was the 4-speed automatic.

For the drive system, the FF was made available.

The fuel consumption measured at 13.2km/L.

Half a year after its release, in July 1997, the 2-row seat 5-person riding capacity model was newly added to the lineup. For this edition, the rear seats were newly made reclining, and they could be separated and folded down.
Moreover, the engine lineup was expanded, adding the 1,762cc 230-horsepower gasoline engine for regular gasoline. This engine was combined with the 4WD only. The 4-speed automatic was the only transmission that could be combined with this, and fuel consumption measured at 11.4km/L.

In April 1998, the passenger seatbelt alarm and water-repellant front window were installed, further enriching the equipment options.

In April 1999, minor changes were implemented to the interior and exterior. For the exterior, the design of the front bumper and front grille were changed, exuding an air of novelty. Furthermore, for the interior as well, the center console’s storage space was expanded, and armrests were installed on driver’s seats, further improving usability.

Second Generation (2001 – 2007)

In May 2001, a full model change led to the Spacio’s evolution to its second generation model. The body size measured in length, width, and height at 4,240mm, 1,695mm, and 1,610mm respectively. As a result of the increased total length, the interior riding comfort was increased.
Furthermore, in terms of improved riding comfort, the seat layout was also enhanced. In general, though the layout was 2-row seating with 5-person riding capacity, flexible seating could be installed as a third row of seats; therefore, a bench seat installed made possible 7-person seating. As such, compared to the first generation model, the interior space increased by 140mm in length and 70mm in width.
For the outer design, the C pillar was blacked out, and the glass area was changed to a design that emphasized its largeness. Moreover, the vertically long headlights and enlarged metal-plated grille led to a change in the impression of the front area. Furthermore, compared to the previous generation model, the A pillar was more modern, and a roof line that flowed from the front to the rear further emphasized a one-motion form.

Two types of gasoline engines – the 1,496cc with 110 horsepower and 1,794cc with 136 horsepower – were made available. The designated fuel was regular gasoline. The 1,496cc 110-horsepower engine was certified as a 2010 Fuel Consumption Standards Achieving Vehicle.

The 4-speed automatic was carried over as the transmission that could be combined with these engines.

For the drive system, only the FF was made available for the 1,496cc 110-horsepower engine, and both the FF and 4WD were made available for the 1,794cc 136-horsepower engine.

The fuel consumption measured at 16.0km/L for FF vehicles carrying the 1,496cc 110-horsepower engine, 14.6km/L for FF vehicles carrying the 1,794cc 136-horsepower engine, and 12.6km/L for 4WD vehicles.

In April 2003, minor changes were made to the exterior. For the front area, the front grille and bumper were integrated, and by making the color the same as that of the body, the design was changed to blend into the form.
Furthermore, improvements were made to the engine as well; all vehicles were thus able to achieve the “2000 Gas Emission Standards 75% Reduction.”

In September 2005, further improvements were made, including the front headlights being changed to an auto-leveling discharge type with optical axis adjustment functions.