Toyota Corolla Ceres
| Toyota Sprinter Marino | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
| Also called | Corolla Ceres |
| Production | May 1992 – 1998 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | compact |
| Body style | 4 door hardtop |
| Layout | FF layout |
| Related |
Toyota Sprinter Toyota Corolla |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.5 L 5A-FE DOHC I4 1.6 L 4A-FE DOHC I4 1.6 L 4A-GE DOHC I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,465 mm (97.0 in) |
| Length | 4,365 mm (171.9 in) |
| Width | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1,315 mm (51.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,130 kg (2,491.2 lb) |
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door hardtop version of the Toyota Sprinter sedan produced between 1992 – 1998 (series E100 Corolla) for sale in Japan. The Toyota Corolla Ceres (Japanese: ) is a slightly restyled version of the Sprinter Marino, as was common practice by Japanese automakers in the 1980s and 1990s. The Corolla Ceres is named after Ceres in Roman mythology, and the Marino is named for Marino, Italy. The Corolla Ceres was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations, and the Sprinter Marino was exclusive to Toyota Vista Store locations.
In Japan, the Sprinter Marino and the Corolla Ceres could be ordered by mail order catalog. Both vehicles were built for Toyota under contract by Kanto Auto Works. Due to cost cutting efforts as a result of the Japanese economic recession caused by the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble, both vehicles were cancelled and ceased production in Japan on June 6, 1998. The market segment occupied by the Sprinter Marino and Corolla Ceres was served by a new concept of vehicles Toyota manufactured under the WiLL brandname, that was shared with products from other Japanese manufacturers and service providers.
The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Toyota Crown hardtop and sedan, as well as the Mark II (4-door sedan), Cresta (4-door hardtop) and Chaser (4-door hardtop and performance enhancements), and the next segment down on the Corona and Carina, called the Toyota Corona EXiV and the Toyota Carina ED which were all offered at reduced prices and reduced tax liability based on the vehicles size and engine displacement. The Ceres/Marino twins saw competition from other Japanese manufacturers in this size classification, such as the Nissan Presea, the Mazda Lantis, and the Honda Integra.
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