VIS / AutoPricing / AutoWorld Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1997 TOYOTA PASEO:
THE SPORTY CAR THAT'S FUN-TO-DRIVE AND EASY ON THE EYES

The distinctive 1997 Paseo coupe delivers affordable, sporty car styling with Toyota's unmatched reputation for quality, dependability and reliability.

Adding to the excitement for `97, Paseo goes topless. The all-new Paseo convertible offers all the fun and style of the coupe with the sunloving addition of a manual convertible top. The Paseo convertible's conversion process takes place at U.S. supplier ASC, in Rancho Dominguez, Calif., the conversion location for the Toyota Celica.

The Paseo convertible begins at Toyota's Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Japan as a partially assembled coupe. Structural braces in the rocker panels, rear strut towers and rear fenders are added before the vehicle leaves the factory. It is then shipped to ASC, where the metal roof is removed and the conversion process begins.

A four-layer insulated top is designed specifically for this application.

Adding only 143 pounds to Paseo's curb weight, the conversion allows the vehicle to keep its full-sized rear seat and invades only minimally into the trunk, allowing plenty of secured cargo space. The convertible's top features a heated rear glass window and glass rear quarter windows that fold with the top. The Paseo's lightweight top is easily raised from the driver's seat position.

Completely redesigned last year, the second generation Paseo receives only minor changes for 1997. New Paseo interior features include dual vanity mirrors on the hardtop coupe, revised cabin door trim and logically placed rotary heater controls. Paseo retains its aerodynamic look without exterior changes for 1997.

The Paseo's trend-setting design and sleek lines are enhanced by flush headlamps and spoiler-style color keyed bumpers. Complimentary black remote-controlled mirrors, protective bodyside molding, tinted windows and full wheel covers add to the look.

Sports car-styling cues are not limited to the exterior. Reclining highback seats with integrated heardrests and fabric upholstery accentuate the Paseo's cabin. Interior appointments include rear fold-down seats with security lock, fabric door trim, full carpeting, fabric headliner and fully lined trunk.

The feature-packed cabin offers popular conveniences standard. Niceties include AM/FM ETR radio with four-speakers, dual cupholders, a digital clock, rear window defogger, intermittent wipers and remote fuel and trunk releases. The instrument panel is convenient as well, with easy-toread white-faced gauges and warning lights.

The Paseo's 1.5 liter DOHC four-cylinder engine offers a quick revving 93 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 100 Ibs.lft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Available with either a slick-shifting manual transmission or four-speed electronically controlled automatic, the engine is as economical as it is responsive. Paseo's estimated EPA citylhighway gas mileage is an impressive 30/35 mpg for the five-speed manual transmission and 28/34 mpg for the four-speed automatic transmission.

Paseo's suspension offers nimble handling and excellent ride comfort via a MacPherson strut-type front suspension and trailing torsion beam rear suspension. Front and rear stabilizer bars and power assisted rack-and-pinion steering contribute to Paseo's balance and control.

Paseo offers important safety features, including available anti-lock brakes and all-weather guard package in addition to the standard three point driver-side and passenger seat belts, dual airbags and four-spoke steering wheel.

Optional equipment allows buyers to further personalize the Paseo. Factory options include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, polycast wheels, cruise control, rear spoiler, styled alloy wheels and glass pop-up sunroof with sunshade.

Paseo is a sleek, sporty car, that combines an athletic and youthful attitude with sophisticated engineering.

The convertible will be offered in three exterior paint colors including Super White, Satin Black Metallic and Super Red, all with complimentary gray sport-cloth interiors. Eight vibrant colors, one new for 1997, are available on the coupe. Exterior paint colors include the new Coral Rose, Super White, Platinum Metallic, Super Black Metallic, Super Red, Sierra Green Metallic, Light Turquoise Pearl and Bright Iris Pearl all with gray sport-cloth interiors.

Limited Warranty

Toyota's 36-month / 36,000 mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610