| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1983 discontinued in 1983 |
The 1979-1983 Toyota Corolla Hatch IV, known by its chassis code E70, represents the fourth generation of the Corolla lineup, offering a practical and compact hatchback variant for urban and suburban drivers. This generation marked a significant evolution with a modernized design that balanced efficiency and style. Produced between 1979 and 1983, the Corolla Hatch IV delivered reliable performance combined with practicality commonly associated with the Corolla badge. While specific length, width, and height data may vary slightly depending on trim and market, the E70 hatchback generally measures approximately 4,100 millimeters (161.4 inches) in length, around 1,600 millimeters (63 inches) in width, and about 1,350 millimeters (53.1 inches) in height. These compact dimensions contributed to its nimble handling and ease of maneuvering, making it ideal for city driving while still accommodating a reasonable interior space for passengers and cargo. The vehicle's hatchback body style offered a versatile rear storage solution, enhancing cargo capacity compared to traditional sedans of its time. Under the hood, the Corolla E70 featured a range of efficient gasoline engines, emphasizing low running costs and dependability, key traits that helped build Toyota's reputation worldwide. Weighing approximately 900-950 kilograms (1984-2094 pounds), the Corolla Hatch IV provides a lightweight yet sturdy build, supporting fuel economy and responsive driving dynamics. This generation's combination of compact size, practical hatchback configuration, and Toyota's hallmark reliability makes the E70 Corolla Hatchback a noteworthy model for enthusiasts of classic Japanese compact cars and those interested in the evolution of economical hatchbacks. Today, it remains a symbol of Toyota's early efforts in creating versatile, reliable vehicles suitable for a wide spectrum of drivers.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Toyota Corolla Hatch IV a leader in its class
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The Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) from 1979 to 1983 features compact dimensions characteristic of late 1970s hatchbacks. It has an overall length of approximately 3,875 mm (152.6 inches), a width of about 1,580 mm (62.2 inches), and a height of around 1,350 mm (53.1 inches). These dimensions contribute to its ease of maneuverability and practical urban use, reflecting Toyota’s design focus at the time on efficiency and functionality in a small hatchback package.
The curb weight of the Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) is approximately 900-950 kg (1,984-2,094 lbs), depending on the specific trim and market version. This relatively light weight enhances fuel efficiency and agility, making the car nimble and responsive, particularly suited for city driving and light commuting. A lighter vehicle like the E70 hatchback also tends to have easier handling characteristics but may feel less planted at higher speeds compared to heavier contemporary models.
The Toyota Corolla Hatch IV offers practical interior space designed for a compact hatchback. It comfortably seats four to five passengers with modest legroom and headroom typical of the era. Cargo capacity benefits from its hatchback body style, allowing rear seats to fold flat to increase luggage space, maximizing versatility for carrying larger items. Although exact cargo volume figures vary, the design focuses on balancing passenger comfort and practicality within a small footprint.
The ground clearance of the Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) is approximately 165 mm (6.5 inches), offering sufficient clearance for typical urban and suburban road conditions. This height aids in handling speed bumps and uneven surfaces without compromising stability. The turning circle of the vehicle is roughly 9.8 meters (32.2 feet), enabling relatively tight turns and easy maneuverability in confined spaces such as city streets and parking lots.
Yes, the Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) comfortably fits into a standard garage. With its overall length of about 3,875 mm (152.6 inches) and width of 1,580 mm (62.2 inches), the car occupies relatively little space compared to modern vehicles. Most standard residential garages in many countries typically measure around 5,000 mm (196.9 inches) in length and 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, providing ample clearance for the E70 hatchback along with some room for storage or easy passenger access.
Compared to its predecessor, the Corolla E30/E50 series, the Corolla Hatch IV (E70) is slightly larger overall. The E70 measures about 3,875 mm (152.6 inches) in length, offering a modest increase over the earlier models, which averaged around 3,800 mm (149.6 inches). This change allowed for improved interior space and comfort. The E70 also has a slightly wider stance, enhancing stability and road presence. These dimensional updates mark Toyota's efforts to modernize the Corolla’s size while retaining its compact, economical nature.
The Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) is a 3-door hatchback with dimensions that position it well within the compact segment of its time. Compared to contemporaries like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 or the Honda Civic hatchback from the late 70s and early 80s, the Corolla is slightly smaller in length and width. For example, the Golf Mk1 measures roughly 3,980 mm (156.7 inches) long and 1,625 mm (64 inches) wide, making the Corolla a bit more compact, which aids in urban driving and parking but offers slightly less interior space relative to these peers.
The Corolla Hatch IV (E70) features a height of approximately 1,350 mm (53.1 inches), resulting in a relatively low-profile silhouette typical of sporty hatchbacks of its time. The roofline gently slopes towards the rear, enhancing aerodynamics while optimizing interior headroom for front and rear passengers. This design balances sporty aesthetics with practical interior ergonomics, making the vehicle visually attractive and functional in everyday use.
With a width of roughly 1,580 mm (62.2 inches), the Toyota Corolla Hatch IV (E70) strikes a balance between compact size and stability. This moderate width provides a stable stance on roads without making the vehicle cumbersome in tight city environments. The relatively narrow frame compared to modern cars means the car is nimble, offering responsive handling ideal for its era and vehicle class. The compactness supports ease of parking and maneuvering, while the stable stance enhances driver confidence during cornering.
The Corolla Hatch IV (E70) introduced a range of engine options typically including 1.3L and 1.6L inline-four gasoline engines, reflecting Toyota’s focus on fuel economy and reliability. Performance improved modestly over earlier generations mainly due to refined engine tuning and lightweight design. The engines provided adequate power for daily driving with horsepower outputs ranging from approximately 60 to 75 hp, depending on market and specific engine. The focus was on balanced performance combined with exceptional fuel efficiency rather than sporty speed.
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