When Carina switched to front-wheel drive, Toyota just as well called the car Carina II, – plain and simple. And Carina II was welcomed with open arms, at least in Norway. It quickly became one of the best sellers, – a typical family car that competed against the Ford Sierra, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla.
The first Carina II arrived here in 1984, but received a mild facelift already the following year. The only visible change was a new grill, perhaps to soften the lines a bit. In the 80s, competitors began to get rounder shapes, for example the Ford Sierra in 1983 and the Opel Kadett in 1985. The first edition of the Carina II (internally T150) was replaced after only 4 years by a new model with rounder shapes, but still called Carina II (internal T170).
I think the rear of the Liftback version does not harmonize very well with the rest of the car. It looks as if someone drew the triangular window and rear door on top of an existing 4-door version to save development costs. But it was understandably the Liftback edition that sold best in Norway. This was the first modern Toyota mid-range car as we know them.
Carina II has the good, old Toyota quality. These are used cars that just go and go, and which are almost impossible to kill. When they still end up in the press, it is partly due to rust and the fact that few thought there was any point in taking care of Carinas for posterity - a fate they share with other typical used cars.
The first Carina II (T150) is becoming difficult to raise. I came across a copy the other day with the 1,8 GLI, a 101 HP injection engine. The age is clearly visible, not only in the design, but also in the paint, which bears the mark of having been left outdoors without care for many years.
Why do so few keep copies of the most popular models?
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