ACR30R Tarago

Another clean-sheet redesign, Toyota took the cheaper way out this time by basing the Tarago on the (current) front-drive ACV36 Camry platform.

It offered improved performance, economy and emissions from its 115kW/221Nm 2.4-litre twin-cam 16-valve VVTi four-cylinder engine, even though it was mated only to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Three were three well-specified trim levels – GLi, GLX and Ultima – and all featured dual front airbags, power steering, dual air-conditioning, keyless entry, front power windows and a CD player. Anti-lock brakes were optional on the GLi, standard on the others.

Accommodation access was improved by dual side sliding doors. Individual ‘captain’s chairs’ reduced the Ultima’s seating capacity by one occupant to seven.

A minor facelift and improved specification heralded the series II version from mid-’03.