  | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota |
|---|---|
| Also called | Corolla Ceres |
| Production | 1992 - 1998 |
| Class | compact |
| Body style | 4 door hardtop |
| Layout | FF layout |
| 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 |
| 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) |
| Related | Toyota Carina ED 3rd gen Toyota Corona EXiV 3rd gen |
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door hardtop version of the Toyota Sprinter Trueno produced between 1992 - 1998 for sale in the Japanese Domestic Market. The Toyota Corolla Ceres (Japanese: Toyota Corolla Ceres) is a slightly restyled version of the Sprinter Marino, as was common practice by Japanese automakers in the 1980s and 1990s. The Sprinter Marino/Corolla Ceres is a common sight in New Zealand and other countries where 'grey imports' are often found. The Corolla Ceres is named after Ceres in Roman mythology, and the Marino is named for Marino, Italy.
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, both vehicles were cancelled and ceased production in Japan on June 6, 1998.
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 various versions were sold at different Toyota dealerships dedicated to particular models.
The Nissan competitor was the Nissan Pulsar.
