TOYOTA'S Celica has moved up from hairdresser's car to hair-raiser. While previous generations typically offered more show than go, the new model is a firecracker. Complementing the cracking 140kW powerplant is a taut chassis that delivers superb levels of grip and handling. But there's a catch: Celica only delivers the goods in six-speed manual form. The optional four-speed auto is simply not up to the task of keeping the high-revving 1.8-litre engine on the boil.

Toyota Celica
Released: March 1994
Ended: Nov 1999
Family Tree: CelicaToyota has messed with the Celica since day one, resulting in the hairdresser image even though some models have been anything but. The 1994 version brought together most elements, especially handling, but the front-drive, 100kW 2.2-litre Camry engine was quite pedestrian.
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