Toyota Comfort Detailed Review and specifications

The Toyota Comfort is a purpose-built, rear-wheel-drive sedan specifically designed for taxi and livery services. It’s a robust and reliable vehicle, famous for its longevity and ease of maintenance. While primarily sold in Asia (particularly Japan and Hong Kong), it has found its way to other markets as well. Here’s a detailed review and specifications:

Overview:

• Purpose: Taxi and livery services, prioritizing durability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness over luxury or performance.
• Market: Primarily Asia (Japan, Hong Kong, etc.), with some presence in other regions.
• Key Features:
  • Exceptional reliability and longevity
  • Easy maintenance
  • Fuel efficiency (depending on the engine)
  • Simple and functional interior
  • Comfortable ride for passengers (despite its utilitarian nature)
  • Rear-wheel drive for better traction and maneuverability, especially in wet conditions.
• Drawbacks:
  • Basic interior design and features
  • Performance is not a priority
  • Relatively outdated compared to modern passenger cars
  • May not meet the latest safety standards in some regions.

Specifications (Note: Specifics vary based on the year, region, and engine):

1. Body and Dimensions:

• Body Style: 4-door sedan
• Length: Typically around 4.6 meters (15-16 feet)
• Width: Around 1.7 meters (5.6 feet)
• Height: Around 1.5 meters (5 feet)
• Wheelbase: Varies, but typically around 2.7 meters (8.9 feet)
• Curb Weight: Varies, but generally in the 1,200-1,400 kg (2,600-3,100 lbs) range.

2. Powertrain:

• Engines:
  • Gasoline:
    • 1.8L 1800cc 1ZZ-FE Inline-4: Common in earlier models; known for reliability.
    • 2.0L 2000cc 1TR-FE Inline-4: A more modern option, with slightly more power.
  • LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): The most common fuel type for taxi versions.
    • 2.0L LPG engines: specifically designed for this fuel.
    • Many Comforts are built as “Dual Fuel” vehicles capable of running on both petrol and LPG.
• Transmission:
  • Manual: Typically a 5-speed manual transmission was offered.
  • Automatic: 4-speed automatic transmission is the most common.
• Drive System: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

3. Performance:

• Horsepower: Varies depending on the engine, but typically in the range of 100-130 hp.
• Torque: Varies, but around 150-180 Nm (110-133 lb-ft).
• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration: Not a strong point; expect times in the 13-16 second range.
• Fuel Economy:
  • Gasoline models: Around 9-12 km/l (21-28 mpg)
  • LPG models: Can vary, but often slightly more economical.

4. Suspension and Brakes:

• Suspension:
  • Front: Independent suspension with MacPherson struts.
  • Rear: Solid axle with leaf springs (designed for heavy-duty use and durability).
• Brakes:
  • Front: Disc brakes.
  • Rear: Drum brakes.

5. Interior and Features:

• Seating: Typically seats five passengers (including the driver).
• Interior: Simple, utilitarian, and focused on durability. Plastics are hard-wearing.
• Features:
  • Basic air conditioning
  • Power windows and locks (sometimes optional)
  • AM/FM radio (often with a CD player)
  • Minimal infotainment options
  • Spacious rear passenger area (designed for comfort on long rides)
  • Basic safety features (e.g., airbags, seatbelts – compliance with safety regulations has varied over time).
  • The taxi versions have specific features like a meter, illuminated signs, etc.

6. Reliability and Maintenance:

• Reliability: Excellent. The Toyota Comfort is renowned for its reliability and long lifespan. It’s built to withstand heavy use and abuse.
• Maintenance: Relatively easy and affordable. Spare parts are generally readily available (especially in markets where the Comfort is common). The simple mechanical design makes repairs straightforward.

7. Safety:

• Safety features can vary depending on the year and market.
• Early models may have limited safety features.
• Later models may include airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
• It’s important to consider the specific safety ratings for the region of origin. The Comfort may not meet the most current global safety standards.

8. Advantages:

• Exceptional Reliability and Durability: The primary selling point.
• Low Running Costs: Fuel-efficient, especially with LPG engines. Easy maintenance and affordable parts.
• Spacious Interior: Comfortable for passengers, especially in the rear.
• Good Maneuverability: RWD and relatively compact dimensions make it easy to drive in city environments.
• Cost-Effective: Relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain compared to more modern vehicles.

9. Disadvantages:

• Outdated Design and Features: Basic interior, limited technology, and a dated driving experience.
• Performance: Not particularly sporty or powerful.
• Safety Concerns: May not meet the most stringent modern safety standards.
• Not Designed for Luxury: Interior materials are basic, and the focus is on functionality rather than comfort.
• Availability: Not widely available outside of specific markets.

10. Buying Considerations:

• Purpose: Is it needed for a taxi/livery service or for general passenger transport?
• Condition and Maintenance History: Look for a well-maintained vehicle with a documented service history.
• Engine Type: Consider the availability and cost of fuel (Gasoline vs. LPG).
• Region-Specific Regulations: Check for compliance with any local safety or emissions regulations.
• Test Drive: Take a test drive to assess the vehicle’s condition and driving experience.

In Conclusion:

The Toyota Comfort is a workhorse, a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess in creating a supremely reliable and functional vehicle. Its purpose-built design, focus on durability, and relatively low running costs have made it a staple in taxi and livery services around the world. While it may lack the modern features and performance of newer vehicles, its exceptional reliability and ease of maintenance make it a solid choice for those who prioritize these qualities. It is not a luxury car, but a car built for a specific purpose and excels at it.