The Tofas Kartal 1.6, producing 81 horsepower, was a popular station wagon produced by the Turkish manufacturer Tofas between 1995 and 2001. It represented a significant iteration of the Kartal model, which itself was based on the Fiat Regata, and played a crucial role in providing affordable family transportation in the Turkish market. This variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, occupied a mid-range position within the Kartal lineup, offering a balance between performance and economy. The Kartal, throughout its production run, was known for its practicality, spaciousness, and relatively low running costs, making it a staple for families and commercial users alike.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tofas |
| Model | Kartal |
| Generation | Kartal |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (81 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg, 12.7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp (76.4 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm (117 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 81 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 51.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 124 Nm @ 3000 rpm (91.46 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 1585 cm3 (96.72 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86.4 mm (3.4 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 67.4 mm (2.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Kerb Weight | 1060 kg (2336.9 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 846 l (29.88 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2054 l (72.54 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4361 mm (171.69 in.) |
| Width | 1642 mm (64.65 in.) |
| Height | 1496 mm (58.9 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2490 mm (98.03 in.) |
| Front track | 1386 mm (54.57 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1327 mm (52.24 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 185/70 R14 S |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Kartal 1.6 was a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, while relatively simple in design, was known for its durability and ease of maintenance. It utilized a carburettor fuel injection system, a common feature for vehicles of this era and price point. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. The engine code is not widely documented, but it shares similarities with Fiat-derived engines used in other Tofas models. The 81 horsepower output was achieved at 5800 rpm, with a peak torque of 124 Nm (91.46 lb-ft) delivered at 3000 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout was a carryover from the original Fiat Regata design. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing a reasonable spread of gears for both city driving and highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The Kartal 1.6, with its 81 horsepower and 1060 kg curb weight, offered modest performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) took approximately 13.9 seconds, and top speed was limited to around 160 km/h (99 mph). Compared to other variants, such as potential diesel options (if available in some markets), the 1.6 offered more responsive acceleration, but at the cost of fuel economy. The manual transmission allowed for a degree of driver control, but the gear ratios were geared more towards economy than outright performance. The rear-wheel-drive configuration provided a unique driving experience, particularly in slippery conditions, but also required a degree of driver skill to manage. The suspension, while basic, provided a comfortable ride on most road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Kartal 1.6 typically came with a fairly basic level of equipment, reflecting its position as an affordable family car. Standard features generally included cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard layout with basic instrumentation, and manual windows and door locks. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were features like a radio/cassette player. The interior was designed for practicality and durability, with hard-wearing materials used throughout. Trim levels were relatively limited, with most Kartal 1.6 models offering a similar specification. The focus was on providing a functional and reliable vehicle rather than luxury or advanced features.
Chassis & Braking
The Kartal 1.6 utilized a relatively simple chassis design. The front suspension consisted of a spring strut setup, while the rear suspension employed a coil spring arrangement. The braking system featured disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was included as a safety feature, becoming increasingly common during the late 1990s. The steering was a recirculating ball system, providing a relatively direct feel. The rear-wheel-drive layout and relatively narrow track width contributed to the car’s handling characteristics, which were best described as predictable rather than sporty.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Tofas Kartal 1.6 was generally well-received in the Turkish market as a practical and affordable family vehicle. Critics praised its spacious interior, large trunk capacity, and relatively low running costs. However, it was also criticized for its somewhat dated design and modest performance. Compared to other vehicles in its class, the Kartal 1.6 offered a good value proposition, particularly for buyers who prioritized practicality and affordability over performance and luxury. Fuel economy was reasonable for the time, averaging around 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg). Reliability was generally good, although maintenance was required to keep the carburettor-based engine running smoothly.
Legacy
The Tofas Kartal 1.6, and the Kartal model as a whole, holds a significant place in Turkish automotive history. It was a popular and widely-used vehicle that provided affordable transportation for many families. The 1.6-liter engine proved to be relatively durable, and many examples are still on the road today. In the used car market, the Kartal 1.6 is valued for its simplicity, affordability, and ease of maintenance. While it may not be a collector’s item, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and inexpensive vehicle. The Kartal’s legacy is one of practicality, affordability, and enduring reliability in a challenging market.
