The Toyota Altezza Gita 2.0 i 24V Automatic, produced between 2001 and 2005, represents a unique offering within the broader Altezza (and Lexus IS) lineage. Positioned as the station wagon (estate) variant of the popular compact executive car, the Gita aimed to provide a more practical and family-oriented alternative to the coupe and sedan body styles. This particular configuration, featuring the 1G-FE 2.0-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, occupied a mid-range position in the Gita lineup, balancing performance with ease of use and fuel efficiency. It was primarily sold in the Japanese domestic market (JDM), where station wagons maintained significant popularity, and offered a blend of Toyota’s renowned reliability and a sporting driving experience.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Altezza |
| Generation | Altezza Gita |
| Type | 2.0 i 24V (160 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2001 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 180 km/h (111.85 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.8 kg/Nm, 147.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 160 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 80.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 4400 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1G-FE |
| Engine displacement | 1988 cm3 (121.32 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75 mm (2.95 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.9 l (7.29 US qt | 6.07 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1360 kg (2998.29 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1635 kg (3604.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 400 l (14.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 620 l (21.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4505 mm (177.36 in.) |
| Width | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Rear track | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/45 17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Altezza Gita 2.0 i Automatic is the 1G-FE engine, a 2.0-liter (1988 cc) inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine, a member of Toyota’s ‘G’ family, is known for its smoothness and relatively high specific output. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes multi-port fuel injection for precise fuel delivery. The 1G-FE produces 160 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb-ft) of torque at 4400 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration contribute to a balanced chassis feel. Paired with the 1G-FE is a four-speed automatic transmission. While not as sporty as a manual gearbox, this transmission offered smooth shifts and ease of use, appealing to a broader range of drivers. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy, prioritizing comfortable cruising over outright performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 i Automatic Gita delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The four-speed automatic, while not offering the quickest shifts, provides smooth transitions between gears. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving, but noticeably slower than the manual transmission or higher-output variants like the 3S-GE found in the RS200 models. The rear-wheel-drive layout contributes to a balanced feel, although the relatively modest power output doesn’t fully exploit the chassis’ potential. The suspension, featuring coil springs and double wishbone setups front and rear, provides a compliant ride, absorbing bumps effectively. Steering is precise thanks to the rack and pinion system with hydraulic assistance, offering good feedback to the driver.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Altezza Gita 2.0 i Automatic typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. Interior appointments included cloth upholstery, power windows, power locks, and air conditioning. The dashboard layout was functional and driver-focused, with clear instrumentation. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and leather upholstery. The Gita, being the wagon variant, inherently offered increased cargo space compared to the coupe and sedan models, making it a practical choice for families or those needing to transport larger items. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard.
Chassis & Braking
The Altezza Gita’s chassis was based on the Toyota platform, providing a solid foundation for handling and ride comfort. The front suspension utilized a coil spring and double wishbone configuration, while the rear employed a double wishbone setup with coil springs. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. The ABS system helped to maintain steering control during hard braking maneuvers. Stabilizer bars were fitted front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Altezza Gita 2.0 i Automatic was generally well-received in the Japanese market as a practical and reliable station wagon. Critics praised its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and Toyota’s reputation for build quality. However, some reviewers noted that the four-speed automatic transmission felt somewhat dated compared to newer transmissions with more gears. Compared to the more performance-oriented Altezza RS200 models with their 3S-GE engine and manual transmission, the 2.0 i Automatic offered less excitement but greater fuel efficiency and ease of use. The 1.8-liter variants offered even better fuel economy but at the expense of performance. The Gita’s primary appeal lay in its practicality and balance of features.
Legacy
The Toyota Altezza Gita 2.0 i Automatic has proven to be a durable and reliable vehicle. The 1G-FE engine is known for its longevity, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of service. In the used car market, these models are often sought after for their affordability, practicality, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. While not a particularly rare or collectible variant, well-maintained examples hold their value reasonably well. The Gita represents a unique chapter in the Altezza story, offering a practical and comfortable alternative to the more sporty coupe and sedan models.
