The Tofas Tempra 2.0 i, produced between 1990 and 1994, represented the top-of-the-line offering in the Tempra range. Developed as a collaborative effort between Tofas, a Turkish automotive manufacturer, and Fiat of Italy, the Tempra was designed to replace the aging Tofas Serçe and Kartal models, offering a more modern and spacious family sedan. The 2.0 i variant, with its 119 horsepower engine, was positioned as the performance-oriented trim, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of practicality and driving enjoyment. It was a key model in the Turkish automotive market during its production run, offering a domestically produced alternative to imported vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tofas |
| Model | Tempra |
| Generation | Tempra |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i (119 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1990 |
| End of production | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 195 km/h (121.17 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 119 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 162 Nm @ 3300 rpm (119.49 lb.-ft. @ 3300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 1150 kg (2535.32 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1695 kg (3736.84 lbs.) |
| Max load | 545 kg (1201.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Length | 4355 mm (171.46 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2540 mm (100 in.) |
| Front track | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Rear track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Tempra 2.0 i was the Fiat-derived 1995cc inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, often referred to by its internal code, utilized a single-point fuel injection system, a relatively common technology for the early 1990s. While not as sophisticated as multi-point injection, it provided a reasonable balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The engine featured a two-valve per cylinder configuration and a compression ratio of 9.2:1. The 5-speed manual transmission was the only gearbox option available with this engine, providing drivers with full control over the power delivery. The engine’s transverse mounting within the front-wheel-drive configuration contributed to the Tempra’s relatively compact footprint.
Driving Characteristics
The 119 horsepower and 162 Nm (119 lb-ft) of torque offered by the 2.0-liter engine provided a noticeable step up in performance compared to the lower-displacement Tempra models. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9.6 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph). While not a sports car, the 2.0 i Tempra offered brisk acceleration and comfortable cruising speeds. The five-speed manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, and the engine proved reasonably responsive throughout its rev range. Compared to the 1.6-liter versions, the 2.0 i felt significantly more capable, particularly when carrying a full load of passengers or luggage. The gear ratios were tuned for a balance of acceleration and fuel economy, prioritizing usability over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Tempra 2.0 i typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features for its time. These included power steering, front disc brakes, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which was a relatively advanced feature for a car in this segment. Interior appointments generally consisted of cloth upholstery, although optional upgrades to higher-quality materials were available. Other available options included power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over stylistic flair. The 2.0 i trim often received slightly upgraded interior trim details compared to the base models.
Chassis & Braking
The Tempra utilized a relatively conventional chassis design, featuring coil spring suspension at all four corners. The front suspension employed MacPherson struts, while the rear utilized a twist-beam axle. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty in terms of handling. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power. The ABS system further enhanced safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Tofas Tempra 2.0 i was generally well-received in the Turkish market. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively strong performance. Compared to the lower-displacement Tempra models, the 2.0 i offered a significant improvement in driving experience. However, it faced competition from imported vehicles, particularly those from European manufacturers. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for a car of its size and performance, although it wasn’t class-leading. Reliability was generally good, although maintenance costs could be higher than for some of the simpler Tempra variants.
Legacy
The Tofas Tempra 2.0 i remains a fondly remembered car in Turkey. Its robust construction and relatively simple mechanicals have contributed to its longevity, and many examples are still on the road today. While not a collector’s item, well-maintained Tempra 2.0 i models are sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their practicality and classic 1990s styling. The powertrain, while not particularly advanced by modern standards, proved to be durable and reliable, making it a relatively affordable and dependable classic car option. The Tempra, in general, played a significant role in modernizing the Turkish automotive landscape and providing a domestically produced alternative to imported vehicles.
