Toyota Sprinter Marino
The Toyota Sprinter Marino is a four-door B-pillar hardtop sedan version of the Toyota Sprinter sedan produced between 1992 and 1998 for sale in Japan. The Toyota Corolla Ceres is a slightly restyled version of the Sprinter Marino, as was common practice by Japanese automakers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Overview
The Sprinter Marino is named for Marino, Italy and was exclusive to Toyota Vista Store locations. While the Corolla Ceres is named after Ceres in Roman mythology and was exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store locations.Both vehicles were built for Toyota under contract by Kanto Auto Works. The hardtop approach was used on various segments of core Toyota sedans by offering a more upscale hardtop version. These cars were offered for consumers who wanted the luxurious approach offered by the Crown hardtop, as well as the Mark II-Cresta-Chaser trio, and the next segment down on the hardtops version of Corona and Carina duo, called the Corona EXiV and the Carina ED which were all offered at reduced prices and reduced tax liability based on the vehicles size and engine displacement. The Ceres/Marino twins saw competition from other Japanese manufacturers in this size classification, such as the Nissan Presea, the Mazda Lantis and the Honda Integra.
The facelifted model was released in May 1994 with minor refreshments. Due to cost-cutting efforts as a result of the Japanese economic recession caused by the collapse of the Japanese asset price bubble, both vehicles were discontinued in June 1998.
The market segment occupied by the Sprinter Marino and Corolla Ceres was served by a new concept of vehicles Toyota manufactured under the WiLL brand, that was shared with products from other Japanese manufacturers and service providers.