As expected, the new Celica offers tight quarters -- intimate for average-sized people, perhaps cramped for larger folks. Yet the rear seat has a surprising amount of space for a 2+2 with more headroom than before. The front seats allow height adjustment, but they lack variable lumbar support. A toe-operated lever on the front passenger seat allows it to slide forward for easier access to the rear.Celica's dashboard starts with a simple, clean, cross-compartment design. The gauges have orange script on a black background. Switches are easy to find and operate, particularly stereo controls. The center console has a storage rack for eight CDs or 10 cassettes. The rear seat folds to expand cargo space. The optional leather seats had rich, high-grade upholstery.
Occupant safety remains a priority for Celica. In addition to side-impact beams, it offers optional side airbags that deploy from the front seats. The seats have a one-piece back frame designed to limit whiplash injuries, and many interior trim pieces are deformable to soften head impacts. The Celica is the first