The Paseo was a stylish, frugal, fun sports coupe that combined spirited performance with economical operation. The Tercel was restyled last year, and got a new engine and some suspension refinements as well. Not surprisingly, the Paseo gets the same treatment for 1996. All body panels and the interior are new. Window area is larger, increasing visibility.
Aerodynamic improvements decrease wind noise and sensitivity.
Toyota has started more than a few styling trends in its time, but also has shown that it is no slave to them. The new Paseo is a good case in point. Its cousin, the Lexus coupe, started trends towards rounded styling and separate projector-beam driving lights that were picked up by many other car companies. Even the Toyota Celica, the Paseo's big brother, shows these influences. The 1996 Paseo does not.