1987-1995 4th Generation Tanaka Aventis
From left to right: Tanaka Aventis 2.0 B, 2.0 G, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo
With the Aventis nameplate being less popular do to the ugly, underperforming, outdated, hilariously unreliable and dissapointing 3rd Generation, it is then very clear that a replacement was needed. So, the engineers design a bigger, more comfortable and a more fuel efficient Aventis. With Japan’s economy rising at this point, the engineers have less worry about budget restrains and in 1987, the world was introduced to the 4th generation Aventis. The main difference at this point is that it is no longer RWD, the Aventis is now a FWD-only car. The engineers also developed 2 new engines for the Aventis, the EH-Series (SOHC all cast-iron I4) and the ES-Series (DOHC all cast-iron I4). The first focusing on fuel economy and the latter focusing on performance. The car was also less boxy then its predecessor. This also increases fuel economy drastically. Engineers also paid extra attention to reliability. Together with the conservative, but attractive looks, these improvements then, made this car back to the top.
Pre-Facelift (1987-1990)
Tanaka Aventis 1.8 B shown
The 1.8 B is the base model. It uses the EH18MPEFI-A1 unit producing 104HP and 106lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with a 5-speed manual with open diffs, 14-inch steelies with hudcap wrapped by a hard long-life tyres, solid disk brakes on the front and drum brakes in the rear, standard cloth seats with a basic AM/FM radio and an 8-track tape player and normal hydraulic power steering system. It can do 27.9mpg. Back then, its MSRP was $16600.
Tanaka Aventis 1.8 G shown
The 1.8 G is the mid-range model. Still uses the same engine. The only differences are the variable hydraulic power steering ststem, increased safety features, additional fog lights in the bumper, a standard 8-track tape player (a standard cassette player is optional) and an optional 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It can do 26.8mpg. Its original MSRP was $18400.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S shown
The 1.8 S is a sportier version of the 1.8 G. It uses the EH20MPEFI-B1 unit producing 126HP and 123lb-ft of torque. The 1.8 G’s 14-inch alloy rims were replaced by this wider 15-inch 5-spoke alloy rims wrapped by medium-compound tyres. Still same interior equipment from the 1.8 G. There is now a plastic front lip to make the car look sportier and reduce lift. The suspension is also stiffer and lower. Its rear drum brakes were replaced by solid disk ones. A viscous differential were installed. 0-60mph happens in 9.19 seconds and it has a top speed of 126mph. Its original MSRP was $19800. This is an affordable way to have fun.
Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR (on the left) and Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR Turbo (on the right) shown
In 1988, the SR and the SR Turbo was released. The engine used in both versions of the SR was a DOHC version of the EH-Series engines, dubbed the ES-Series. Both of them were added plastic side skirts and a rear bumper lip. In the 2.0 SR, the ES20MPEFI-A1 unit produces 154HP and 127lb-ft of torque. This drastic increase in power mainly comes from the VVT-I system in the engine. In the 2.0 SR Turbo, the ES20MPEFI-A1 T unit produces 197HP and 163lb-ft of torque. For both versions, the alloy rims are now replaced with wider 15-inch magnesium mesh rims wrapped by sport-compound tyres. The brakes are vented. The standard 8 track tape player is now replaced by a standard cassette player which was optional on other trims. The suspension setup are stiffer and they are also slightly lowered further. The bench rear seats were replaced by 2 individual seats. The 2.0 SR can do 25.6mpg, 0-60mph in 7.86 seconds and has a top speed of 131mph. The 2.0 SR Turbo can do 27.3mpg, 0-60mph in 6.66 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. A way to distinguish the SR from the SR Turbo is that the latter has a hood scoop and black trimming.
Tanaka Aventis 1.8 W shown
The 1.8 W was introduced in 1989. It was basically a wagon version of the Aventis 1.8 G. It has a higher ride height and a slighly stiffer rear spring to prevent the wheels from scraping the underfender of the Aventis in full load capacity. This is considered by many the predecessor of the Ascent. Optional extras includes a standard cassette player, a tow hitch and a roof rack. Its original MSRP was $18400.
Facelift (1991-1995)
Summary
Of all proposed facelifted version of the Aventis from the Community Redesign Centre, I chose this version. Of course, I changed things like the rear fascia and the plastic bottom section. Thank you @Mad_Cat for the original proposal!
Top: 1991 Tanaka Aventis 1.8 B (left), 1991 Tanaka Aventis 1.8 G (right)
Bottom: 1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 S (left), 1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR (right)
1991 Tanaka Aventis 2.0 SR Turbo shown
The facelift was introduced for the 1991 model year. Visual changes includes a completely new front fascia, a completely new rear fascia, new rim designs, new body trimming and a spoiler (for 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo versions.)
For mechanical changes, the EH-Series engines received a VVT system. This adds more power and fuel economy. For the EH18MPEFI-A2 engines (from the 2.0 B and the 2.0 G), the pistons are now low friction casts. This engine now makes 105HP and 108lb-ft of torque. For the EH20MPEFI-A2 engines (from the 2.0 S), the engine now makes 132HP and 125lb-ft of torque. For the ES20MPEFI-A2 engines (found in the 2.0 SR), it makes 158HP and 129lb-ft of torque. For the ES20MPEFI-A2 T engines (found in the 2.0 SR Turbo), it makes 200HP and 167lb-ft of torque.
For interiors, cassette players are now standard (no longer optional). For the 2.0 SR and 2.0 SR Turbo, the are now 5 seaters instead of 4 seaters in previous model years. All of these combined makes the Aventis faster and better fuel economy than ever, until the next generation.
