Toyota Premio 1st Gen (2001-2007) Expert Review

The 1.5L 1NZ-FE produces 109 PS and 141 Nm, while the 1.8L produces up to 132 PS and 170 Nm and the 2.0L D-4 produces up to 155 PS and around 200 Nm, depending on year and grade. The 1.5L takes approximately 11.9–12 seconds from 0–100 km/h according to independent performance estimates. The 1.5L uses ventilated front discs and rear drums with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. A manufacturer-verified emergency stopping distance for this generation was not found, so an exact braking-distance number should not be presented as a factory figure.

A healthy Toyota Premio 1.5 can realistically return around 10 km/L in Dhaka city traffic, 14 km/L on highways and approximately 12 km/L combined. Heavy congestion, long idling, frequent AC use, tyre pressure, engine condition and driving style can push city mileage lower. Toyota's Japanese 10/15-mode rating for the 2006 1.5F was 16.4 km/L, but that is a controlled Japanese test figure and should not be confused with real Bangladesh-road mileage.

The T240 was sold mainly as 1.5F, 1.8X and 2.0G. The 1.5F is the fuel-economy-focused option, the 1.8X provides stronger acceleration, and the 2.0G offers the strongest performance. L Package cars received additional comfort/equipment, while EX Package versions added equipment such as larger alloy wheels and HID headlights. Special editions such as L Package Prime Selection added wood-style interior trim, suede-style upholstery and HID lighting.

The Premio is comfortable on Dhaka city roads, highways and normal paved roads, but it needs care over large speed breakers and deep potholes. The 2006 1.5F has around 160 mm ground clearance, which is reasonable for a sedan but not SUV-like. Its 2,700 mm wheelbase contributes to a stable, comfortable ride but means steep ramps and large breakers should be crossed diagonally and slowly. On badly broken village roads, the suspension and underbody deserve particular attention.

Yes, the 1.5L Premio is well suited to everyday Dhaka driving because its 4-speed automatic transmission, light steering, compact 5-number dimensions and comfortable suspension make stop-and-go traffic relatively easy to manage. The main issue is fuel consumption during severe congestion. With continuous AC use and frequent idling, around 9–10 km/L is a more realistic city expectation than the Japanese laboratory rating. The 1.5L is smooth and dependable but is not particularly quick when the car is fully loaded with passengers.

For an older Premio, a realistic routine-maintenance budget is approximately Tk 18,000–30,000 per year, excluding major repairs, tyres and accident-related work. A normal oil/filter service can vary considerably depending on oil and parts, while local Toyota specialists advertise general service packages around Tk 2,500–3,000. Current Bangladesh workshop references also show Premio/Allion/Axio transmission-fluid services around Tk 14,000–15,500 when a full fluid package and flushing are included. Because these cars are now old, keeping an additional repair reserve for suspension, AC, brakes and electrical work is sensible.

Check the engine, automatic transmission, suspension, steering rack, brakes, AC, electrical systems and body structure. For the 1.5L and 1.8L, inspect for engine oil consumption, leaks and abnormal noises. On 2.0L D-4 cars, pay particular attention to fuel-system and engine condition. Check automatic transmission shifting for delay or harsh engagement, inspect underbody damage, verify chassis numbers and registration documents, look for accident repair and paint mismatch, inspect suspension bushes and absorbers, test the AC in traffic, and confirm that the odometer and maintenance history are credible. A professional pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.

The biggest limitations are older safety technology, lack of modern connectivity, relatively low sedan ground clearance and modest 1.5L performance. The generation does not have modern ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance or automatic emergency braking. The 2.0L D-4 delivers considerably more performance but can demand more careful maintenance. Independent used-car references also note that oil consumption and transmission condition deserve attention when inspecting older T240 cars.

Yes, Premio does have other variants. Check out the Premio page at Toyota Premio for all other available variants.