As Toyota bids farewell to the Etios which was launched locally in 2012, Toyota welcomes the new Starlet. This model was born with the collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki.
This is the first car between the new Toyota and Suzuki collaboration. The Starlet is built in India alongside the Suzuki Glanza (Baleno). The Toyota Starlet dates back to 1973 and ended production in 1999 but Toyota has now revived the Starlet badge.
There are three model trims for the Starlet, Xi, Xs and Xr (entry-level, mid, and top of the range). All models come standard with air-conditioning, electric power steering, dual 12-volt power outlets, electric windows, tilt-adjustable steering column, 60/40 split rear seats, power-adjustable side mirrors and remote central locking.
Exterior
The exterior of the Starlet is the same as the Baleno with just the grille, wheel design and badging separating the two. The Xi model comes standard with 15-inch wheels whilst the Xs and Xr models come with 16-inch alloy wheels. The top of the range model (the Xr) comes with LED + Projector headlamps with daytime running lights (DRL), front fog lamps, chrome door handles and side mouldings, side-mirror mounted indicators and a roof spoiler, and rear privacy glass.
Inside
Inside the entry-level Xi model comes standard with air-conditioning, power steering, all-around electric windows, and radio with Bluetooth. The range-topping Starlet Xr model gets a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, park distance control (PDC), digital speedometer with colour MID, leather steering wheel with telescopic adjustment, and reverse camera.
Engine
The Starlet shares the same 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine throughout the range. It produces 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque. Toyota offers a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Fuel consumption figures range between 5.1 and 5.4 l/100 km depending on which gearbox option you go for.
In terms of safety, the Xi & Xs ship standard with two airbags and higher Xr models receives 6 airbags. All models come standard with ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control and Isofix points.
Pricing
Starlet 1.4 Xi MT – R204 900
Starlet 1.4 Xs MT – R215 200
Starlet 1.4 Xs AT – R235 700
Starlet 1.4 Xr MT – R258 500
Starlet 1.4 Xr AT – R272 500
All Starlet models are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan – with 15 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
Images: Toyota SA
