
Launched in September 2020, the Toyota Starlet was met with rapturous applause and instantly cemented itself within the highly-competitive B-segment in the passenger car market. It’s combination of stylish good looks, traditional hatchback layout, comprehensive specification level and impressive frugality at the pumps, earned the Starlet top marks amongst customers.
The new Starlet promises to deliver even more, on all fronts. The front styling ups the visual ante with sleek headlamps (LED dependant on grade), unified by a sleek chrome ‘brow’ and prominent lower air dam – creating a signature Toyota look. Wide-mounted fog lamps (grade dependant) replete with C-shaped trim, add to the overall appeal.
A revised interior design features swooping accent lines and multi-hued detailing, with a large centrally-mounted infotainment screen and easy-to-read instrument binnacle. Here designers focussed on creating a stylish design while maintaining excellent ergonomics.
The newcomer also gets a boost in performance with the adoption of a larger 1.5-litre K15B engine (as employed in the Urban Cruiser), replacing the outgoing 1.4-litre mill. This enhances performance by 9kW (for a total power output of 77kW), while the torque receives an 8Nm amplification to take it to a max of 138Nm. The 1.5-litre engine employs a traditional 16-valve layout and VVT-i to offer a great balance of torque, willingness to rev and fuel efficiency.
In response to customer feedback and market trends, the new Starlet also boasts an upgraded specification roster. All models now come equipped with a touchscreen audio system with USB, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto interface, as well as two rear USB chargers (USB-A and USB-C). Automatic Climate Control, power-retractable mirrors, electric windows and Multi-Information Display (MID) are features on the standard menu.Starry Line-up and Pricing
The familiar three-grade strategy has been retained (Xi, Xs and Xr). Buyers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission on Xs and Xr models, resulting in a model matrix of 5 variants catering to a variety of needs.
Starlet 1.5 Xi MT – R 226,200
Starlet 1.5 Xs MT – R 239,100
Starlet 1.5 Xs AT – R 261,100
Starlet 1.5 Xr MT – R 294,900
Starlet 1.5 Xr AT – R 313,300
Peace of Mind
All Starlet models are sold with a complimentary 3-services/45 000 km service plan – with 15 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can additionally purchase service plan and warranty extensions from their local Toyota dealer – and they benefit from the biggest dealer network in the country (over 220 outlets).