The new engine feels perky in the Starlet and, like most Japanese naturally aspirated engines, it’s happy to rev and really starts to get into its stride when the revs climb above 4 000 rpm. Claimed efficiency is between 5.4- and 5.7 L/100 km. The fuel economy has taken a slight hit as a result of the enlarged-capacity engine, but only by around 0.2 L/100 km, which is a fair result, I’d say. It may not sound like a lot, but it’s more than a 10% increase in power and a little less than that in terms of peak torque. That means the Starlet now has 9 kW more power (77 kW) and 8 Nm more torque (138 Nm). Toyota (or is that Suzuki?) has duly responded by installing a bigger (1.5-litre) engine, which is the same unit used in the Urban Cruiser and Suzuki Vitara Brezza. One of the complaints buyers levelled at the pre-facelift Starlet was that it didn’t have enough performance. More power and torque from a 1.5-litre engine. What’s more, additional safety features have been fitted to all versions of the Starlet – all told, it’s a comprehensively improved offering that will have segment favourites, such as the Polo Vivo, looking over their shoulders.
Starlet car android#
Both systems are compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
In terms of infotainment upgrades, a 7-inch touchscreen system is now standard on Xi and Xs derivatives, while the top-spec Xr gains a bigger (9-inch) unit.
Starlet car manual#
The gearbox options remain either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The most notable change is under the bonnet, where the 1.4-litre petrol engine has been replaced with a more powerful 1.5-litre petrol motor. The Starlet appears to be a much bigger car from the front (one that would compete with, say, a Volkswagen Golf), but when you look at the Toyota in profile it’s apparent that its size is more comparable with that of a Polo. Similar treatment is given to the rear end, where new taillight clusters are linked by a chrome strip. The facelifted model remains a rebadged version of the Suzuki Baleno and features a revised front end, with more chrome detailing and new-look headlamps. It has often ranked as Toyota’s second-best-selling vehicle (behind the Hilux) and shows there’s still demand for an entry-level hatchback in SA! Since its local introduction in 2020, the Starlet has proved a successful import for Toyota SA. The new face on the Starlet includes new headlights, a revised bumper and chrome surrounds on the foglights.
Could the 2022 model eclipse the much-loved Volkswagen Polo Vivo as South Africa’s favourite entry-level hatchback? We drove the newcomer during its local launch in the Western Cape. The side and rear views have also been given a refreshed look, along with the cabin architecture.The revised version of Toyota’s successful Starlet has arrived, replete with a revamped exterior design, an updated engine and several more features. They’ve also made a bit more effort to differentiate the styling this time around, with a unique front bumper and grille that makes it look more like a Toyota at the front.
Starlet car full#
Like the Suzuki Baleno that it’s based on, the Toyota Starlet was recently given a makeover, which seems to fall somewhere between a major facelift and a full generation change. This means it’s not really much more expensive than those small city hatches and the Starlet is relatively economical too, which we’ll touch on a little later. It’s about the size of a Polo, yet somehow manages to look a bit bigger, and it’s priced from R226 200 to R313 300, depending on the level of specification you want. Not the kind of cars that most South Africans like to buy, especially those with families to lug around.Īfter spending a week with the recently updated Toyota Starlet, it occurred to me that this is the perfect car for the times. In these tough times it’s tempting to look at cars that are classified as fuel savers and while you might say these little hatchbacks are as cute as garden gnomes, they’re unfortunately also not much bigger.
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