The cheapest Toyota SUV in South African can be bought for less than R300,000, but only just.
The Starlet Cross has an official starting price of R299,900, but you can expect to pay all the way up to R368,500 for the range-topping model.
An interesting detail about the Cross is that it is technically a Suzuki, as it is a rebadged version of the Fronx also on sale in South Africa.
This is nothing new for Toyota, mind you, as the two Japanese companies have collaborated on multiple occasions to reduce the cost of research and development for new models.
A few other examples of this include the Toyota Starlet, Urban Cruiser, and Vitz, which are rebadged versions of the Suzuki Baleno, Grand Vitara, and Celerio, respectively.
The one thing that all of these models have in common is that they are relatively affordable, which speaks to Toyota’s current business strategy.
Toyota is the top-performing car brand in South Africa, but its best-selling models have gradually shifted upmarket as a result of inflation and other factors.
The Corolla Cross and Hilux Double Cab are very popular, but they now retail for a minimum of R414,800 and R528,800.
This is a very high bar to clear for most households, considering that the vast majority of individuals in South Africa earn less than R30,000 per month.
Suzuki, on the other hand, has established itself as a wallet-friendly brand with more cars under R300,000 than any other manufacturer, making it an ideal candidate for Toyota to partner with.
The result is a vehicle like the Starlet Cross, which is Toyota’s solution to plug the gap in its local catalogue with a relatively affordable SUV.
What’s included
The Cross is 3,995mm in length, 1,765mm in width, and 1,550mm in height, making it slightly larger than the Starlet hatchback it shares a name with.
It is also 30mm higher off the tarmac, giving it a total ground clearance of 170mm.
While it may be based on the Fronx, it has a unique grille to set itself apart, which is flanked on either side by a set of slim LED headlights, daytime running lights, and lower fog lamps.
The Toyota also comes with roof rails, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
In terms of features, the base XS models are fitted with automatic air conditioning, a leather multifunction steering wheel, three USB ports, four speakers, and a 7-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The driver assistance list includes rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, vehicle stability control, hill assist, ABS, and two front airbags.
Upgrading to the top-spec XR will then add auto-folding side mirrors, keyless entry and start, an electrochromic rearview mirror, a multi-information driver’s display, a wireless charger, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, a heads-up display, 360-degree cameras, a larger 9-inch media system, two more speakers, and four more airbags.
Every model is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which delivers 77kW and 138Nm.
Buyers have a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, which net an average fuel consumption of between 5.6l and 5.8l/100km.
Each purchase comes with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and 4-services/60,000km service plan.
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