Toyota has finally launched the Starlet Cross in South Africa, significantly lowering the barrier to entry for its wide array of SUVs with its starting price of R299,900.
The Cross is the latest product to come from Toyota’s long-running partnership with Suzuki, as the new crossover is based on none other than the Suzuki Fronx.
While the automakers’ twin cars typically come out right after one another, the Starlet is late to the party this time around as the Fronx debuted in August 2023.
However, this has given Toyota time to craft a unique design for the Starlet Cross to help differentiate it from its counterpart.
What you get
The Starlet Cross is the newest model to be fitted with the 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine found on several Toyota and Suzuki autos, providing a total of 77kW and 138Nm which is transmitted to the front wheels only.
Buyers have the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, resulting in an average fuel consumption of between 5.6l and 5.8l/100km.
In terms of styling, the crossover features slim LED daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a singular taillight bar at the back, with the option of a two-tone black roof depending on the trim level.
The cabin, meanwhile, sports a three-tone appearance with charcoal, silver, and bordeaux colours complemented by chrome accents.
Customers of the Starlet Cross have two equipment levels to choose from – XS and XR.
The base XS comes standard 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.
Each unit also comes with safety and assistance items such as rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, vehicle stability control, hill assist, ABS, and two front airbags.
Anything beyond this and you’ll have to upgrade to the XR specifications, which start at R339,300.
These models 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.
One advantage that the Starlet Cross has over the Fronx is that it also offers Toyota Connect, giving access to functions like in-car WiFi, a GPS vehicle locator, a battery health checker, service bookings, and roadside assistance from the My Toyota smartphone app.
Every purchase of the new entry-level Toyota crossover includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 4-services/60,000km service plan.
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