Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross updated for South Africa – Pricing and features

Toyota has just launched an important update for the Starlet hatchback and Starlet Cross crossover in South Africa.

The carmaker’s local division has added new safety equipment to the lower grades of both vehicles, which were previously only available on the range-topping Xr models.

Additionally, Toyota has increased the mileage limit on the Starlet service plan, going from 45,000km to 60,000km.

The 3-year/100,000km warranty is unchanged.

The Starlet retails for R268,300, while the Starlet Cross starts at R304,900.

Features

The Starlet Xi and Xs trim levels have been given new side and curtain airbags, bringing it up to total of six.

This was already the case on the Xr models, but Toyota stated that it wanted to expand the safety functions across the range to improve the value to consumers.

“With these specification updates, we’re not only expanding the safety features across more grades but also enhancing the Toyota ownership experience,” said Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at Toyota South Africa Motors.

“It’s our way of showing customers that we are committed to offering cars that are as safe as they are enjoyable to own and drive.”

The Japanese carmaker has also done the same to the Starlet Cross Xi units, ensuring that the equipment offering is consistent across all of its models.

Beyond the new airbags, the features list on the lower-spec Starlet and Starlet Cross is unchanged.

This includes items like a multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a 7-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four speakers, rear parking sensors, a reverse camera, cruise control, vehicle stability control, hill assist, and ABS.

Engine

The hatchback and crossover are both powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

This generates a total of 77kW and 138Nm, which is sent down to the front wheels.

Buyers can choose either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, and fuel consumption ranges between 5.6-5.8l/100km, depending on the selected transmission.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the updated Toyota Starlet is as follows:

• Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi – R268,300
• Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xs Manual – R275,900
• Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xs Auto – R297,900
• Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xr Manual – R307,600
• Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xr Auto – R327,600

The South African pricing for the updated Toyota Starlet Cross is as follows:

• Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 Xs manual – R304,900
• Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 Xs auto – R335,800
• Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 Xr manual – R355,300
• Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 Xr auto – R375,900

Each purchase comes with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 4-service/60,000km service plan.

Toyota Starlet

Toyota Starlet Cross