News / 23 May 2022 / Albert du Toit

Toyota Starlet updated in South Africa – New pricing and features

The popular Toyota Starlet has been updated in South Africa with a fresh look, a more powerful engine, revised features, and new pricing.

The hatchback line-up now starts at R226,200.

As before, the Toyota is still sold in five specifications spanning three trim levels, two transmissions, and one motor.

Standard features

Standard features in the updated entry-level Starlet Xi include automatic airconditioning, power-retractable wing mirrors, a urethane multifunction steering wheel, four speakers, rear parking sensors, ABS with brake assist, two airbags, and hill-assist control.

Also standard across the range is a touchscreen infotainment system of between 18-23cm, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Toyota Connect support.

On the outside, the Xi can be spotted by its 15-inch steel wheels and colour-coded door handles.

Moving to the mid-range XS sees the same features as on the Xi, although this trim boasts 16-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lamps, and is the first to be offered with an automatic transmission.

The top-of-the-range XR then treats owners to a raft of additional niceties over its cheaper siblings, such as a leather steering wheel, cruise control, a reverse camera, two extra speakers, keyless entry and start, and four more airbags.

Visually, this model is further set apart by its chrome door handles, chrome window linings, and LED headlights with daytime running lights.

Cargo capacity for each Starlet comes in at 314 litres in five-seater mode, with ground clearance measuring 150mm.

Power

The new Starlet line-up is powered by a 1.5-litre, petrol engine generating 77kW and 138Nm – 9kW and 8Nm more than before.

The powerplant can be had with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, with combined fuel consumption rated at 5.4-5.7l/100km, depending on the trim.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 11.2 seconds regardless of the chosen transmission, whereas top speed is pegged at 175km/h for the manuals and 160km/h for the automatics.