Toyota South Africa has launched its new Starlet which is simply a rebadged Suzuki Baleno.
This comes after the two marques announced in 2019 that they have plans to collaborate to acquire a financial stake in each other’s operations, as part of a move towards a collaborative development programme.
Aimed at trendy youngsters, the new Starlet comes in at 3 995 mm, 1 745 mm wide and 2 520 mm worth of wheelbase and sadly, becomes a successor to the Etios.
Its engine is sourced from Suzuki and comes courtesy of a K14B 1.4-litre petrol engine with 68 kW and 130 Nm of torque.
The new Toyota Starlet can be had either with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission both driving the front wheels.
Lunching in three trims, Xi, Xs and Xr, the base trim comes equipped with a manual transmission while the remaining two trims can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission.
The Xi comes air-conditioning, electric power steering, dual 12-volt power outlets, electric windows, tilt-adjustable steering column, 60/40 split rear seats, power-adjustable side mirrors and remote central locking.
The range-topping Xr model comes with chrome door handles and side mouldings, rear privacy glass, front fog lights, LED and Projector headlights with daytime running lights, side-mirror mounted indicators plus a roof spoiler.
The Xi model is equipped with 15-inch steel wheels shod with 175-65R15 tyres and a space-saver spare wheel. Xs and Xr variants feature stylish turbine-shaped 16-inch alloy wheels with 185-55R16 rubber.
Moving to the interior, the spec level is amped up courtesy of a digital speedometer with colour MID, leather steering wheel with telescopic adjustment, park distance control (PDC), reverse camera, climate control and push-start operation.
Cruise control is also provided.
The Xi and Xs variants feature a double-DIN audio system with CD/Bluetooth/USB/Aux functionality, playing through 6-speakers.
Xr models offer a feature-rich touchscreen audio system complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration for navigation, telephony and music-streaming services.
Traditional USB, Bluetooth and MP3/Aux compatibility remains. Reverse camera monitoring is also embedded within the infotainment system. All Starlet models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot and complimentary 15Gb data.
Safety of all Starlet models comes courtesy of ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Automatic transmission models also include Hill Assist Control (HAC).
Xi and Xs models are fitted with Driver and Passenger (D+P) airbags, while the Xr variants also feature Curtain and Side airbags (C+S).
Two ISOFIX points and a security system are provided across the board.
Pricing
- Xi Manual: R204 900
- Xr Manual: R215 900
- Xs Automatic: R235 700
- Xr Manual: R258 500
- Xr Auto: R272 500
All Starlet models are sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan – with 15 000 km service intervals. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty extensions from their local Toyota dealer.
Source: Toyota
