New Starlet launched at Toyota Richards Bay
TOYOTA introduced the new Starlet to the SA market last week and Autodealer attended the local launch at Toyota Richards Bay.
The new Starlet replaces the one launched in 2020, which has since become one of Toyota's best-selling passenger cars in the country.
A combination of stylish looks, a traditional hatchback layout, comprehensive specification levels and impressive frugality are the main attractions of the new Starlet, while the interior has been spruced up with a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with grey metallic inserts and a flat-bottom edge.
Also inside, a large centrally mounted infotainment screen, new front seats with improved contours for better lateral and shoulder support, a centre console with adjustable centre armrest, and multiple cup and bottle holders improve the Starlet's convenience and luxury gradings.
All models come equipped with a touchscreen audio system with USB, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto interface, as well as two rear USB chargers
(USB-A and USB-C).
Automatic climate control, power-retractable mirrors, electric windows and multiinformation display (MID) are also standard fitments.
More power
While the outgoing Starlet was powered by a 68kW, 1.4 litre engine, the new car boast a
1 litre, naturally aspirated petrol unit with outputs of 77kW and 138Nm.
The engine can be paired with a five-speed manual or fourspeed automatic transmission.
Toyota says the new Starlet takes 11.2 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill and has a top speed of 175km/h.
Fuel consumption, meanwhile,
is said to range between 5.4 litres/100km to 5.7 litres/100km, depending on the transmission type.
The suspension, too, has been completely revised, with changes to the torsion beam at the rear, new coil springs all-round, and recalibrated dampening.
Models equipped with steel wheels are shod with 185/65/
R15 rubber, while alloy-equipped variants have been upgraded to 195/55/R16 specification.
The alloy wheels themselves are also new with a bi-tone directional design.
Driver assistance systems list rear parking sensors, hill assist control, vehicle stability control, and ABS brakes across the board.
Driver and passenger airbags are also provided, with the flagship Xr grade featuring side and curtain airbags for a total tally of six.
Isofix anchor points are standard across the range.
The top-tier Xr model adds smart entry, push start and cruise control, a reverse camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror a colour TFT screen and better sound system.
All Starlet models are sold with a three-service/45 000km service plan and a three-year/ 100 000km warranty.
Additionally, customers can purchase service plan and warranty extensions.
The new Starlet pricing at launch:
• 1.5 Xi manual - R 226 200
• 1.5 Xs manual - R 239 100
• 1.5 Xs auto - R 261 100
• 1.5 Xr manual - R 294 900
• 1.5 Xr auto - R 313 300