Another entry into the ever so competitive budget car segment. Meet the Toyota Starlet Cross, a crossover version of the popular Starlet model. Here’s our first impressions.
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The Toyota-Suzuki alliance has been beneficial not only to both parties of the alliance but also to the dear consumer. The new products coming out from here are stellar in the value-for-money department and have some soul. The next product to make its debut in the South African market is the Starlet Cross, essentially a crossover version of the popular Starlet hatchback, which is also quite good. The Starlet Cross nestles itself between the Starlet and Urban Cruiser models.
According to Toyota, the styling motif for the Starlet is for the trendy young buyer who also indulges in lifestyle activities. The outdoorsy, rugged looks are evident here by the high 170mm ground clearance, plastic body cladding and bolstered fenders. In front, slim LED headlamps flank the trapezoidal 3D patterned grille. Lower down are polygonal foglamp bezels with tri-lights. Below in the chiselled chin is the lower airdam and silver trim piece. Across the side, the roofline looks low and can be bi-tone in colour if you opt for the XR variant. The side profile is entirely sculpted, and it’s quite evident in the sunlight. 5 spoke 16-inch alloy wheels grace the Starlet Cross range either in gloss black in XS trim or two-tone machined in XR trim. In the rear, the rugged looks are mimicked with the front, with slim LED tail lights and a bar running across connecting the lights. A large silver-painted trim plate graces the rear bumper. Park the Starlet Cross near a bike trail and your favourite coffee shop, and it’s sure to look good. Our colour of choice will be Fine Orange.
Prominent features of the Starlet Cross’s interior include the tritone interior with a colour swatch that includes burgundy, black, and silver. Burgandy is a colour that is somewhat different from the usual charcoal or grey colours you’d tend to see in cars of this price range. The next prominent feature is the infotainment crowning the centre stack. The touchscreen is either 7 inches in XS trim or 9 inches in XR trim which is both Apple CarPlay or Android Auto enabled. In-car Wifi is also available with the Starlet Cross. The vehicle is pretty roomy inside, particularly with rear legroom, even with the front seats being positioned far back. The sloping rear roofline may reduce some headroom for taller individuals, but the seating is quite decent. Regarding boot space, you have 304 litres to play with, which can be increased with the 60:40 split rear seats. Comfort is good as well with a soft ride, minimal NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness) with only some noticeable wind noise near the side mirrors. The seating is trimmed in fabric upholstery, whilst the steering wheel is trimmed in leather.
The Starlet Cross range is powered by a 1.5 litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine pumping out 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front wheels via either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1005 kg kerb weight shell works well with the 1.5 litre engine even at altitude, as the Starlet Cross feels peppy and doesn’t mind being revved. Even on the windy open road test route, the Starlet Cross didn’t feel unsettled. The handling is surefooted, but an emphasis is placed on comfort. However, this vehicle is agile enough for city use, too, with exceptionally light but not vague steering. Our transmission pick would be the 5-speed manual. The automatic is fine for its purpose but could do with an extra cog.
You’ll find the following standard safety equipment in the Starlet Cross:
| XS | XR (In addition to XS) |
| Auto Light Control | 2x Extra Speakers (Tweeters) |
| Electric Windows (F+R) | Tilt and Telescopic steering wheel |
| Automatic Aircon | Auto Folding Mirrors |
| 3x USB Ports | Electrochromatic Rear View Mirror |
| Cruise Control | Start Button with Smart Entry |
| 4 Speakers | Heads-Up Display |
| Day/Night Rear View Mirror | Wireless Charger |
| Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel | Driver’s Seat Height Adjuster |
| Electric Folding Mirrors |
The Starlet Cross range has a 4 services /60 000 km service plan and 3 year /100 000 km warranty.
| Model | Pricing |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS manual | from R299 900 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS auto | from R322 300 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XR manual | from R339 300 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XR auto | from R359 300 |
*Pricing stated here was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.
It’s nice to see some good budget car options come about, and the Starlet Cross offers good bang for your buck. The Starlet Cross further proves that the Toyota-Suzuki alliance is a grand idea. It’s worth a test a drive.
