The Toyota Starlet Cross debuted in South Africa in the middle of 2024 and is based on Suzuki's Fronx, which was launched a year before. The B-SUV offering bolsters the brand's local crossover and SUV lineup, joining other affordable Toyotas in the compact car segment, like the Vitz, Starlet and Urban Cruiser.
The SUV is one of Toyota’s best-selling models and competes against models like the Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, Suzuki Fronx, Mahindra 3XO and Renault Kiger.
Without wasting any time, there are two derivatives available, namely the XS and XR. Both are powered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 77kW and 138Nm.
Customers can choose between a 5-speed manual transmission or a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is claimed at 5.6-litres/100km in the manual and 5.8-litres/100km in the automatic.
From a design perspective, the Starlet Cross closely mirrors the Fronx. The badging and front end are the only differences, thanks to reprofiled LED headlights with daytime running lights, a large front grille with chrome garnish, LED taillights (with a Starlet-specific light signature) and 16-inch alloy wheels.
There is also a good selection of solid body colours to choose from alongside two-tone options that include Luxe Red, Fine Orange, Liquid Sliver, all complemented by a Sonic Black Pearl roof, roof spoiler and outside rear-view mirrors. The Starlet Cross comes with 304 litres of luggage space.
Features
Standard across all variants are Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, as well as driver and passenger airbags. XR models come with six airbags.
The convenience features in the XS consist of a 7-inch centrally mounted infotainment screen that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and 4 speakers. Also included are three USB charging points, cruise control.
The XR model adds an electrochromic rearview mirror, colour multi-information display, wireless charger, driver seat height adjustment, Push Start + Smart Entry, Heads-Up Display, 360-degree panoramic view monitor reverse camera and a 9-inch infotainment screen.
The drive
We had the opportunity to drive the Fronx at the local launch two years ago and there is virtually no difference in how the Starlet Cross drives. They are powered by the same 1.5-litre engine with the same gearboxes.
The unit we had on test came equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and it surely has to be one of the smoothest shifting examples available. What we did notice is that the gear ratios are quite close and the revs gather quickly, which is ideal for inner city driving but not so much for long bouts at speeds higher than 120km/h.
The claimed fuel consumption for the manual is 5.6-litres per 100km and the figure we managed at the end of our time was 5.8-litres – tht's impressive. Additionally, setting up a smartphone via Android Auto or Apple Carplay is simple – a must for today’s modern and fast-paced lifestyle.
So, which one should you buy between the Fronx or the Starlet Cross? While they are both the same car at the end of the day, but the Starlet Cross looks better, in our opinion, while also being backed by probably having higher resale value.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
Starlet Cross 1.5L XS MT – R299 900
Starlet Cross 1.5L XS AT – R330 500
Starlet Cross 1.5L XR MT – R347 900
Starlet Cross 1.5L XR AT – R368 500
Included in the price is a 3-year / 100 000km mechanical warranty and a 4 services / 60 000km service plan.
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