Since the first-generation Starlet was launched locally in September 2020, it took like the proverbial duck to water and instantly cemented itself within South Africa's highly-competitive B-segment.
Now, a new generation Toyota Starlet is on the block - built on the same platform as Suzuki's Baleno.
I could have copied and pasted the review about the Baleno. Not only would that be unethical, but they are two different cars - in their respective ways and appeal to unique buyer groups, specifically those loyal to a brand.
Baleno vs Starlet - what is different?
The Baleno and Starlet use the same chassis, though, for the sake of copyright and legal red tape, both models have been made distinctive in certain places - call it a necessary nip tuck of sorts.
Starting with the exterior, the front bumper is the first definitive change. It features chrome bits like strip between the (redesigned) headlights and around the outside of the fog lights. The Xr derivative, which is the model reviewed here, comes standard with 16-inch alloys, featuring something of a windmill design.
Now, a new generation Toyota Starlet is on the block - built on the same platform as Suzuki's Baleno.
I could have copied and pasted the review about the Baleno. Not only would that be unethical, but they are two different cars - in their respective ways and appeal to unique buyer groups, specifically those loyal to a brand.
Baleno vs Starlet - what is different?
The Baleno and Starlet use the same chassis, though, for the sake of copyright and legal red tape, both models have been made distinctive in certain places - call it a necessary nip tuck of sorts.
Starting with the exterior, the front bumper is the first definitive change. It features chrome bits like strip between the (redesigned) headlights and around the outside of the fog lights. The Xr derivative, which is the model reviewed here, comes standard with 16-inch alloys, featuring something of a windmill design.
The colour palette consists of Mystic Pearl White, Premium Liquid Silver, Shadow Black Pearl, Luxe Red, Shadow Grey, Champagne, and Dark Indigo Blue, which is of no extra cost, no matter the derivative.
Gone is the existing 1.4-litre from its predecessor. The new model now employs a higher displacement 1.5-litre engine (the same one found in the Urban Cruiser) for a total power output of 77kW and 138Nm. Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission (Xs and Xr models only). Fuel consumption is rated at 5.4-litres/100km for the manual and 5.7-litres for the automatic variants.
For those interested, Toyota claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 11.2-seconds and run to a top speed of 175km/h - though that was never tested during our review and, quite frankly, is not very important to know based on the type of car.
How does it drive?
Having driven the new Baleno when it launched earlier this year, it left a good impression on me. With the Starlet, I wasn't expecting any difference in driveability, which was precisely the case. The hatch feels agile in the hands, despite it weighing less than 1 000kg (without the driver) which I thought would be adversely affected by the strong winds that swept through parts of Cape Town. It wasn't the case.
Having spent a week with the car, I experienced the same niggle I did with the Baleno, where the doors did not lock automatically (when driving more than 40km/h), which I think Toyota could have improved on. You constantly have to remember to lock the doors before you set off, which can become irritating and dangerous if you're driving in sketchy parts of town.
The four-speed auto feels sluggish, and at times, when the accelerator is mashed to overtake, for example, it makes the engine sound like it's being driven hard when in fact, the revs are below 3 000rpm. By the same breath, the engine feels punchy and is better suited to the (cheaper) five-speed manual, in my opinion.
Even though Toyota has its claimed fuel consumption figures, it's scarce for drivers to maintain those numbers over an extended period. During my week of testing, the best I could manage was 6.4-litres/100km - granted, the driving was more spirited than usual. If I had driven more 'nicely,' the figure would have dropped more.
Regarding connectivity, all models in the range come standard with a touchscreen audio system with USB, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Multi-Information Display, and two rear USB chargers (USB-A and USB-C). Other standard features on the menu include automatic climate control, power-retractable mirrors, and electric windows.
Driver assistance is aided by rear parking sensors, Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Control, ABS, and EBD across the board. Driver & Passenger airbags are also provided with the flagship Xr grade featuring side & Curtain versions for a total tally of six. ISOFIX anchor points are standard across the range.
The higher-specced Xr derivative ships standard with Smart Entry, Push Start and Cruise Control, a reverse camera, a 23cm infotainment screen, and an instrument colour display.
Rivals
Two of the Starlet's main rivals have fallen away recently, with the likes of the Ford Figo and Renault Sandero no longer sold as brand-new in the country. This leaves the likes of Suzuki's Baleno and Volkswagen's Polo Vivo as the only new options left in the popular B-segment. The information in the table below is based on the top-of-the-range derivatives:
The Polo Vivo GT does not come with an automatic transmission, start-stop system, park distance control, or side airbag - all of which come standard with the Baleno GLX and Starlet Xr. The GT has a more powerful engine (81kW and 200Nm) and bigger wheels.
Spec and pricing
1.5 Xi manual - R226 200
1.5 Xs manual - R239 100
1.5 Xs automatic - R261 100
1.5 Xr manual - R294 900
1.5 Xr automatic - R313 300
All models are sold with a three-services or 45 000 km service plan (with 15 000 km service intervals) and a three-year or 100 000km mechanical warranty.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android), and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local property information close to home.
