Everything you need to know about the Toyota Starlet
The release of the Toyota Starlet turned budget motoring on its head. Thinking about buying a safe and economical car with solid credentials and a guarantee of good aftersales service? Learn more about this popular new hatchback, here.
In this article:
Who is the Toyota Starlet a good car for?
What is the Toyota Starlet like to drive?
Tech and spec in the Toyota Starlet
Similar cars to the Toyota Starlet
Is the Toyota Starlet a good car?
The Suzuki Baleno-based Toyota Starlet is a solidly-built hatchback with a decent amount of safety and convenience features and there's plenty more tech in the 2022 model, plus the Starlet now boasts a 77kW/138 Nm, 1.5-litre engine (previous models had a 1.4). It's very good, considering its price.
Who is the Toyota Starlet a good car for?
Anyone who seeks value for money: students, singles, young families, and pensioners looking to scale down, but without sacrificing creature comforts.
Is the Starlet a good first car?
It's an excellent first car because it's safe and highly economical, and you'll also get low-cost servicing from a reputable brand with the largest dealer footprint in SA.
Is the Toyota Starlet a good family car?
Young families will be impressed by the amount of space on the second row and in the boot, plus there are Isofix child anchors on the outer rear seats as well as child locks on the doors. The boot is pram-friendly, and overall, the Starlet is very safe.
Driver assistance is aided by rear parking sensors (PDC), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control, ABS and EBD across the board. Driver & Passenger airbags are also provided with the flagship Xr grade featuring Side & Curtain versions too, for a total tally of 6. ISOFIX anchor points are standard across the range. - Toyota SA
Buying used? Read: Is the 2020 Toyota Starlet good for families?
Is there a Toyota Starlet hybrid model?
Not at the moment, but this may change in the future, as Toyota plans to roll out more and more hybrids every year.
View the latest used Toyota Starlets for sale in South Africa>
What’s it like to drive?
Reviewer's opinion
The Starlet is easy and fun to drive, and its suspension is built for roads in far worse condition than the Western Cape’s (it makes mincemeat of speed bumps thanks to softish suspension). And, when you’re driving an auto, time spent in traffic is a lot less painful.
As I’ve already mentioned, the new Starlet gets a more potent 1.5-litre engine with an output of 77 kW and 138 nm versus the previous 1.4 powerplant’s 68 kW with 130 Nm of torque. This output increase will be more tangible in the manual models but it feels powerful enough in the auto for the average Joe’s daily needs. The fuel economy in the city came to about 6.6 litres per 100 km, but traffic was quite heavy.
Ané Theron, AutoTrader
Read our 2022 Toyota Starlet driving impressions here.
Buying a pre-loved model? Read our driving impression of the 2020 Toyota Starlet
What does it look like?
Exterior
What is the Toyota Starlet like inside?
Interior
The Starlet has a flowing, functional interior with an ergonomic layout. It is ideal for drivers of all shapes and sizes.
Tech and spec
With the launch of the 2022 model, Toyota added a significant amount of features to make the Starlet a true value offering:
In response to customer feedback and market trends, the new Starlet also boasts an upgraded specification roster. All models now 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 Multi-Information Display (MID) are features on the standard menu.
The infotainment system is synced with the on-board computer allowing occupants to access and display vehicle trip information alongside cellphone contacts, date & time, audio system status and multimedia inputs - all from the conveniently grouped home screen view. Detailed screens for each of the functions can also be called up.
The top-tier Xr model adds Smart Entry, Push Start and Cruise Control amongst other niceties. A reverse camera and auto-dimming rear-view mirror add even more convenience to the Xr package, while an additional 2 tweeter speakers (total of 6) interface with a larger 23cm infotainment screen. The Multi-Information Display (MID) is upgraded to the colour TFT type and boasts a variety of telemetry-themed screens including a g-sensor and power/torque monitor.
- Toyota SA
Price
Which is the cheapest Toyota Starlet?
The cheapest Starlet is the 1.5 Xi model - prices usually start from R226 200. The price increase between the old and the new model was miniscule.
Search for the latest new and used Toyota Starlets in South Africa >
How much does it cost?
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi | R 248 400 |
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS manual | R262 400 |
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 XS auto | R286 600 |
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR manual | R314 400 |
| Toyota Starlet 1.5 XR auto | R334 000 |
*Pricing is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
Competitors
Similar Cars to the Toyota Starlet
Ford Figo
Read our latest Ford Figo reviews >
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Volkswagen Polo
Read our latest Volkswagen Polo Vivo reviews >
Search the latest new and used VW Polo Vivo for sale in South Africa >
Suzuki Baleno
Read our latest Suzuki Baleno reviews >
Search the latest new and used Suzuki Baleno for sale in South Africa >
