The Toyota Starlet is proving to be a successful model for the brand. There's no skirting the fact that the Toyota Starlet is a rebadged Suzuki Baleno, with a few minor changes though. One of those changes is the infotainment system that is employed in South Africa-bound Starlets.
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Keen to see exactly which one is the better option, we have to look at their features and functionality and how they behave in the real world. We're comparing the higher-spec models in this case, pitting the 2020 Starlet 1.4 Xr against the Baleno 1.4 GLX and the Polo Vivo 1.6 Highline.
Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xr - R314 400
The Toyota Starlet is near identical to the Baleno, bar a few minor changes to the exterior and even fewer inside. You have to look rather hard to find a Suzuki badge, but some digging will present a few. Despite this, the infotainment system is one of the areas where the Starlet differs from the Suzuki.
With the latest version comes a new and devised infotainment system. Xi and Xs models receive a 7-inch touchscreen while the Xr derivatives get an upgraded, 9-inch HD unit. All systems feature Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming and smartphone tethering is possible for both Android and iOS devices with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality built into the units. This requires a physical cable connection via the USB port located up front. Additional USB ports are provided for charging at the rear of the car.
The interface presents a monochromatic, tiled home screen allowing for quick access to frequently accessed features. Unfortunately, all centrally mounted controls are of the touch variety with no tactile volume control for quick access. Drivers have access to a multi-function steering wheel for audio controls.
Suzuki Baleno 1.5 GLX - R291 900
Near identical to the Starlet, the Baleno has become the go-to for Suzuki enthusiasts locally that need more space than the Swift. The Baleno offers a rather mature package that goes down equally well with the young and old alike. The Baleno does offer a few additional features in this grade over the Starlet, including a heads-up display, rear privacy glass and a surround-view camera system.
All models get touchscreen infotainment systems with the GL model receiving the 7-inch unit and the GLX variant the 9-inch system. This system is the same as that found in the Starlet, offering Bluetooth and USB connection with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a tethered cable connection.
The Baleno uses a somewhat different home screen interface to the Starlet, but still includes a tiled/rotation hoe screen for core functions on the 9-inch version in GLX models. Quick access shortcuts are presented on either side of the screen while a row of touch buttons below the screen and no tactile volume control knob.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 Highline - R304 700
A South African favourite, the VW Polo Vivo is a familiar sight. Consumers shopping in this price range will be hard-pressed to ignore the Polo Vivo as it is backed by a sizeable dealer network and is well supported elsewhere as well. The Highline model of the Vivo may appear to be a little expensive for some when one compares it to the lower-spec models, but the additional trim is worth the money.
The Vivo Highline is equipped with the Volkswagen Radio 340G system that has been in service for several years now. Recent updates have made this unit easier to use but it still falls short in a few areas, primarily menu hierarchy that can still be a little complex at time, especially when compared to the opposition.
Despite this minor detraction, the unit features a colour touchscreen with inputs for Bluetooth, USB, and SD Card and recent versions are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android auto thanks to the AppConnect system. It plumbs audio through a 6-speaker audio system in the Highline models.
The Vivo is the only option in this comparison that offers additional controls for the system in the way of two rotary knobs and several push buttons for shortcuts to features and other functions. These are situated on either side of the screen, high up and are clearly visible. The multifunction steering wheel offers several controls for the audio system and these fall easy to hand in a logical manner.
