Toyota's latest passenger offering, the Starlet Cross, takes the successful Starlet recipe and adds a little spice to the proceedings. A sporty design gets meshed with a higher-riding stance to create a product that is as attractive as it is practical. Throw in some low running costs and dependable reliability, and the mixture is as sweet as they come.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Toyota Starlet Cross
The Starlet Cross is currently available in two trims, XS and XR, with prices starting from a very agreeable R299 900 for the 1.5 XS manual, and rounding off at R359 300 for the 1.5 XR Auto variant. All models are powered by the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 77kW and 138Nm torque, sending power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto.
Toyota claims you can expect a combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.5 L/100km from the manual and 5.6 from the auto.
Pricing
| Model | Price |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS Manual | R299 900 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XS Auto | R322 300 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XR Manual | R339 900 |
| Toyota Starlet Cross 1.5 XR Auto | R359 300 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change
Standard Equipment
Notable standard equipment in the Starlet Cross, available in both trims, includes:
- ABS with EBD
- VSC
- Hill Assist Control
- ISOFIX mountings
- Digital climate control
- Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Automatic LED headlights
- LED taillights
- Electric windows front and rear
- Remote central locking
- Rear Park Distance Control
XR Trim
The XR is the higher-spec of the two, and this trim level features additional extras not available on the XS.
- 6 airbags. XS trim is fitted with 2 airbags.
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. XS only has tilt.
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Push button start
- Keyless entry
- Heads-up Display
- 16-inch alloys with machined finish. XS trim has 16-inch black alloys.
- 6-speaker audio system. XS has 4 speakers.
- Auto dim rearview mirror
- Auto-fold door mirrors. XS is electrically retractable.
- Reverse camera with surround view. XS only has a reverse camera.
- Two-tone colour options
Which Starlet Cross trim is better?
With a price difference of R40 000 between the XS Manual and the XR Manual, and a R37 000 difference between the XS Auto and XR Auto, you're looking at a very acceptable premium that needs to be paid for the additional safety and convenience features.
The additional airbags and 360-degree camera are worth the extra money alone, but the telescopic steering and height-adjustable driver's seat do wonders for the comfort levels in the XR trim. The two-tone colour options and polished alloys enhance the aesthetics.
All that is left is to decide whether you want an auto or manual, and what colour you want!
