The Toyota Starlet is one of South Africa’s most popular hatchbacks, ranking third behind the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Suzuki Swift in 2023, and now there’s a Starlet Cross for those seeking a more rugged looking package.
Unlike the Corolla Cross, which has a stature more akin to a conventional SUV, the Starlet Cross is something of a hatchback on steroids, but it’s more than just a Starlet with some extra plastic cladding.
Just like the Starlet is based on the Suzuki Baleno and sourced from Maruti Suzuki of India, the Starlet Cross is twinned with the Suzuki Fronx, which means it has unique exterior body panels to set it apart from its hatch sibling.
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Compared with the Fronx, the Starlet Cross also has a distinct front bumper and grille design, while its LED front daytime running lights and tail lamps also have unique inner elements.
With its ground clearance of 170mm, the Starlet Cross is 20mm higher off the ground than the hatchback and while that doesn’t make it a pukka off-roader, it should give you that extra bit of leeway on rough and rutted dirt paths.
With its length of 3,995mm and width of 1,765mm, the Cross is 5mm longer and 20mm wider than the hatch, while riding on the same 2,520mm wheelbase.
Brighter colour options are on the menu too for Cross owners, including Fine Orange and Galaxy Blue, while the flagship model is available with a black roof.
Beneath the skin they are very much the same car, with power coming from Suzuki’s venerable 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine that produces 77kW and 138Nm.
However, since the Starlet Cross is some 40kg heavier, it is slightly thirstier, with a combined overall fuel consumption figure of 5.6 litres per 100km versus 5.4 for the hatch, according to figures provided by Toyota.
The Starlet and Starlet Cross share a similar cabin architecture, but a few of the trim panels and upholsteries differ, and in particular, the hatchback has a dark grey and navy colour scheme, while the crossover sports has burgundy trim, which might not be to everyone’s liking.
How do the features differ?
The specification is largely mirrored, but there are a few differences. The Starlet Cross Xs, for instance, gains cruise control, reverse camera, leather-covered steering wheel, auto light control and rear air vents over its hatch equivalent.
Both Xs versions, however, have 16-inch alloys (with differing designs), a 7.0-inch infotainment system with four speakers, auto air conditioning, electric windows, rear park distance control, two airbags and vehicle stability control.
On the XR range-topping models, the Cross gains a few features that you won’t find on the hatchback, including Heads-Up Display, Panoramic View Monitor and wireless charging, while its alloy wheels have a machined look.
Like the hatch, however, the Starlet Cross XR does gain a 9.0-inch infotainment system, electrochromatic rear view mirror and reach-adjustable steering.
But the final crux of the matter concerns pricing, and potential buyers will be forced to ask themselves if the Starlet Cross is worth the extra money.
The Starlet 1.5 Xs hatchback, for instance, is priced from R266,300, while the Cross equivalent is listed at R299,900. At the upper end, the Starlet 1.5 XR hatch starts at R319,100, while the Cross version kicks off at R339,900.
However, the Starlet Cross has a better service plan, which is valid for four-services or 60,000km, versus the hatchback’s three-service/45,000km plan.
Toyota Starlet Pricing (July 2024)
- 1.5 Xi manual - R252,100
- 1.5 XS manual - R266,300
- 1.5 XS auto - R290,900
- 1.5 XR manual - R319,100
- 1.5 XR auto - R339,000
Toyota Starlet Cross Pricing
- 1.5 XS manual - R299,900
- 1.5 XS auto - R322,300
- 1.5 XR manual - R339,300
- 1.5 XR auto - R359,300
IOL Motoring