CAPE TOWN – Toyota’s B-segment hatchback has enjoyed considerable success on the local market since its introduction a couple of years ago, but the 2022 model year update of the Toyota Starlet has brought with it a number of improvements that will no doubt further its appeal among those looking for an affordable but distinctive compact runaround.
Where it fits in and what it aims to do
In essence, the Starlet is the Toyota-refined version of Suzuki’s Baleno B-segment hatchback and forms the fourth prong in the company’s B-segment line-up, alongside the likes of the Rumion MPV, Urban Cruiser compact crossover and Yaris. While the broader mechanical strokes of the 2022 model are very similar to the model it replaces (much of the platform and ancillaries have been carried over in revised forms, for example) it presented Toyota with an opportunity to improve upon areas of the outgoing model that had met with mixed reception from some corners. Namely, a fairly basic connectivity/infotainment system, a 1,4-litre engine that wanted for some additional power and certain dynamic characteristics.
A more purposeful appearance
Obviously, a car’s mid-cycle refresh brings with it the opportunity to inject some aesthetic verve and the Toyota Starlet is no different. While the outgoing car sported a well-resolved design, it was rather conservative. The updated Starlet, with its more rakish sheet metal and elements such as more horizontally-pronounced grille and headlamp treatment, sportier front air dam and hatch-mounted lens garnish to lend the brakelamps a broader and more purposeful form have gone some way to lending the previously safe-looking compact hatch a bit more visual impact. A set of 16-inch alloy wheels in an eight-spoke design round out the updates to this Xr and Xs models.
Inside the Xr model, in addition to a number of revised trim panels and patinas, the most attention-grabbing change has to be the updated infotainment system. A larger 9-inch touchscreen interface now features; its a crisp display upon which smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera and other sub-systems can be easily accessed.
A pinch more punch and poise
While perfectly serviceable and mechanically durable, the previous Starlet’s naturally aspirated 1,4-litre petrol ‘four’s 68 kW and 130 N.m were on the modest side of the output spectrum. The updated Toyota Starlet ushers in the 1,5-litre K15B engine from the Urban Cruiser. Mated with a five-speed manual gearbox, this unit develops an additional 9 kW and 8 N.m of torque for total outputs of 77 kW and 138 N.m. While these increases may seem modest, in a car as light as the Starlet they do equate to some welcome extra grunt and the larger engine seems less stressed and more refined than its forebear at motorway speeds. We didn’t manage to emulate Toyota’s 5,5 L/100 km claimed fuel consumption on our mixed-condition drive, but the indicated 6,4 L/100 km is frugal nonetheless.
Our drive along Cape Town’s Southern peninsula also highlighted some of the changes that have taken place beneath the Starlet’s skin. While the previous car was a cinch to pilot, it did have a couple of quirks that hampered it somewhat; namely a clutch that tended at bite high on the pedal and cause some lurch when changing gear quickly and a chassis that preferred a more leisurely approach. To this end, Toyota has installed a new hydraulic clutch assembly that’s easier to modulate and helps smooth faster shifts out. Revisions to suspension geometry and improved torsional rigidity at connecting hardpoints has also had a marked impact on handling. The body roll and slight vagueness at the front have made way for a grippier feeling nose-in when cornering and lateral lean has been reined in neatly, making the updated Starlet feel more agile and composed when tackling twistier sections of road. A welcome inclusion across the Starlet range is the addition of hill-start assist across the range.
Plenty of kit and value
Cars such as Starlet live or die by the value proposition they represent and the latest Xr fares well in this regard. In addition to the abovementioned updated infotainment system, this model also features the likes of rear parking sensors, automatic climate control, electrically folding wing mirrors, cruise control and keyless entry and ignition as standard. The Xr also packs in such useful safety features as Isofix, ABS with EBD and stability control. Factor in a 3-service/45 000 km service plan and 3-year/100 000 km mechanical warranty at this model’s sub-R300 000 sticker price – not to mention a broad dealer and servicing network – and the Starlet represents great value in its segment.
Overall
While there was little to complain about in the previous Starlet, it’s heartening to see Toyota has addressed some of its powertrain and dynamic shortcomings while injecting a bit more visual panache and tech into a practical and affordable little package.
FAST FACTS
Model: Toyota Starlet 1,5 Xr MT Price: R294 900 Engine: 1,5-litre, inline-four petrol Transmission: 5-speed manual Power: 77 kW @ 6 000 r/min Torque: 138 N.m @ 4 400 r/min 0-100 km/h: 11,2 seconds Top speed: 175 km/h Fuel consumption: 5,4-5,7 L/100 km
CO2: 127 g/km
Keyword: DRIVEN: Toyota Starlet 1,5 Xr MT