Toyota-Suzuki partnership sees a Starlet born

Stars come in many forms, but Toyota South Africa’s brand new Starlet aims to hit the market with a bang aimed specifically at more economically inclined road users.

Built by Suzuki, the Starlet features five different models ranging from the 1.4L Xi MT at R204 900 to the fully equipped 1.4L XR MT at R258 500.

Toyota said driving forces in an ever-increasing global market led many motoring brands, including Toyota, into the multi-brand partnership arena.

This follows the 2019 announcement that Toyota and Suzuki would form an alliance in order to leverage each other’s strengths and compete in an evolving vehicle market. 

From that partnership was born the Starlet, building on the core strengths of the Etios – good performance, fuel efficiency and affordable pricing – amplified by the modern exterior, a spacious interior and enhanced specs.

The alliance meant that both companies would be able to produce compact, hybrid autonomous vehicles.

The modern Starlet also serves as a revival of the 1973 sub-compact hatchback, a Toyota vehicle which dominated the Japanese market for five generations.

Starlet’s foundation is Suzuki’s TECT platform, using high-tensile steel in critical areas as well as energy absorption channels – producing a strong, safe and lightweight chassis.

Traditional McPherson strut front-suspension design is joined by a torsion-beam rear axle.

Big things come in small packages, they say, and this may just be the case with the Starlet which aims to make light work of your daily commute.

Powering the Starlet is a 1.4-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine. Featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and a tumble-flow intake manifold while the engine exhibits a rev-happy character.

Power output is pegged at 68kW @6 000 rpm with 130Nm of torque @4 200 rpm.

Two transmission choices are on offer, a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic, all front-wheel drive.

Low fuel consumption is a key feature, with the fuel index registering between 5.1 and 5.4 l/100km depending on variant.

A 37-litre fuel tank provides an effective range of over 700km on a single tank.

All Starlet models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system which includes an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.