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• Toyota and Suzuki launch their first joint venture model.
• The Toyota Starlet is based on the Suzuki Baleno.• Segment B offer price starts from R204 900.• For more racing stories, visit www.Wheels24.co.za
Toyota launched its new Starlet on Monday (September 21), its first product from its joint venture with Suzuki that was announced in 2019.
The Starlet is a new modern ‘original’ offering from Toyota and is also a replacement for the now discontinued Etios. But in short, it’s a Suzuki Baleno with a Toyota badge, a slightly majority lineup, and a new name, and it’s also more affordable than its twin sister.
The Etios production ended in early March this year. The direct rivals of the new Starlet, which is Suzuki’s version of the Baleno, are the Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Renault Sandero.
Toyota Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Leon Theron says: “On August 28, 2019, Toyota and Suzuki announced a formal alliance between the two companies, in order to leverage each other’s strengths and compete in the market. Evolving global vehicles. Hybrid technology and autonomous driving would benefit Suzuki, while Toyota would have access to compact vehicles, a Suzuki strength. A mutually beneficial alliance was born. “
The automaker says the Starlet name dates back to 1973 and has graced Toyota’s subcompact hatchback in the Japanese domestic market for five generations (ending in 1999). Staying true to the spirit of being a compact, efficient and value-focused product, the newcomer proudly revives the Starlet insignia.
These joint ventures are also nothing new for Toyota, which launched the new Supra last year in collaboration with BMW, along with another project with Daihatsu.
Image: Motorpress / Cornel Van Heerden
Theron also says that engine companies are under tremendous pressure around the world and, as OEMs, have to think outside of the box. There are numerous mobility factors offered to customers including not having to buy a vehicle. The Starlet plays in the hands of segment B and will attract younger customers, such as those who finish in college or young married couples.
With a slogan of “Make room for fun,” the automaker says the new model is affordable to run, has a great infotainment system, includes Toyota Connect, Android Auto and CarPlay.
Joy Mibela, Marketing Planning Manager, says that the sub-B segment accounts for about 34% of the market and the B segment equals 43% market share. The Starlet, he says, is a stylish, outgoing little car and is attractively priced, as well as good styling, and is a sensible choice.
The Etios launched in 2012 and sold around 1,125 units per month, according to the automaker. However, its styling has become obsolete, there was no VSC, and the lack of an automatic transmission played a large role in today’s consumer needs.
Image: Motorpress / Cornel Van Heerden
Styling
Suzuki’s Starlet and Baleno can be distinguished by the V-shaped front grille and badge. The automaker says the exterior design follows a classic hatchback profile, with a short, downward sloping nose and a rounded rear hatch. The Toyota-specific finished front grille has the Toyota badge mounted in the center and features two vertically arranged headlamps with chrome inserts. A lower trapezoidal air dam is flanked by fog lamp housings (if installed).
Toyota also says that the side profile features contour-following top and bottom fold lines, with no sharp edges, and color-coded exterior mirrors.
The rear design focuses on the large LED taillights with red and translucent accents. There is also a chrome trim strip and a trapezoidal indentation on the lower section of the bumper.
Interior design
Toyota recognizes that spaciousness and uncompromising ergonomics were a priority for the interior. The center “hang” section of the dash neatly groups the ventilation, infotainment and climate control distribution equipment, Toyota says. The instrument cluster is bright and easy to read with a central Multiple Information Display (MID) and dual analog gauges.
A robust three-spoke steering wheel incorporates steering and cruise control switches (where equipped).
What’s under the hood?
The Starlet houses a 1.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing (VVT) and a volumetric flow intake manifold. The power output is fixed at 68 kW at 6000 rpm with 130 Nm at 4200 rpm.
Two transmission options are offered, a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, all driving the front wheels. The mandatory 0-100 km / h dash is shipped in 10.9s for the manual and 11.6s for the automatic variant.
Toyota claims fuel consumption figures between 5.1 liters / 100 km for the manual version and 5.4 liters / 100 km for the car models. A 37-liter fuel tank provides an effective range of over 700 km on a single tank.
Toyota says the foundation for the Starlet is Suzuki’s TECT platform, which uses high-strength steel in critical areas, as well as energy absorption channels, to produce a strong, safe and lightweight chassis. A traditional McPherson strut front suspension design is joined by a torsion beam rear axle. The torsion beam design provides improved packaging and contributes to the spaciousness of the Starlet.
The Xi is equipped with 15 “steel wheels shod with 175-65R15 tires and a space-saving spare wheel. The Xs and Xr variants feature sleek 16” turbine-shaped alloy wheels with 185-55R16 rubber. .
Toyota says the towing capacity weighs 400kg without brake and 1000kg with brake.
Image: Motorpress / Cornel Van HeerdenSpecification and rating strategy
Image: Toyota
All Starlet models are also equipped with the Toyota Connect telematics system, which includes an in-car Wi-Fi access point and complimentary 15Gb data. Once linked to their profile, customers can manage their vehicle through the MyToyota app. This intuitive app enables on-demand service reservations, vehicle information and history, data tracking, as well as Toyota Connect data top-up services, and much more.
It is safe?
According to Toyota, yes based on the following: All Starlet models come with safety features that include active electronic aids like ABS, EBD, Brake Assist (BA), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). Automatic transmission models also include Hill Assist Control (HAC).
The Xi and Xs models are equipped with driver and passenger (D + P) airbags, while the Xr variants also have side and curtain airbags (C + S). Two ISOFIX points and a security system are provided in all areas.
Prices
Starlet 1.4 Xi MT – R204 900
Starlet 1.4 Xs MT – R215 200
Starlet 1.4 Xs AT – R235 700
Starlet 1.4 Xr MT – R258 500
Starlet 1.4 Xr AT – R272 500
All Starlet models are sold with three services or a 45,000 km service plan with 15,000 km service intervals. A three-year or 100,000 km warranty is also provided. Customers can purchase an additional service plan and warranty extensions at their local Toyota dealer, benefiting from the largest dealer network in the country (over 220).
