Toyota South Africa announced the new crossover SUV “Starlet Cross” on July 24, 2024 (local time). This is an OEM vehicle based on the Suzuki “Fronx,” but unlike the ” Urban Cruiser Tizer ” announced in India , the name of the vehicle is actually “Starlet,” a name taken from a classic car of the past, and it is called “Starlet Cross” as a crossover. Furthermore, the powertrain lineup includes a 103hp naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine.
There have been frequent talks in Japan about the revival of the Starlet, and no one would have imagined that the Starlet would be used in this model, but on the contrary, wouldn’t the Starlet Cross be likely to sell well if introduced in Japan?
About the new Toyota “Starlet Cross”
Toyota Starlet Cross
The Toyota Starlet Cross is 3,995 mm long and is built on Suzuki’s Heartect architecture. The only powertrain offered in the South African market is a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS) and 138 Nm (102 lb-ft) of torque. Transmission options include a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, both of which are front-wheel drive.
Toyota Starlet Cross
The India-spec Toyota Urban Cruiser Tizer and Suzuki Frontus are available with different engines, including a mild-hybrid turbo 1.0-litre and a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol/CNG engine options.
Toyota Starlet Cross
The interior features a 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, and point-and-shoot charging. The entry-level XR comes equipped with two airbags, while the higher-end XS adds six. Neither trim level comes with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) beyond hill assist control.
Prices for the Toyota Starlet Cross in South Africa range from 299,900 rand (approximately 2.36 million yen) to 359,300 rand (approximately 2.83 million yen). As such, the Toyota Starlet Cross occupies a unique position in the South African market, making it an attractive option for those considering a small SUV.
Why did they name an SUV “Starlet”?
There are several reasons why Toyota decided to bring back the “Starlet” name. First, the Starlet was a popular model in the past, and the name has many fans. Therefore, reviving the nameplate will make it easier to appeal to past owners and fans.
The Toyota Starlet nameplate has deep ties to small hatchback vehicles, from its Yaris ancestor back in the day to the current rebadged Suzuki Baleno.
The Starlet was sold under the Toyota brand in Africa, receiving OEM supply of the Baleno.
Now, Toyota South Africa has adopted this legendary name for a new urban SUV, the Starlet Cross. Perhaps they chose the name because many South Africans are already familiar with the Starlet.
Additionally, small hatchbacks and SUVs are gaining popularity in the current automobile market. The Starlet Cross, which uses the Starlet name, is a model that responds to this market trend and utilizes badge engineering techniques. This is part of Toyota’s strategy to efficiently launch new vehicles by collaborating with the Suzuki Baleno and Suzuki Frontus and sharing a common platform and design.
The Starlet Cross is very similar to the Toyota Urban Cruiser Tizer and Suzuki Front, with Toyota’s unique design elements being limited to the front bumper, emblem, and lighting. This allows Toyota to offer a wide range of choices to customers of different brands while maintaining its Toyota identity. Another advantage is that there is little competition in the region, as there are no competing models like the Yaris Cross.
SUZUKI FRONX
2024 Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor
With South African buyers already familiar with the Starlet name, the Starlet Cross is likely to be a good choice for a small SUV. In fact, both Starlets are based on Suzuki platforms and have the added benefit of less competition as there are no competing models like the Yaris Cross in the region.
A word from the editorial department
The Toyota Starlet Cross is attracting attention as a new choice for urban SUVs in the South African market. Its familiar nameplate and design utilizing the Suzuki platform make it an attractive vehicle for users. Expectations are high for this model, which aims to succeed in new markets while carrying on the tradition and reliability of the Starlet name.
Furthermore, we are also looking forward to its release in the Japanese market. If the Starlet Cross is released in Japan, it may become popular in the small SUV market as well. This model, which combines ease of use and economy in urban areas in particular, will be highly praised for its convenience of not requiring a large parking space. We will be keeping an eye on its announcement in Japan.
Starlet Cross related articles
Starlet Cross
https://www.toyota.co.za/vehicles/starlet-cross
https://www.toyota.co.za/discover/news/all-new-toyota-starlet-cross-own-it
Toyota South Africa
