Toyota’s refreshed Starlet hatchback range is set to launch in South Africa soon. Here’s a look at what’s changed (including under the bonnet) and what you’ll now pay for Toyota’s popular Suzuki-built hatch…

The Toyota Starlet started selling up a storm seemingly moments after arriving in South Africa in mid-September 2020 as something of a replacement for the Etios. Now, not even two years down the line, the facelifted version is about to launch locally.

Still effectively a rebadged Balenobuilt by Maruti Suzuki in India, the facelifted Toyota Starlet likewise switches from the older K14B engine (which generated 68 kW and 130 Nm) to a likewise naturally aspirated but slightly larger-capacity 1.5-litre petrol unit.

The result, as you might expect, is a little more power and torque, with the newer lump’s peak outputs pegged at 77 kW and 138 Nm. As before, transmission choices include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic cog-swapper. Interestingly, however, the claimed 0-100 kph time appears to slow three-tenths to 11.2 seconds in the case of the manual version, while the claimed fuel consumption grows from 5.1 to 5.4 litres per 100 km.

What else is new on the facelifted Toyota Starlet?

The update to the Starlet’s grille is perhaps the most obvious exterior styling change, though the hatchback also gains redesigned headlamps, a fresh front bumper, new LED taillights and updated 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, all new Toyota Starlet models featurea new touchscreen infotainment system (measuring either 7 or 9 inches, depending on the trim level)complete with Apple CarPlay and Android functionality, as well as automatic climate control, power-retractable side mirrors, USB charging socket at the rear, rear parking sensors, hill assist control, vehicle stability control and ABS withEBD.

As before, the Starlet also ships standard with Toyota Connect, a connectivity package that includes in-car Wi-Fi (a featurethe brand says sets the Starlet apart from the updated Baleno that’s set to arrive soon as well).

Toyota says its updated Starlet has “even more front and rear legroom than before”, though we do notice the claimed luggage capacity has fallen from the original 345 litres to 314 litres. The revised cabin furthermore gains blue detailing.

A quick look at the refreshed Toyota Starlet range

Just like before, the refreshed Starlet line-up – which wears the Glanza badge in India – will comprisefive derivatives in South Africa. The range kicks off with the base Xi trim level, which at R226 200 starts R1 000 higher than the outgoing version and includes standard items such as 15-inch steel wheels, the manual gearbox and halogen headlamps.

Next up is the mid-tier Xs, which will cost you R239 100 in manual guise and R261 100 in self-shifting form (increases of R2 700 and R4 400, respectively). This specification level adds items such as 16-inch alloy wheels and LED front foglamps.

Finally, the flagship Xr trim starts at R294 900 (up R10 800) with a manual gearbox and R313 300 (an increase of R8 900) with anautomatic transmission. Highlights here include chrome-effect exterior door handles, automatic LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, auto-retractable side mirrors, push-button start, leather trim for the steering wheel, two extra speakers (for a total of six), an upgraded driver’s display, cruise control, a reversing camera, an electrochromatic rearview mirror,and side and curtain airbags (in addition to the dual front items).

How much does the facelifted Toyota Starlet cost in SA?

Starlet 1.5 Xi – R226 200

Starlet 1.5 Xs – R239 100

Starlet 1.5 Xs AT – R261 100

Starlet 1.5 Xr – R294 900

Starlet 1.5 Xr AT – R313 300

The Toyota Starlet ships with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 3-service/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).