Timeless Charm, Compact Power: the Toyota Starlet, a Classic Reborn

The Toyota Starlet, a compact hatchback with 1.3L turbocharged engines, is renowned for its reliability, efficiency, and affordability, with enthusiasts favoring the GT Turbo and Glanza V models. Toyota revived the Starlet nameplate in 2020, based on Suzuki Baleno, targeting modern markets. It remains popular in JDM circles and emerging markets for its fuel efficiency and durability.

The 2025 Toyota Starlet will offer affordability, efficiency, and practicality with minor updates. It may feature refined styling, LED lighting, and an updated infotainment system. The 1.5L engine may see slight improvements. The platform may also be introduced for emerging markets. 

TNGA-B Platform

The TNGA-B platform is a modular vehicle platform designed for Toyota's compact cars, enhancing structural rigidity, driving dynamics, safety, and weight reduction, supporting hybrid powertrains, and offering improved suspension and ride comfort. 

GR (Gazoo Racing) variant

Toyota's Gazoo Racing division produces high-performance models called GR, featuring sportier features like upgraded engines, tuned suspensions, and racing-inspired designs. These models range from GR-Sport to GRMN, combining motorsport expertise with everyday usability for thrilling performance.

Interior and Exterior

The Toyota Starlet is a practical and comfortable hatchback with spacious seating, fabric upholstery, and an ergonomic dashboard. It features automatic climate control, ample legroom, and adjustable seats. Higher trims offer touchscreen infotainment and smartphone connectivity, making it a user-friendly choice for daily driving. It provides spacious seating, good legroom, and a soft suspension for a smooth ride. 

The Toyota Starlet is a compact, modern SUV with a sporty grille, LED headlights, and alloy wheels. Its aerodynamic design enhances fuel efficiency and stability, making it ideal for urban driving. The latest models feature a sculpted profile and chrome accents.

Toyota Starlet vs Yaris

The Starlet and Toyota Yaris are compact hatchbacks, catering to different markets. The Starlet is affordable and fuel-efficient, ideal for emerging markets, while the Yaris offers premium features, safety tech, and refined interiors. The Starlet prioritizes affordability and simplicity, while the Yaris offers dynamic drive, advanced technology, and superior build quality.

Competitors

The Toyota Starlet faces three key competitors in the compact hatchback segment: the Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo, and Hyundai i20. The Baleno shares the same platform and engine, offers similar fuel efficiency, features, and pricing. The Starlet is preferred due to its stronger brand reputation, better resale value, and extensive service network. The Volkswagen Polo offers a premium interior, better build quality, and advanced safety features, while the Starlet is more affordable and easier to maintain.

Safety

The Starlet offers basic safety features such as dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, VSC, Hill Hold Assist, Rear Parking Sensors, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, and a strong body structure for impact protection. It also features an immobilizer & alarm system for enhanced theft protection. Despite its basic safety features, it remains a reliable choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Engine Specifications

The Toyota Starlet has been equipped with various engines throughout its production history, catering to different performance and market requirements. The first generation (1973-1978) featured 1.0L 2K I4 engines, producing 58 PS at 6,000 rpm. The second generation (1978-1984) continued with similar specifications, while the third generation (1984-1989) featured 1.3L 2E I4 engines, 1.3L 2E-ELU I4 engines, and 1.3L 2E-TELU I4 turbocharged engines. The fourth generation (1989-1995) featured 1.3L 4E-FE I4 engines, producing 82 PS at 6,400 rpm. The fifth generation (1996-1999) featured 1.3L 4E-FE I4 engines, producing 85 PS at 5,500 rpm. The revived model (2020-present) featured 1.4L K14B I4 engines, producing 92 PS and 105 PS at 6,000 rpm. These engine variations reflect the Starlet's evolution, balancing performance, fuel efficiency, and market demands.

Toyota Starlet Variations

The Starlet range includes base models with basic features, mid-range trims with upgraded interiors and exteriors, sporty variants like GT Turbo and Glanza V, diesel models with 1N engines, and the modern Revival Starlet, a 1.5L engine with modern tech and Toyota reliability.

Finally

The Toyota Starlet, a compact economy car, has evolved into a modern, fuel-efficient hatchback, rebadged as the Suzuki Baleno in 2020. Despite lacking the sporty character of its predecessors, it remains a strong contender in the subcompact segment. You can now check the Toyota Starlet stocklist for more available models.