Toyota has launched its most affordable crossover yet, the Starlet Cross and it is aimed squarely at the bustling segment. Siya Mbaduli has driven it and has given a full rundown of what it has to offer and whether it can deliver enviable sales for the Japanese automaker.
Image: Toyota
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Toyota South Africa Motors recently debuted its Fronx-based Starlet Cross as part of a collaboration with fellow Japanese automaker Suzuki. This is a strategic move to capture the growing compact crossover market which the Fronx has already proven has an insatiable appetite. Toyota further adds that the segment is booming for several reasons; more people are living in cities, where a compact SUV’s balance of space and agility is crucial. Additionally, people are leaning towards vehicles that are stylish and versatile, perfect for both city driving and weekend trips. The Starlet Cross is priced to be an affordable entry point into the crossover segment, making it an appealing choice for many buyers.
Image: Toyota
Efficiency is perhaps one of the most key factors for this vehicle. The Starlet XR MT boasted a fuel economy of 5.6 L/100 km, while the XR AT managed 6.0 L/100 km during our test drive. These figures highlight the vehicle’s capability to provide a budget-friendly driving experience.
The Starlet Cross’ pricing includes a service plan covering four services or 60 000 km and a three-year/100 000 km warranty. This makes the ownership experience even more attractive, providing peace of mind and reducing the cost of maintenance.
These prices position the Starlet Cross competitively within the compact crossover market, making it accessible to a broad range of consumers.
Let’s address the obvious: the Toyota Starlet Cross and Suzuki Fronx are nearly identical. Built on the same platform and sharing just about every exterior and interior panel, these models are thus endowed with the same dimensions in length, width, and height. Under the surface, the trend continues since they both run on a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with the same transmission options.
The Starlet Cross is available in two trims: Xs and XR, with either an automatic or manual transmission. The exterior differentiates itself from the Fronx with a 3-dimensional trapezoidal front grille with chrome garnish, giving it a robust look. It also features a skid plate and twin LED daytime running lights similar to the Urban Cruiser.
Image: Toyota
From the side, the XR model boasts electric, roof-coloured mirrors that fold automatically and a plated door belt garnish. The Xs model has a black side sill garnish. Both variants come with 16-inch alloy wheels (machined for the XR and black for the Xs), which add to the vehicle’s stylish appearance. The rear styling includes a stylish LED connecting bar, a sporty rear skid plate, and a roof-end spoiler, giving the vehicle a modern and dynamic look.
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Inside, the Starlet Cross and Fronx interiors are almost identical, with only minor differences in materials and trim. Features and equipment levels are also similar. The Starlet Cross XR comes with a 9-inch infotainment display, while the Xs features a 7-inch screen. Both systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the car includes in-car WiFi, which is a great feature for staying connected on the go.
Image: Toyota
The XR grade adds a pop-up heads-up display, wireless charger, 360-degree camera, and cruise control, enhancing the driving experience with advanced technology and convenience. For an extra touch, the XR variant offers three bi-tone paint jobs for a trendier look, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle.
The Toyota Starlet Cross competes in the compact crossover SUV segment. Its main rivals include the Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, and Suzuki Fronx. The entry-level Kia Sonet 1.5 LX is priced at R366 995, powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 85 kW at 6 300 r/min and 144 N.m of torque at 4 500 r/min. The Sonet offers a competitive blend of power and efficiency, appealing to buyers looking for a slightly more powerful option in this segment.
The Nissan Magnite starts at R235 300 for the 1.0 Visia, which offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the market. However, the 1.0 Turbo Visia (R296 900) is a closer competitor to the Starlet Cross, providing 74 kW at 5 000 r/min and 160 N.m of torque at 2 800 r/min. The turbocharged engine gives the Magnite a bit more punch, especially in urban driving conditions.
Related: Pricing & spec: Toyota Starlet Cross
The Suzuki Fronx, slightly cheaper than the Starlet Cross, starts at R297 900 for the 1.5 GL. It produces the same power at 77 kW at 6 000 r/min and 138 N.m of torque at 4 400 r/min. Given the nearly identical specifications, the choice between the Fronx and Starlet Cross comes down to brand preference, specific feature sets and dealership accessibility. These competitors highlight the crowded and competitive nature of the compact crossover market, where the Starlet Cross aims to carve out its niche with a balance of affordability, style, and features.
All models are powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. This engine is known for its reliability and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for the Starlet Cross. We first drove the 5-speed manual version, which proved to be the more refined choice when compared to the automatic. The Starlet Cross is easy to manoeuvre and feels agile enough for the urban settings it will probably be found in. While not a performance car, it handles well on winding roads, providing a confident driving experience.
The cabin is reasonably quiet, with minimal road noise at highway speeds. The manual transmission tends to be more fuel-efficient, and the Starlet Cross’s manual gearbox is no exception, offering slightly better fuel economy. We recorded 5.6 L/100 km with the manual and 6.0 L/100 km with the automatic.
Image: Toyota
The manual transmission provides a more direct experience when behind the wheel, offering more intuitiveness over gear shifts and vehicle dynamics. In a market where even budget cars have 6 or 8-speed automatics, the 4-speed feels outdated and impacts the driving experience negatively. The lack of a fifth gear is particularly noticeable on highways, where the operational engine speed is higher at the national speed limit, inadvertently increasing noise and fuel consumption. The driving experience of the Starlet Cross is further enhanced by its comfortable seating and user-friendly controls. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to provide a smooth ride over various road surfaces, making it suitable for both city driving and longer trips.
In essence, the Starlet Cross is a rebadged Fronx with minor styling tweaks bodes well for the Japanese brand. This strategy allows Toyota to quickly enter the booming compact crossover market, leveraging Suzuki’s expertise, the Fronx has also been a volume seller afterall. This approach broadens Toyota’s appeal in this competitive segment, offering consumers a stylish, versatile, and affordable option. While the Starlet Cross is competent in many areas, the 4-speed automatic is a significant drawback that affects the overall driving experience but caters for a portion of buyers that prioritise more simplified driving input.
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