With the Toyota Starlet Cross set to hit South African showrooms imminently, the company has revealed its local pricing and specifications.

Like its hatchback sibling, the Starlet Cross is yet another ‘Toyozuki’, sourced from Maruti Suzuki of India, and the new compact crossover model is closely related to the Suzuki Fronx. Interestingly South Africa is the only country so far to use the Starlet Cross name as the same model is badged Urban Cruiser Taisor in its home market.

So how much does the Toyota Starlet Cross cost in South Africa?

Toyota SA is offering two specification grades, with the 1.5 Xs priced at R299,900 in manual form and R322,300 as an auto, and the flagship 1.5 XR listed at R339,300 and R359,300 for the respective gearbox options. That’s a slight premium over the Suzuki equivalents, which are priced from R297,900 to R354,900.

How similar is it to the Suzuki Fronx?

Although it is heavily based on the Fronx, the Toyota Starlet Cross does boast a few unique design touches.

2024 Toyota Starlet Cross versus Suzuki Fronx — Spot the similarities: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor and Suzuki Fronx. Pictures: Supplied.

For instance, it has a unique trapezoidal grille, while the LED front daytime running lights (DRLs) as well as the tail-lights have horizontal inner elements versus the Suzuki’s vertical boomerangs.

The Starlet Cross also has its own five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels, which are fitted as standard to both versions, finished in black in the base Xs and featuring a machined look on the XR.

As you would no doubt have guessed, power comes from Suzuki’s venerable K15B normally aspirated petrol engine that churns out 77kW and 138Nm. It pairs with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

What standard features does the Starlet Cross come with?

The Starlet Cross 1.5 Xs base version ships with automatic air conditioning, cruise control, electric windows and a leather-covered multi-function steering wheel.

Connectivity features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The safety package comprises the usual suspects such as dual front airbags, ABS brakes and VSC stability control.

The cabin is a Fronx affair, even down to the burgundy trim. Picture: Supplied.

Upgrading to the Starlet Cross XR gets you a 9.0-inch infotainment system with Panoramic View Monitor, Head-Up Display, 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen, electrochromatic rear view mirror, wireless phone charger, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, reach adjustment for the steering wheel and those very important side and curtain airbags.

The flagship version is also available with a bi-tone paint option, which means customers can opt for a black roof

As per the Toyota tradition buyers get a warranty that’s valid for three years or 100,000km and a service plan that entitles them to four services over 60,000km.

IOL Motoring