2023 Toyota Starlet

The 2023 Toyota Starlet 1.5 Xi Manual is an entry-level, budget-friendly hatchback powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (K15B). It balances everyday reliability and low running costs with decent urban performance.

### Engine and performance
- **Engine:** 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol
- **Power:** 77 kW at 6,000 r/min
- **Torque:** 138 Nm at 4,400 r/min
- **Transmission:** Five-speed manual
- **0–100 km/h:** Approximately 11.2 seconds
- **Driving feel:** The 1.5-litre engine replaces the older 1.4-litre unit, giving the lightweight hatchback a little more pull on the highway. Short gearing and a light clutch help it feel lively around town. However, as the engine is naturally aspirated, steep inclines or high-speed overtaking at 120 km/h require a downshift.

### Fuel economy
- **Claimed fuel consumption:** Approximately 5.4 L/100 km
- **Real-world consumption:** Typically 5.9–6.4 L/100 km in mixed city and highway driving, making it very light on fuel.

### Features and equipment: Xi entry-level specification
- **Safety:** Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill-Assist Control (HAC) and standard airbags.
- **Comfort and convenience:** Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), electric power steering, and basic audio and phone connectivity via the central dashboard interface.
- **Xi compared with higher trims (XS/XR):** The Xi is the stripped-back, value-focused variant. It omits the larger touchscreens, alloy wheels, push-start ignition, and extra chrome or leather-wrapped accents found on the XR, keeping things clean and simple.

### Ride, handling and practicality
- **Ride quality:** Easily absorbs typical urban potholes and rough patch roads without feeling fragile.
- **Space:** Built on the same platform as the Suzuki Baleno, it offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for a B-segment hatchback and a practical boot for daily commuting or grocery runs.