We’ve already brought you pricing for the new Toyota Starlet Cross, but now we can finally share images of the SA-spec version of the brand’s most affordable crossover…
The new Toyota Starlet Cross will soon launch in South Africa, arriving as the Japanese brand’s most affordable crossover. So far, we’ve had to rely on images of the Indian-market version (badged as the Urban Cruiser Taisor), but now we can finally share shots of the SA-spec Starlet Cross.
Cars.co.za exclusively reported back in April 2024 that the Taisor unveiled in India would be badged as the Toyota Starlet Cross here in Mzansi. Then, earlier in July, we revealed that this new model – which is, of course, a coupé-style crossover based on the Suzuki Fronx as part of the 2 automakers’ strategic alliance – will be priced from R299 900 and run through to R359 300 (check out the full pricing story here).
Now we’ve finally managed to lay our paws on images of the SA-spec model, complete with “Starlet Cross” badging on the tailgate. The derivative pictured above is the flagship XR in 4-speed automatic guise, finished in “Luxe Red” paint with a black finish for the roof, rear spoiler and side-mirror caps (one of 3 bi-tone combinations exclusive to the XR grade). As an aside, the XS trim level will be offered in 6 monotone hues, as below.
Like all derivatives in the 4-strong local range, the “Luxe Red” XR version in these images rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and features silver-painted faux skidplates (fore and aft), silver-painted roof rails (which we believe are purely decorative) and the requisite black wheel-arch cladding. Images of the cabin, meanwhile, confirm that SA-spec variants will come with the same “black and berry” fabric interior colour theme used in India.
As a reminder, the local Starlet Cross line-up will comprise 4 derivatives at launch, each powered by the ubiquitous 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. As it does in various other Suzuki and Toyota applications, this K15B mill sends 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front axle via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
In South Africa, the Starlet Cross will be offered in the pair of familiar trim levels mentioned above – XS and XR – with no base Xi grade available at launch. The XS grade is expected to include items such as LED headlamps, automatic air conditioning, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. Safety features for the XS, meanwhile, will likely include ABS with EBD, stability control, hill-ascent control, dual front airbags and ISOfix child-seat anchors.
According to our information, upgrading to the XR trim level will add items such as 4 extra airbags (for a total of 6), an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, a colour instrument display, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree camera system, a head-up display, push-button start, wireless smartphone charging, an illuminated glovebox and tilt-and-telescopic adjustment (as opposed to just tilt- in the XS) for the steering column.
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