Toyota Starlet (2025) Price & Specs

Toyota South Africa Motors has upgraded its popular Starlet compact hatchback with improved safety features on 3 variants, as well as a beefed-up service plan.

Since arriving in South Africa in mid-September 2020, as something of a replacement for the Etios, the Toyota Starlet has been selling up a storm. In the first 8 months of 2025 alone, Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) sold 8 691 units of the Indian-built compact hatchback (averaging 1 100 per month).

Having won the 2020/21 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards Budget Car category with the 1.4 XR, TSAM then launched a facelifted version of the Starlet in 2022. Still effectively a rebadged Baleno built by Maruti Suzuki in India, the facelifted Toyota Starlet switched from the older K14B engine (which generated 68 kW and 130 Nm) to a likewise naturally aspirated but slightly larger-capacity 1.5-litre petrol unit.

The result, as you might expect, is a little more power and torque, with the newer lump’s peak outputs pegged at 77 kW and 138 Nm. As before, transmission choices include a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic cog-swapper.

Interestingly, however, the claimed 0-100 kph time appears to slow three-tenths to 11.2 seconds in the case of the manual version, while the claimed fuel consumption grows from 5.1 to 5.4 litres per 100 km.

Watch Ciro De Siena’s comparative video review of the Starlet and Baleno

What sets it apart from its predecessor?

When it received its update in 2022, the Starlet gained a new-look grille, as well as redesigned headlamps, a fresh front bumper, new LED taillights and updated 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, post-facelift Starlet variants feature blue detailing, a touchscreen infotainment system (measuring either 7 or 9 inches, depending on the trim level) complete with Apple CarPlay and Android functionality, as well as automatic climate control, power-retractable side mirrors, USB charging socket at the rear, rear parking sensors, hill assist control, vehicle stability control and ABS with EBD.

The Starlet also ships standard with Toyota Connect, a connectivity package that includes in-car Wi-Fi.

At the time, the Starlet was claimed to offer “even more front and rear legroom than before”, though we noticed the claimed luggage capacity fell from the original 345 litres to 314 litres.

See also: Toyota Starlet (2022) Launch Review

For 2025, however, TSAM has made front-, side- and curtain airbags standard throughout the range (previously, Xi and XS variants featured dual front airbags only, with XR versions sporting 6 airbags), and upgraded the 3-service/45 000 km service plan to 4-services/60 000 km (with intervals of 15 000 km).

Toyota Starlet grade walk

The Starlet – which wears the Glanza badge in India – comprises 5 derivatives in South Africa. The range kicks off with the base Xi trim level, which at R268 300 includes standard items such as 15-inch steel wheels, the manual gearbox and halogen headlamps.

Next up is the mid-tier XS, which will cost you R275 900 in manual guise and R297 900 in self-shifting form. This specification level adds items such as 16-inch alloy wheels and LED front foglamps.

Finally, the flagship XR trim starts at R307 600 with a manual gearbox and R327 600 with an automatic transmission.

Highlights of the XR trim grade include chrome-effect exterior door handles, automatic LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, auto-retractable side mirrors, push-button start, leather trim for the steering wheel, two extra speakers (for a total of six), an upgraded driver’s display, cruise control, a reversing camera, and an electrochromatic rearview mirror. 

How much does the facelifted Toyota Starlet cost in SA?

The Toyota Starlet ships with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a 4-service/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).

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Suzuki Baleno vs Toyota Starlet – Which Offers Better Value For Money?