BY Motlatsi Kekana
In the fashion world, a feature called “Who Wore It Best” often compares two celebrities wearing the same or similar outfits. When I received an invitation to Toyota South Africa’s launch of the new Starlet Cross, I had the fashion police on my mind. Since the newcomer shares a platform with the Suzuki Fronx due to ongoing collaborations between the two brands, I wondered what would be different with the Starlet Cross. Fortunately, with time on their side, Toyota made a few tweaks here and there, and voilà – a star was born.
There is no doubt that this newcomer will follow the success of its hatchback sibling, which has been a win for Toyota. By catering to South African motorists’ obsession with higher ground clearance and adding unique SUV features, the Starlet Cross is set to be a winning formula.
The model lineup includes two versions, the XS and XR, each available with either automatic or manual transmissions, and suitable for city driving.
First Impressions
The Starlet Cross has a commanding and sporty appearance at both the front and rear. The bumper features a sporty skid plate and LED headlamps, suggesting good road performance. The addition of roof rails gives customers confidence that the car can handle soft off-road terrain.
My overall impression is that the Starlet Cross has a tough, slightly menacing exterior, but the interior is light and easy on the eye. It’s like meeting someone who looks tough but has a soft heart once you get to know them.
The drive
During our launch drive from Benoni to Rosemary Hill in Pretoria, we tested the 1.5-litre engine with a manual transmission on urban routes. The Starlet Cross performed well in heavy traffic, showcasing its capabilities. Despite my usual dislike for manual transmissions, which I’ve driven reluctantly for many years, my opinion changed after experiencing this compact SUV’s smooth gearbox and easy drive. I was impressed. The most remarkable feature is its incredible fuel efficiency, consuming just 5.6 litres per 100 km – an impressive feat given the high fuel prices in South Africa.
While I enjoyed the manual, I was looking forward to driving the automatic version, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen, even though they were available at the launch. Hopefully, I will have a chance soon and share the experience here.
A look Inside
Stepping into the Starlet Cross is an exciting experience. The dual-tone silver-accented instrument panels, combined with black and berry fabric seats, add sophistication to the interior. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, equipped with the latest infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, in-car Wi-Fi, advanced safety features, and technology such as a heads-up display, 360-degree camera, and wireless charger in the XR model. Another standout feature is the spacious boot, which can comfortably accommodate about two medium-sized suitcases with its 304L capacity. For an extended getaway with a friend, the Starlet is a perfect compact ride.
Verdict
The Toyota Starlet Cross is ideal for young professionals who crave adventure. While I haven’t driven the automatic version yet, I prefer the manual transmission for this model. It offers a smooth drive, is fuel-efficient, and comfortable. Prices start at R299,900, which is slightly higher than the Suzuki Fronx.
