Crossovers, which bridge the gap between the fading concept of a hatchback and a more expensive SUV, are becoming increasingly popular. The Toyota Starlet Cross perfectly bridges this gap as a sensible runaround to keep the fuel costs down while transporting the family in comfort with a touch of style. On the other hand, take a closer look at this new Toyota crossover, and its silhouette may remind you of something from another Japanese company.
Today's consumers have different standards for what makes a desirable car—they now place greater value on technology and affordability in addition to wanting vehicles with better ground clearance. Although the name may suggest that this is a Starlet on stilts, it's not entirely accurate. So, I took the opportunity to test drive the Starlet Cross XR Manual to determine if it's a vehicle worth considering.
Inside the Suzuki Fronx—wait, let's start that again. Inside the Starlet Cross, Toyota's universal design language is present, which for me is a good thing. Affordable cars are often bashed for their build quality, but the use of the same driver's display, infotainment screen, and overall cabin aesthetic and materials is very similar to the Starlet and other shared Suzuki products. This means that the R&D that went into its design was well thought out, cost-effective, of good quality, and designed to be universally used.
The build quality is good, with no rattles or squeaks. Yes, there is a visually noticeable use of rough plastics, but it's located in all the places where you'll find kids' shoe marks or parts of the vehicle that see a lot of foot traffic. The overall environment gives off a dark persona, but the addition of the 9-inch infotainment screen brings a modern appeal to the cabin. It's easy to use and offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, so this affordable crossover ticks many clients' boxes.
The seats are fabric and comfortable, and the selection of buttons and switches for your climate control and sensors adds an analogue touch to the space, which I am always rather fond of. The space is busy, and it's clear that Toyota prioritised a more in-depth design to mask the affordable nature of the car while also passing the test of time.
As far as figures go, the Starlet Cross offers a less inspiring layout on paper. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine produces 77kW and 138Nm, which are transferred to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. As far as feel is concerned, the throttle is responsive, and the gearbox is smooth with shorter throws, allowing for an easy driving experience, especially at low speeds.
On the other hand, overtaking at speed leaves something to be desired since it requires high revs to meet the torque's sweet spot. Still, it's impressively frugal, with Toyota stating a consumption of 5.6l/100km in the Starlet Cross. In practice and along the more oxygen-rich coast, this figure may be achievable, but in Johannesburg's stifling air, it approaches 6.0l/100km.
A positive tick for the Starlet Cross is its suspension, specifically its ground clearance and ride quality. It's no secret that our road conditions are subpar, if I'm being kind, so the added benefit of a slightly raised body, 20mm higher than the Starlet, helps to combat the potholes and never-ending speed bumps we have to contend with on a daily basis. Fortunately, the suspension not only absorbs all the little bumps and holes on our roads with ease but also provides an impressively gentle ride quality on the highway.
As you can imagine, this industry's space is flooded with competition. However, its most direct competitor is its cousin and donor, the Suzuki Fronx, which is another badge-engineered Suzuki-Toyota product. If you're unfamiliar with badge engineering, it's when two brands collaborate to develop a vehicle and sell it with minor changes, such as badges and aesthetic touches.
The Starlet Cross XR Manual is priced at R339,300, whereas the equivalent-spec Fronx GLX manual is slightly cheaper at R334,900 and is selling well, with around 850 units sold in September alone.
What is the difference between the two, you might ask? Well, the only real difference between the two is the after-sales care provided by the different manufacturers. The Toyota comes standard with a 4-year/60,000km service plan and a 3-year/100,000km warranty, whereas the Suzuki comes with a 5-year/200,000km warranty, which will show over time. The subtle black touches added by Toyota improve the exterior styling, but peace of mind is a priority as far as I'm concerned.
Both models include ABS, EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution), VSC (vehicle stability control), and HAC (hill-start assist control), as well as six airbags and ISOFIX for added safety.
As far as affordable crossovers go, the Starlet Cross is definitely one of the better options out there. It's economical, safe, and comfortable, yet stylish enough that you can enjoy driving it. If it were up to me, Suzuki's Fronx offers more comprehensive warranty coverage at a slightly lower price, but I know South Africans will prefer the beloved Toyota brand. It's a great car for the daily commute and handles road trips with ease; just don't take unnecessary risks when overtaking, because it might take longer than planned.
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