Toyota Starlet Cross

Toyota has just dropped its latest creation, and it’s turning heads faster than a cat video on social media. Say hello to the Toyota Starlet Cross, the vehicle that couldn’t decide between being an SUV or a hatchback, so it became both.

This automotive chameleon is Toyota’s answer to the age-old question: “What if we made a car that could handle both city streets and the occasional sidewalk curb with equal aplomb?” The result is a peppy little number that stands tall(er) and proud, ready to take on whatever the urban jungle throws its way.

With its increased ground clearance, the Starlet Cross is perfect for those who find speed bumps a thrilling adventure. It’s like Toyota engineers asked themselves, “How can we make parallel parking feel like an off-road experience?” and then actually did it.

The interior is a feast for the senses, with a three-tone dashboard that’s more coordinated than most people’s wardrobes. It’s as if Toyota hired a fashion designer who said, “Darling, let’s make this car fabulous from the inside out!”

But don’t let its stylish looks fool you. Under the hood, the Starlet Cross packs a punch with its 1.5-liter engine. It’s not going to win any drag races, but it’ll certainly get you to the grocery store with enough pep to make you feel like you’re in a Fast and Furious movie – the family-friendly edition.

Safety features abound in this little titan, with enough airbags to make you feel like you’re driving a bouncy castle. And with its fuel efficiency, you’ll be passing gas stations so often, they might start to feel neglected.

In essence, the Toyota Starlet Cross is the Swiss Army knife of cars – compact, versatile, and ready for action. Whether you’re navigating city streets or embarking on a suburban safari, this car promises to be your trusty sidekick. Just don’t ask it to decide between being an SUV or a hatchback – it’s still working through that identity crisis.

Now, for those who love their facts served straight up, here’s a list of the Starlet Cross’s vital statistics:

• Dimensions:

  • Height: 1,550mm (50mm taller than standard Starlet)

  • Length: 3,995mm

  • Width: 1,765mm (20mm wider than standard Starlet)

  • Wheelbase: 2,520mm

  • Ground clearance: 170mm (30mm higher than standard Starlet)

• Engine:

  • 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder

  • Power: 77 kW at 6,000 rpm

  • Torque: 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm

• Transmission options:

  • 5-speed manual

  • 4-speed automatic

• Fuel efficiency:

  • Manual: 5.6l/100km

  • Automatic: 5.8l/100km

• Safety features:

  • Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

  • Hill Assist Control (HAC)

  • ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

  • Six airbags (in XR models)

• Tech features:

  • Infotainment system with 9″ display (XR model) or 7″ display (XS model)

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

  • Wireless charger (XR model)

  • Heads-Up Display (XR model)

  • 360-degree panoramic view monitor reverse camera (XR model)

• Pricing:

  • 1.5 Xs Manual: R299,900

  • 1.5 Xs Automatic: R322,300

  • 1.5 XR Manual: R339,300

  • 1.5 XR Automatic: R359,300

• Warranty and service:

  • 4-services/60,000km service plan

  • 3-year/100,000km warranty

There you have it – the Toyota Starlet Cross in all its glory. It’s not just a car; it’s a conversation starter on wheels. Just remember, if it asks you whether it looks more like an SUV or a hatchback, the correct answer is always “Yes.”

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