The 2022 Toyota Starlet hatchback lands in South Africa starting at R226,200

The Toyota Starlet might be a little weirdly named, but it makes up for it with features. The Japanese automaker has detailed the versions and prices of the country’s newest semi-affordable hatchback. The Starlet launched in South Africa on 23 May, so the current specs and prices are immediately available.

There are some exterior changes to look out for. Both the front and rear ends have seen a tweak or two, there’s a boot spoiler and a new two-light cluster at the back. Chrome detail has also been added to Toyota’s new Starlet. Which is still a really weird name for a car, but anyway.

The rise of the Starlet

We’re usually less concerned with how a car looks than what it has on the inside. Since the interior tends to reflect the exterior, this tends to work in our favour. The new vehicle features a centre-mounted infotainment system, the details of which aren’t really explored. Even the official website doesn’t offer info, but it’s either a 7in or a 9in touchscreen.

Standard across the range is USB support (including in the back), Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple Carplay support. Less techy features, like power mirrors, electric windows and Automatic Climate Control are also standard. Stability control, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, and hill assist are also functions available in every Starlet model.

All five Toyota Starlet models use the same 77kW 1.5 litre engine. Toyota promises torque of 138Nm and fuel economy up between 5.4l and 5.8l/100km. All models feature driver and passenger-side airbags. The major differences are seen in the transmission options (five-speed manual or four-speed automatic) and in some of the trim options.

There’s an Xi, an Xs, and an Xr version of the vehicle. If you’re looking for an automatic, then you’re bound for at least an Xs. The Xr has all the really snooty bits, though. Side and curtain airbags join the ones up front. The Xr also gets Push Start, cruise control, and something called Smart Entry. That sounds like fob detection so you never have to use your keys. Ever.

Want one? You’ll need to shell out at least R226,200. If you’re after the top-end Starlet, expect to pay at least R313,300. The full price list is below.

• Starlet 1.5 Xi MT – R 226,200
• Starlet 1.5 Xs MT – R 239,100
• Starlet 1.5 Xs AT – R 261,100
• Starlet 1.5 Xr MT – R 294,900
• Starlet 1.5 Xr AT – R 313,300