I feel like lately all I do is complain about car prices. I am sure some of you are feeling the same way that I do. So what an absolute delight it was to attend the launch of a car that is not only excellent, but also, budget friendly and exceptional value for money. Although, I should let you in on a secret, I already knew that this car was going to be one for the books. I have driven the Suzuki Fronx, after all. But, I like that Toyota has now added it to its line up as its most affordable compact SUV. And it gives customers the opportunity to own a Fronx without having to use that silly name.
Jokes aside, this is another of the models that comes from the collab between Suzuki and Toyota. You will recall the Starlet and the Baleno, and of course the previous generation Urban Cruiser and the Vitara Brezza. This partnership was a very smart move, especially on Toyota’s part. Just think how well budget-friendly compact passenger cars are doing in this country. We are all feeling the pinch and so, as a motor manufacturer, you want to be playing in this space with as many models as possible. Toyota hasn’t really had to do the hard work here, they’ve almost been gifted these excellent products and they’ve merely had to rebadge them. Flippen genius I say.
There aren’t any glaringly obvious differences between the Starlet Cross and the Fronx, barring the badges and the lighting signatures at the front and rear and grille vibes. There are two model options available for the Starlet Cross, namely the XS and XR. If there was one thing I wish Toyota had ditched from Suzuki, it would be the colour palette of the interior. It features one of my least favourite colours on the planet, and that is burgundy. Good grief, it dates the interior so much. But apart from that it is all systems go for me in this Starlet Cross.
You can expect a tilt-adjustable steering column, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, auto aircon, three USB chargers, rear parking sensors and a reverse-view camera. In terms of safety you’ve got ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill-assist control, ISOfix child-seat anchors, and two airbags.
The XR model adds tilt-and-telescopic adjustment for the steering column, chrome-finished inside door handles, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, a colour instrument display, a head-up display, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an illuminated glovebox, as well as keyless entry and start. This model also boasts six airbags.
As is expected, the Starlet Cross is powered by Suzuki’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The manual performs well with this engine. The auto, however, is not my best, but I have become somewhat used to it. And because the car is so light, the 77kW and 138 Nm of torque does go a long way. In fact, it is a great little engine. We know it from the likes of the Jimny – which I hate this engine in, but because it is a heavier car.
It is not a drive that is going to blow your hair back. But it is comfortable and easy. Not to mention, efficient. You’re looking at under 6l/100 km on both manual and auto. Overall, I would say it is my favourite drive in this segment, topped only by the Kia Sonet (which is more expensive).
Other rivals include the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Hyundai Venue all of which are not at the top of my recommendation list. You could look at the Chinese car brand offerings such as the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, the Haval Jolion and even an entry-level Omoda C5.
But where this car really shines is with its pricing. It kicks off at R299 900 and ends up at R359 300. There is no doubt that the Starlet Cross (like its Starlet sibling and Fronx half-sibling) will be an absolute money pot for Toyota. It is the sort of car that I am more than happy to recommend to anyone in this segment, or anyone who is just wanting an honest and humble car for a price that doesn’t seem ludicrous.
