2019 Toyota Starlet Review
The Toyota Starlet made its triumphant return to the Kenyan Market in 2019 after a hiatus of almost two decades. The Starlet, which debuted in 1973 is now winning over a new generation fans with its sleek design, impressive fuel economy, advanced features and affordable price. It competes with the Suzuki Swift, Mazda Demio, Honda Fit and Volkswagen Polo.
Detailed Review
The Toyota Starlet was in production for six generations before being discontinued. The first generation was in production from 1973 to 1978, the second generation was produced from 1978 to 1984, the third generation was in production between 1984 to 1989, the fourth generation lasted from 1989 to1995, the fifth generation was in production from 1996 to1999, while the sixth generation was produced from 1999 to 2005. The Toyota Starlet was reintroduced to the market in 2019 as a rebadged version of the Suzuki Baleno.
The 2019 Toyota Starlet comes with two engine options these are the; 1.0-L 1KR-VET engine and the 1.4-L 1NR-VE engine both petrol. The 1.0-L engine is connected to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the 1.4-L engine is available in either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
2019 Toyota Starlet Grades
2019 Toyota Starlet XI- This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch steel wheels, Halogen headlights, Power-adjustable side mirrors with turn signals, a Tilt-adjustable steering wheel, power windows, Fabric seats, Manual air conditioning, and 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and 4 speakers.
2019 Toyota Starlet XS- This grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, Front fog lamps, Body-colored door handles and side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and six speakers, Steering wheel audio controls, Automatic air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and Smart entry and push-button start system.
2019 Toyota Starlet XR– The XR grade comes with LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a black fabric interior with white stitching, a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth connectivity, a reverse camera, and automatic climate control. It also has a sporty body kit with side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip.
Interior Legroom & Space
The 2019 Toyota Starlet has a spacious interior enough to comfortably accommodate up to five passengers. The front seats are designed to provide ample legroom and headroom, making it easy for taller passengers to sit comfortably. The second-row seats also offer sufficient legroom and headroom, but taller passengers may find the legroom a little cramped but still comfortable enough for short journeys.
Cabin Storage
The 2019 Toyota Starlet has several storage options for both the driver and the passengers. In the first row, there is a center console, two cupholders, and door panels. For the second row, the 2019 Starlet has a fold-down armrest that provides two cupholders and a small storage bin. Additionally, there are door pockets that can hold small items like water bottles and snacks.
2019 Toyota Starlet Boot Space
The 2019 Starlet has a boot space of 12.2 cubic feet which is enough to carry small to medium-sized luggage or groceries for a small family. The rear seats can also be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration to create additional cargo space when needed.
2019 Toyota Starlet Safety Features: ABS, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, Toyota Safety Sense, Vehicle Stability Control, 6 airbags (dual front, side, and curtain shield), Brake Assist, Security alarm, and immobilizer system
Exterior
The 2019 Toyota Starlet features a visually striking modern and well-proportioned sporty appearance which is aimed at appealing to younger buyers. The front of the car has a bold and sleek grille with the Toyota logo prominently displayed in the center. The headlamps are sharp and angular, giving the car a confident and aggressive appearance.
It has clean, uncluttered lines that run along the sides of the vehicle. The car’s profile is defined by a high beltline and a slightly sloping roofline, giving it a sporty and dynamic appearance. The doors of the car have a gentle curve that flows smoothly into the rear fenders.
The rear features a sharp and angular design with sleek and narrow taillights that give it a distinct and memorable look. The rear bumper features a diffuser-like design which is complemented by a chrome exhaust tip.
2019 Toyota Starlet Fuel Consumption
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.0-L fuel consumption 20.4km/l (on average)
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.4-L 5-speed manual transmission fuel consumption 19km.61/l (on average)
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.4-L 4-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption 18.52km/l (on average)
2019 Toyota Starlet Acceleration
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.0-L accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10 secs
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.4-L 5-speed manual transmission accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.6 secs
2019 Toyota Starlet 1.4-L 4-speed automatic transmission accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.3 secs
2019 Toyota Starlet Fuel Tank Capacity: 37 liters
2019 Toyota Starlet Ground Clearance
The 2019 Toyota starlet has a ground clearance of 6.1 inches. This is height is ok for driving on Kenyan roads when the car is lightly loaded. When fully loaded, it may not clear some speed bumps. It sometimes may be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car for Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2019 Toyota Starlet Stability and Handling
The 2019 Toyota Starlet provides a comfortable ride on most roads thanks to its well-tuned suspension. The steering is also nicely weighted and provides good feedback, making it easy to maneuver the car even in tight spaces.
The Starlet features electronic stability control, which helps to keep the car from skidding or sliding during sharp turns. This system uses sensors to detect when the vehicle begins to lose traction and then applies brakes to individual wheels or adjusts engine power to assist the vehicle in regaining stability. It also has traction control and hill start assist features that provide good stability and control in a range of driving conditions.
The 2019 Toyota Starlet overall provides good stability and handling, making it well-suited for everyday driving.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Toyota Starlet spare parts are now affordable and easy to find both in Nairobi and other major towns. However, specialty parts such as the gearbox, engine components, and sensors can get very expensive and hard to find. For a list of Subaru Spare Part dealers in Kenya, follow this link.
2019 Toyota Starlet Reliability
The 2019 Toyota Starlet is a new model, there isn’t a lot of information about its long-term reliability. However, Toyota has a reputation for building reliable cars. The Toyota Starlet is based on the same platform as the Toyota Vitz which is known for its reliability and durability.
It’s important to note that no car is completely free of problems, and the 2019 Toyota Starlet’s reliability can be affected by factors such as maintenance, driving style, and other individual factors. We recommend you follow the car’s guidelines as per the Owner’s Manual and regular maintenance and servicing of the Starlet.
Resale Value: The 2019 Toyota Starlet is still new in the market, it has not yet had the opportunity to fully establish its resale value.
Toyota Starlet Competitors: Suzuki Swift, Mazda Demio, Honda Fit, and Volkswagen Polo.
What we like about the 2019 Toyota Starlet
- Fuel efficiency
- Handsome looks
- Comfortable ride
- Modern features
What we don’t
- Lack of power
- Limited rear seat space
Conclusion
The 2019 Toyota Starlet is a great choice for buyers who are looking for an affordable, compact car that is easy to drive and has good fuel economy. Its small size makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded areas, making it a great choice for city driving. Its features, performance, and practicality make it an ideal car for first-time car buyers, young families, and budget-conscious drivers.
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