IN Zimbabwe, there is no such thing as a car for the young buyer nor do you have cars for the older generation.
The elder generation also cannot claim to possess cars designed specifically for them. For the most part, having a vehicle is a luxury. In formal economies, you can obtain a job right out of college, then go into a bank and receive a loan to purchase a basic car. Included in the mix may be a Toyota Starlet Cross.
This might be a vehicle for junior managers in Zimbabwe. Yet another contender in the cutthroat subcompact vehicle market, let me present to you the Toyota Starlet Cross, a crossover-inspired version of the popular Starlet.
Allow me to share my first thoughts.
Both Toyota and Suzuki have benefited from the relationship, and the customer has also reaped the rewards. All new products from this place are soulful and affordable. The Starlet Cross, a crossover variant of the well-liked Starlet hatchback, will follow the Starlet in making its Southern African premiere.
The Starlet Cross is a hybrid that combines elements of both the Starlet and the Urban Cruiser.
Aside from emblems and badges, the only visual differences between the Starlet Cross and the Suzuki Fronx are the two bikes' distinctive light signatures, which consist of rear LEDs, and their bumper designs.
The Starlet Cross, similar to the Fronx, has a vertically flipped trapezoidal grille, a variety of sporty skid plates and embellishments, including the inoperable roof rails, and a chrome beltline running the length of its profile.
The Indian-made Kiger and its relative, the Magnite, are just a few of the new models that Renault and Nissan have introduced, along with some Chinese-made ones like the Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and Omoda C5. On the other hand, I think the Fronx and this cleverly named Starlet Cross are the most intriguing things. Design Toyota targets the Starlet at young, hip, and active people who enjoy a variety of lifestyle activities.
The 170 mm ground clearance, plastic body cladding, and reinforced fenders give it an outdoorsy, tough appearance. Narrow LED headlights flank the trapezoidal 3D-patterned grille at the front.
At the bottom, you can see tri-light polygonal foglamp bezels. Behind the chiselled chin, one may find the lower airdam and silver trim pieces. From the side, the roofline appears low, and the XR version includes the option of a bi-tone paint scheme.
Bright sunshine clearly reveals the completely carved side profile. The Starlet Cross comes with a choice of gloss black XS wheels or two- tone machined XR wheels, all of which are 16 inches in diameter and include five spokes. With narrow LED taillights and a bar joining them, the back takes cues from the front's rough appearance.
The back bumper features a large silver-painted trim plate. For a picture-perfect display, arrange the Starlet Cross so that it faces a bike path and your go-to cafe. A fine orange is the colour I'll go with.
Interior
A burgundy, black, and silver tritone interior swatch is one of the most noticeable aspects of the Starlet Cross' cabin. Burgundy is a unique colour choice for a vehicle in this price category, standing out from the typical charcoal and grey hues.
Next up is the infotainment system that sits above the middle stack. The XS trim level has a 7-inch touchscreen, while the XR trim level features a 9-inch touchscreen that is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Additionally, the Starlet Cross offers in-car WiFi.
Even with the front seats positioned somewhat far back, the car's interior is surprisingly spacious, particularly in terms of legroom in the back.
Taller passengers may feel cramped due to the sloping back roofline, but everyone else will have plenty of space to sit comfortably. The 60:40 split rear seats add to the already generous 304 litres of cargo capacity.
Additionally, the ride is comfortable, with little NVH (noise vibration and harshness) and only a little bit of wind noise near the side mirrors. Fabric covers the seats, and a leather finish adorns the steering wheel.
The powerplant The 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine is standard on all Starlet Cross models made by Suzuki. The front axle receives 77 kW and 138 Nm from the K15B mill via a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic gearbox, much as it does in other Suzuki and Toyota applications.
TSAM claims that the manual version achieves an average fuel economy of 5.6 L/100 km, while the automated version achieves 5.8 L/100 km.
The drive
Even at high altitudes, the Starlet Cross' 1005 kg kerb weight shell cooperates with the 1.5-litre engine, making it seem lively and unconcerned with revving.
The Starlet Cross seemed unfazed by the test route's windy, open road conditions. The ride is smooth and comfortable, with a surefooted feel.
Nevertheless, the steering is remarkably light without being imprecise, so it is also nimble enough for city driving.
The five-speed manual gearbox is the one I would choose. Although it serves its job well, the automatic gearbox would benefit from an additional cog.
Safety
The Starlet Cross provides the following mandatory safety gear:
The XS2 has two airbags, while the XR6 has six airbags, along with RPD, ABS, EBD, VSC, HAC, reverse cam, and an XR Panorama View Monitor. 2x ISOFIX child seat anchors.
My decision
The Starlet Cross provides excellent value for the money, and it is pleasing to see affordable solutions for cars emerging. The Starlet Cross is another brilliant reason for the Toyota-Suzuki partnership.
My research has led me to conclude that the Starlet Cross, wearing the Suzuki Fronx badge, is a highly accomplished vehicle, having won the Best Budget/Compact Car title at the 2024 Old Mutual SA Car of the Year competition.
Just looking at it, you can tell this is a serious vehicle Increased digital wizardry that enables smartphone mobility, aggressive pricing, and a broader dealer presence are Toyota's game-changers.
The customer is the biggest beneficiary out there.
They will have more options in the cutthroat segment.
Specifications
CO2 emissions (average): 134 g/km
Cylinder layout and quantity: i4
Engine capacity (litre): 1.5L
Fuel capacity: 37
Fuel consumption (average): 5,8 /100km
Fuel range (average): 638 km
Fuel type: Petrol
Maximum/top speed: 170 km/h
Power Maximum (detail): 77 kW
Torque Maximum: 138 Nm
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.