We review the new Toyota Starlet Cross
It's likely to be a new Toyota best seller in SA - motoring journo Melinda Ferguson drives the new Starlet Cross.
Toyota Starlet Cross - Melinda Ferguson @melsmacked
The Starlet Cross has superseded the Urban Cruiser as Toyota's most affordable small crossover model in South Africa.
The ever-popular carmaker has increased its market share in this B segment by 121% in the last year with the Cruiser specifically, notes motoring journalist Melinda Ferguson.
Commenting on the Toyota Starlet Cross's similarity to the Suzuki Fronx, Ferguson notes that the two brands have an agreement where they share certain platforms, 'and actually almost cars'.
When it comes to sales, it's likely to be about brand loyalty in this case, she says.
"There's about a R2 000 price difference, on Suzuki's side. Toyota is the best-selling manufacturer in this country and I think they're saying 'we're so well-known in SA... our dealership footprint is huge, our parts are cheap, we've got good service'..."
Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist
Apart from its Hilux range, the Starlet Cross is likely to become Toyota's new best seller here, Ferguson says.
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It's well-priced, and at the same time well-specced, she points out.
"Your top of the range has got six airbags... and there's electronic stability control, things like hill start assist, a leather steering wheel, very good infotainment system..."
Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist
Toyota brings in the entry level 1.5 litre XS Starlet Cross at just under R300 000, while the top of the range XR will cost you R359 300.
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