By Clive Moleme

The Starlet has always been a straight-shooting hatchback: cheap to buy, cheap to run, and dependable. The new 2025 Starlet Cross takes that same formula, slips on SUV styling, and asks for a little more money. The question is whether the added height and body cladding are worth it.

Let’s start with what it is: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (77 kW and 138 Nm) paired with either a 5-speed manual or a traditional 4-speed auto. The manual feels livelier, while the auto, although smooth in traffic, shows its age when you ask for urgency. Efficiency sits at around 6.0 L/100 km, which is perfectly acceptable for daily driving.

Behind the wheel, the Starlet Cross drives like a hatchback. That’s not an insult. It is light, easy to park, forgiving over bumps, and composed enough for the school run or the daily commute. The raised suspension and extra ground clearance are useful on rougher roads, but to be clear, this is not an SUV you take into the wild. Gravel roads are fine, anything more is not its territory.

Inside, Toyota keeps things simple. The plastics are hard but durable, and the ergonomics are straightforward. A 7-inch infotainment screen with CarPlay and Android Auto covers the basics, and the seats are comfortable enough for longer trips. Space is surprisingly good. Rear passengers have nothing to complain about, and the 318-litre boot handles weekend luggage with ease.

Safety covers the essentials with dual airbags, ABS and stability control. It is not groundbreaking, but it meets the expected minimum.

Now for the catch. At R359,300, you are paying extra for SUV-inspired looks. And while Toyota’s resale value, dealer support, and long-term reliability make it appealing, rivals like the Suzuki Fronx and Renault Kiger arguably offer more personality at similar prices.

The Starlet Cross is basically a Starlet with attitude. It will not wow you with capability or tech, but it is affordable, practical, and backed by Toyota’s rock-solid reputation. For many buyers, that is exactly what matters.