The Toyota-Suzuki collaboration has already spawned various cross-badged products in key markets. Toyota Glanza, Suzuki ACross, Suzuki Swace, Suzuki Invicto, Toyota Vitz, Toyota Starlet/ Glanza, Toyota Rumion, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser to name a few. The latest addition to this never-ending list is the Toyota Starlet Cross, which is based on the Suzuki Fronx, which is already a massive hit in South Africa.
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Bear in mind South Africa already has the Suzuki-Baleno-based Toyota Starlet (Glanza in India) which does well in terms of sales. The Starlet nameplate is fondly remembered by Toyota enthusiasts as a small, yet fun-to-drive hatchback from yesteryear. Perhaps, Toyota may have decided to name the Fronx-based crossover within the Starlet family to leverage the success of the already trusted nameplate.
Like other Toyota-Suzuki cross-badged vehicles, the Starlet Cross slightly differs from its donor Fronx model. It has a tweaked fascia with a revised grille and distinct LED light signatures. The rear end also gets a reworked set of tail lights as well as new 16-inch alloy wheels. Inside, while the interior closely resembles that of the Fronx, the Starlet Cross features a Toyota badge on the steering wheel and distinct finishes and trim accents on the door panels, seats, and dashboard. Depending on the variant, the Starlet Cross offers either a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The Starlet Cross also offers key features such as a 360-degree camera system, heads-up display, wireless charging pad, automatic climate control, 60:40 split rear seats, Type A and Type C USB charging ports, and push-button start. Under the hood, the Starlet Cross is powered by a 1.5L K15 four-cylinder engine that makes 104 hp and 138 Nm with drive sent to the front wheels via a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Toyota in Pakistan has just introduced the Corolla Cross in both gasoline and hybrid guises and is doing fairly well in terms of sales. However, due to its price (from PKR 81.99 lac to PKR 98.49 lac), it caters to those with strong purchasing power only. But with the likes of Starlet Cross, Toyota can position a crossover in the league of Peugeot 2008 (PKR 66.0 to PKR 72.5 lac), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (PKR 69.30 lac), and the MG HS Excite (PKR 71.99 lac) which will only strengthen its chances of becoming popular across a wider range of customers.
But it will, unfortunately, fall in the price range of the decade-old 11th-gen Corolla sedan which is still selling in very high numbers, perhaps because of this we might not see the likes of Starlet Cross in Pakistan any time soon. But if Toyota decides to finally bid farewell to the 11th-gen and bring the 12th-gen sedan as its replacement, the introduction of the likes of Starlet Cross could very well be on the cards.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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