Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has introduced a round of important updates to the ever-popular Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross ranges, reinforcing the brand’s promise of safety, value, and everyday enjoyment.
Starlet Xi and Xs grades, as well as the Starlet Cross Xs, will be equipped with side and curtain airbags as standard. This means that even more customers can now enjoy the reassurance of enhanced protection, complementing the driver and passenger airbags already fitted. For the range-topping Starlet Cross XR, these features remain part of its comprehensive standard safety package.
In another boost for customers, the Toyota Starlet now comes with a 60 000km service plan as standard – up from the previous 45 000km. This extension not only adds greater peace of mind but also delivers improved value, helping reduce overall running costs and making Toyota ownership more rewarding than ever.
The Starlet has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s favourite hatchbacks, thanks to its winning combination of reliability, versatility, and stylish design. Together with the Starlet Cross, the duo has sold 15 238 units in the first eight months of 2025 alone – with the Starlet contributing 8 691 units (averaging 1 100 per month) and the Starlet Cross adding 6 547 units (around 820 per month). Their success has played a key role in bolstering Toyota’s passenger sales, which reached 58 370 units over the same period.
“With these specification updates, we’re not only expanding the safety features across more grades but also enhancing the Toyota ownership experience,” says Tasneem Lorgat, General Manager of Marketing Communications at TSAM.
“It’s our way of showing customers that we are committed to offering cars that are as safe as they are enjoyable to own and drive,” concludes Lorgat.
By combining improved safety, extended value, and the same everyday appeal South Africans have come to love, the Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross continue to stand out as compelling choices in the passenger car market.
Connected Service
All Toyota owners can sign up for a personal MyToyota profile. MyToyota is designed by Toyota SA to provide a platform for owners to quickly and conveniently access all information and services related to their vehicle(s). Additionally, all new Toyota vehicles are fitted with a device that opens up a whole new world of features. Simply opt in and you have access to in-car WiFi capability (with a complimentary 25Gb), along with a host of supplementary Connect services.
– All Toyota Starlet and Starlet Cross models come standard with 4-services/60 000km service plan and a 3-year/100 000km warranty. Customers can additionally purchase service/maintenance/warranty extensions via the comprehensive Toyota dealer network (220 outlets).
