What replaced the Toyota Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet, a compact hatchback that was popular in many markets around the world, has been replaced by the Toyota Yaris. The Yaris is a newer and more modern subcompact car that has become Toyota's entry-level offering in many countries.
The Rise and Fall of the Toyota Starlet
The Toyota Starlet was first introduced in 1973 and was produced for over 25 years until its discontinuation in 1999. It was known for its affordability, reliability, and compact size, making it a popular choice for city driving and first-time car buyers. The Starlet was sold in various markets, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and South America.
However, as consumer preferences shifted towards larger and more feature-rich vehicles, the Starlet's small size and basic amenities became less appealing to many buyers. Toyota recognized the need to update its entry-level offering and introduced the Yaris in 1999 as the Starlet's successor.
The Toyota Yaris: A Modernized Replacement
The Toyota Yaris was designed to be a more modern and versatile subcompact car that could better compete with other popular models in its class. The Yaris features a larger and more spacious interior, updated styling, and a range of new technologies and safety features that were not available on the Starlet.
- Increased interior space and cargo capacity
- Improved fuel efficiency and performance
- Available advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking
- Infotainment systems with smartphone integration
The Yaris has been well-received in many markets, and it has become one of Toyota's best-selling models globally. It has helped the company maintain a strong presence in the highly competitive subcompact car segment.
Conclusion
The transition from the Toyota Starlet to the Yaris represents the evolution of the automaker's entry-level offering to better meet the changing needs and expectations of modern car buyers. The Yaris has built upon the Starlet's reputation for reliability and affordability while adding more modern features and capabilities to appeal to a wider range of consumers.
Is Toyota bringing back the Starlet?
A new subcompact model, reportedly based on the Yaris, is rumored to launch in 2026. This could include a Rally 4-spec version and a road-going GR Starlet, poised to fire up Toyota's hot hatch lineup. The Toyota Starlet, which ran for five generations from 1973 to 1999, preceded the Yaris.
Does Toyota still make Yaris?
Toyota Yaris Family is Discontinued | Find a Used Toyota Yaris.
What happened to the Toyota Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet made its return in 2020 after a long absence from the market. It was previously discontinued in the 1990s. This modern model is based on the Suzuki Baleno which Toyota rebadged and reintroduced as the Starlet.
What car replaced the Toyota Starlet?
In 1999, the Starlet was replaced by the Vitz in Japan (it was sold as the Yaris locally and in most international markets) and the nameplate disappeared for two decades before it was revived in 2020, now appearing on the Toyota derivative of the Suzuki-developed Baleno hatchback (known in India as the Toyota Glanza).
What is the smallest Toyota sold in the US?
The Aygo: Toyota's smallest car
The latest Toyota Aygo version has an “X” at the end of its name, and is pronounced 'Toyota Aygo Cross', just like its sister model – the Toyota Yaris Cross.
What car is similar to a Toyota Starlet?
It's a similar story to the Suzuki Fronx, which is available in base GL and range-topping GLX trim grades. The models' cabin architectures are virtually identical, but there are subtle differences in trim levels. A smaller touchscreen is fitted in the base Starlet Cross Xs and Fronx GL derivatives.
What replaced the Toyota Matrix?
On September 1, 2016, "the Scion brand transitioned to Toyota." For the 2017 model year, the Corolla iM would be the successor of the Matrix. For the 2019 model year, the newest iteration has been released as the Corolla hatchback.
What is the Suzuki version of the Toyota Starlet?
The Fronx has the exact same engine as the Starlet Cross: the Suzuki K15B engine, renowned for its reliability and fuel efficiency. This unit makes 77kW and 138Nm torque and sends power to the front wheels through a slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox.
What is the US equivalent of the Toyota Starlet?
The Starlet was briefly exported to North America from 1981 to 1984. In 1999, the Starlet was replaced by the Vitz—sold as the Echo or Yaris in international markets—and the bB mini MPV, which was later sold as the Scion xB in Canada and the United States and as the Daihatsu Materia in Europe.
What is the American version of the Toyota Matrix?
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
A Toyota Corolla Hatchback is the closest alternative, as a hatchback model of the original inspiration vehicle. It comes in three model options, and features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
