What replaced 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The Toyota Starlet, a compact hatchback that was popular in many markets around the world, has been replaced by the Toyota Yaris.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 Newer, More Versatile Offering
The Toyota Yaris was designed to be a more modern and versatile subcompact car that could better meet the needs of contemporary consumers. Some key features of the Yaris include:
- Larger interior and cargo space compared to the Starlet
- More advanced safety features, such as airbags and anti-lock brakes
- Available in both hatchback and sedan body styles
- Improved fuel efficiency and performance
- A wider range of trim levels and optional features
The Yaris has been well-received in many markets, becoming one of Toyota's best-selling models globally. It has helped the company maintain a strong presence in the highly competitive subcompact car segment.
The Transition from Starlet to Yaris
The discontinuation of the Toyota Starlet and the introduction of the Yaris marked a significant shift in Toyota's entry-level vehicle strategy. While the Starlet was a reliable and affordable car, the Yaris offered a more modern and versatile package that better aligned with changing consumer preferences. The Yaris has since become a cornerstone of Toyota's global lineup, providing a solid foundation for the company's continued success in the subcompact car market.
Why was Toyota Etios discontinued?
Since Toyota had no interest to upgrade the Etios to meet the updated emissions standards, it was replaced by the more upmarket XP150 series Yaris saloon and the Suzuki Baleno-based Glanza hatchback as Toyota's subcompact car offering in the country.
What Toyota is getting discontinued?
Toyota Venza
Toyota is discontinuing production of the Venza for the U.S. market after the 2024 model year. The automaker “remains committed to the premium crossover SUV segment and has replaced the model with the first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia,” according to a statement from the company.
What vehicle is Toyota bringing back?
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (August 1, 2023) – Legends never die. Toyota's off-road icon and longest-running nameplate is making a triumphant comeback to North America for the 2024 model year, returning to its rugged origin.
Was Toyota Starlet sold in the USA?
The 3-door KP61 was the only Starlet ever sold in the US, where it was available from the 1981 through the 1984 model years.
Is Toyota bringing back the Starlet?
The Toyota Starlet is set to make a comeback as a rally-bred FWD hot hatch. It's rumored to use Yaris underpinnings but with a more compact footprint. A turbocharged 1.3-liter engine could deliver around 150 hp in its road-going version.
What car is similar to a 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 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 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 number one Starlet competitor?
The Baleno-based Toyota Starlet might outsell its Suzuki equivalent, but there's ultimately not much that sets these 2 products apart . Like the Baleno, the Starlet is attractively priced and is a practical choice in this segment. There's a reason so many Starlets are out on the roads…
What is the other name for 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).
