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Why is the Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno the same?

The Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno are essentially the same car, sharing a platform and many key components. This is the result of a strategic partnership between the two Japanese automakers that has allowed them to collaborate on the development and production of certain models.


The Toyota-Suzuki Partnership


In 2017, Toyota and Suzuki announced a comprehensive partnership to leverage each other's strengths and share technologies. This agreement included the joint development and production of vehicles for various markets around the world.


The Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno


As part of this partnership, the Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno were developed on the same platform, with significant parts and components shared between the two models. This allows Toyota and Suzuki to achieve economies of scale and reduce development costs, while still offering distinct products to their respective customers.


Key Similarities



  • Platform and Chassis: The Starlet and Baleno share the same underlying platform and chassis, providing a common foundation for the two vehicles.

  • Powertrain: Both models are available with similar engine and transmission options, further demonstrating the shared components between the Starlet and Baleno.

  • Interior and Features: While the exterior styling may differ, the Starlet and Baleno have many common interior design elements and features, such as the infotainment system and safety technologies.


By collaborating on the development and production of the Toyota Starlet and Suzuki Baleno, the two automakers have been able to leverage their respective strengths and offer competitive products in the compact car segment. This partnership is an example of how automakers can work together to achieve mutual benefits and better serve their customers.

Why do Toyota and Suzuki have the same cars?


Both partners sought this arrangement to augment their respective strengths and ameliorate weaknesses: Toyota needed Suzuki's expertise in building smaller vehicles up to a very high standard at reasonable prices, and Suzuki desired access to Toyota's experience in vehicle electrification.



Which Toyota car is similar to Baleno?


Baleno Vs Glanza

Key HighlightsMaruti BalenoToyota Glanza
On Road PriceRs.11,10,703*Rs.11,19,446*
Mileage (city)19 kmpl16.94 kmpl
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Engine(cc)11971197



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).



Does Glanza use Suzuki engine?


The Glanza is powered by a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from Maruti Suzuki that you can have with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT gearbox.



Why are Toyota Glanza and Baleno the same?


The Toyota Glanza and Maruti Suzuki Baleno share a similar design because they are essentially the same car under the skin. This relationship is a result of a collaboration between Toyota and Suzuki, where Toyota rebranded the Baleno for its own lineup.



Does Baleno have a Toyota engine?


The Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Starlet share the same architecture and engine.



What is the sister brand of Toyota?


Lexus (レクサス, Rekusasu) is the luxury vehicle division of the Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation. The Lexus brand is marketed in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide and is Japan's largest-selling make of premium cars.



Which Suzuki is the same as the Toyota Starlet?


Toyota, not to be outdone, capitalised on their partnership with Suzuki and offer a version of the Fronx that they call their own: the Starlet Cross. While essentially the exact same car, the long-term value proposition differs slightly.



Is the Suzuki Baleno the same as the Toyota Starlet?


Let's get this out of the way even though most people might already know by now: the Toyota Starlet is a Suzuki Baleno with a different badge, just like the Urban Cruiser and Rumion models are – compared to the Vitara Brezza and Ertiga, respectively.



How much of Suzuki is owned by Toyota?


4.9%
The company also holds a 20% stake in Subaru Corporation, a 5.1% stake in Mazda, a 4.9% stake in Suzuki, a 4.6% stake in Isuzu, a 3.8% stake in Yamaha Motor Corporation, and a 2.8% stake in Panasonic, as well as stakes in vehicle manufacturing joint-ventures in China (FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota), the Czech Republic ( ...


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.