Toyota · 1973–1999

Toyota Starlet

The Toyota Starlet (Japanese: トヨタ・スターレット, Hepburn: Toyota Sutāretto) is a subcompact car manufactured by Toyota from 1973 until 1999, replacing the Publica, but retaining the Publica's "P" code and generation numbering. The first generation Starlet was sold as the Publica Starlet in some markets. In Japan, it was exclusive to Toyota Auto Store dealers. It is the first subcompact car from a Japanese automaker to offer a high-performance variant. These were available in three generations: the 1986–1989 Turbo S (EP71), the 1990–1995 GT Turbo (EP82), and the 1996–1999 Glanza V (EP91). Another variant was the Toyota Sera, a sport compact made in the early 1990s and officially sold only in Japan; the Sera had a unique two-door coupé body and butterfly doors but shared the Starlet's chassis and mechanicals. 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. However, Toyota effectively vacated the European city car market until the Aygo was launched in 2005. The "Starlet" nameplate was revived in 2020 for a rebadged Suzuki Baleno hatchback, sold exclusively in some African countries (and in India under the "Glanza" name).

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Toyota Publica · Successor: Toyota Yaris (XP10)|Toyota Vitz

All Toyota Starlet data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

First generation (P40/P50; 1973)

Initially launched in April 1973 as the higher-grade and bigger model of the Publica P30, the Starlet was offered with 1,000 and 1,200 cc engines. The coupé's wedgy design was developed from sketches made by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Model codes are KP40/KP45 for the sedan and coupé versions with the 1-litre engine and KP42/KP47 for the larger engined versions. Generally the car looked like a shortened Corolla. The body style was originally available only as a two-door coupé and was often referred to as a "Baby Celica." The four-door sedan arrived in October 1973. Grades offered were Standard, Deluxe, Hi-Deluxe, ST, and SR. The top models were also offered with a five-speed manual transmission. The single-carb 1.0-litre 2K engine develops 58 PS (43 kW) at 6,000 rpm while the 1.2 offers 68 PS (50 kW) at the same engine speed. The twin-carb 3K-BR engine with 9.0:1 compression ratio and 74 PS (54 kW) at 6,600 rpm used regular petrol, while a version with 10.0:1 compression (3K-B) running on premium petrol was offered in a single version of the top SR model. This engine has 77 PS (57 kW) at 6,000 rpm. The Starlet coupé and four-door were never sold in Europe and were generally not seen in most export markets, Toyota instead choosing to focus on the lower-cost Publica (1000) two-door sedan and station wagon. In February 1976, the Starlet underwent some changes, mainly to meet Japan's new emissions requirements. The 3K engine was replaced by the cleaner 1.2-litre 3K-U type, while the 1-litre option and the twin-carb 1.2 options were discontinued (in Japan, at least). With the update, the chassis number was changed to KP51 for both body styles. The new engine featured Toyota's TTC-C emissions control system with a catalytic converter and power accordingly dropped to 64 PS (47 kW) at

Second generation (P60; 1978)

The 60 series, introduced in February 1978, was better known than its predecessor due to being the first Starlet extensively sold outside Japan. It was particularly well received in Europe, including the United Kingdom, at which time superminis were soaring in popularity. It was offered with a 993 (KP60 2K), 1,166 (KP62, 3K) or 1,290 cc (KP61, 4K) engine. Three- and five-door hatchbacks were offered in export markets, although a longer five-door wagon variant (also known as the "Van" in the Japanese market) was sold in Japan and certain Asian and European markets. The Van arrived in October 1978, at the same time that the 1.2-litre KP62 became available in most export markets. The KP62 was first seen in Sweden in July 1978, where it was equipped with the de-smogged 3K-C engine to meet that country's particular emissions requirements. In Japan, all Starlets except the Van were only available with the larger 1.3-litre engine; the Van model retained the smaller, 1.2-litre, 3K-HJ type. The 60 series Starlet was the first Toyota passenger car to utilize rack-and-pinion steering. Suspension on 60 series Starlets is in the form of MacPherson front struts accompanied by four link rear suspension with coil springs for hatchback models and leaf spring suspension on van models. Trim levels were Standard, De Luxe (also known as DX in some markets), GL, XL, S, Si, Sprint, SE and Lisse. Si models have a fuel injected 4K-E engine. Sprint models included the upgraded Toyota Sports Handling Suspension, a tachometer, five-speed (K50) transmission, 1,290cc (4K) engine and a sportier interior compared to other models. The external trimming on Sprint models is also clipped into place, as opposed to being glued on as in other models. Sprint models include the same alloy wheels as featured o

Third generation (P70; 1984)

The P70 series of October 1984 saw the Starlet switch to front-wheel drive, which was now the normal format for cars of this size. Three-door and five-door hatchbacks were offered, and a three-door van for commercial use was also available in many markets. The 12 valve 1E and 2E engines replaced the old K-series engines. The smaller displacement motor was available for export only. The extensive Japanese line up consisted of Standard, CD-L, DX, DX-A, Soleil, Soleil-L, XL, XL-Lissé, SE, Si, Si Limited, Ri, Turbo R, and Turbo S. The cheaper models were powered by the carburetted 2E-LU engine. Power for the Si, Si Limited came from the fuel-injected 2E-ELU engine. The sporting turbocharged models were introduced in January 1986. The engine fitted to this model was the 2E-TELU; these models were also fitted with Toyota's active suspension technology called TEMS. The Ri and Turbo R were the light-weight models designed for motorsports. For the export markets the Starlet 70 series were offered as 1.0 Standard, 1.0 DX, 1.0 XL, 1.0 XL Lisse, 1.3 DX, 1.3 XL, 1.3 S, and 1.3 SE. The export version Si Limited was basically an XL or 1.3 S with front and rear spoilers, sporty red and black interior, multi-point fuel injection and special exterior colours: two-tone black/silver, or white. The first Starlet assembled outside Japan was the 1985 1.0 XL built in Indonesia. A year later, the 1.3-litre model joined the production line there. The Indonesian-built Starlets were only available as 5-door with carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission for the 1.0-litre, or 5-speed manual gearbox for the 1.3-litre. The smaller engine cars were offered as XL, Lissé and Si Limited, while trim levels for the bigger engine models were SE and Si Limited. Facelift for the Japanese models was given in 19

Fourth generation (P80; 1989)

The Starlet 80 series was introduced to the Japanese market in December 1989. It featured a more rounded body style and interior. Japanese models received new twin cam engines: 4E-F, 4E-FE and turbocharged 4E-FTE. Export models retained the 1E and 2E engines, and the special version 4E-FE (only for UK and Hong Kong facelift models). The 1N 1.5-litre diesel engine was also available. The Starlet for Japan and Indonesia have a rear center garnish and therefore the license plate is mounted on the bumper. The 80 Series Starlets exported to other destinations have their number plates mounted on the hatch centre panel. In Japan, the 80 Series Starlet was again offered in a wide range of variants: Soleil, the best selling Soleil L, S, X, X Limited, Si, Canvas Top, the sports model Gi and GT Turbo. The sports model have different bumpers, headlights, and tail lights from the regular models. Sports bucket front seats and a rear spoiler are also standard on the Gi and GT. The GT has a two-mode (low and high) turbo. The Japanese only full-time 4WD models (EP85) were launched in August 1990, and initially offered in Soleil L and X Limited grades. New Zealand initially received the 3 door 1.0 XL, 1.3 XL and 1.3 S with manual transmission. In March 1993, the automatic only 5 door 1.3 XL was added into the line up. The 2E-engined versions were carburetted and produce 53 kW (72 PS). The locally assembled Starlet for Indonesia was offered as 1.0 XL, 1.3 SE and 1.3 SE Limited with only 5-speed manual transmission. Only the 1.0 XL was sold in Singapore. All the Starlets officially sold in the Southeast Asian countries were the 5-door models. The Starlet made its European debut at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show. The 1.3 XLi was the version sold in most European countries. The sporty 1.3 Si was

Fifth generation (P90; 1996)

The Starlet 90 series, introduced in 1996, retained the same three- or five-door hatchback ideas. The unique design is a sloped-down belt line on the front doors. The Japanese versions were divided into three models: Reflet (normal), Glanza (sports) and Carat (more luxurious). The Reflet (Base, f, and x), the Carat, and the Glanza S were powered by the 4E-FE engine. The Base model was also offered with the 1N Diesel engine. Based on the five-door Reflet, the Starlet Remix came with a rugged SUV style. It has over fenders, body cladding, roof rail, and spare tire mounted on the back. The 90-series Starlet shared its platform with the Paseo including suspension, engine, and many other components. The RHD Starlet received its own dashboard design with slightly higher center AC outlets, while the LHD version shares its dashboard with Tercel and Paseo. The Starlet EP91 came to Europe in the second quarter of 1996. Although basically, all European models were 1.3 XLi with a 75 PS (55 kW) version of the 4E-FE engine, they were marketed under different model grades across Europe. Initially, the UK models were the base 1.3 Sportif and the upmarket 1.3 CD (with standard CD-player and sunroof). In 1998, the UK lineup was revised with base 1.3 S, sporty 1.3 SR (with lowered suspension, spoiler, and sport exhaust), and loaded 1.3 GLS. The French models were Base, GL, and GLS. In Switzerland, the upgraded model similar to GLS is called 1.3 Crystal, while in Norway is called SLi. All of high-grade models have driver's side SRS airbag, tachometer, front power windows, rear headrests, and coloured bumpers. ABS and Sunroof were optional. In Belgium, available trim levels were XS and XT, with the XT featuring a center console, power steering, full wheel covers, and body-coloured bumpers a

Suzuki Baleno-based models

The "Glanza" nameplate was revived in June 2019 for the rebadged Indian market Suzuki Baleno hatchback. The vehicle was released through a partnership with Indian automobile manufacturer Maruti Suzuki. The Glanza is also sold in Africa since September 2020 under the revived Starlet nameplate.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Toyota Starlet

Manufacturer

Toyota

Production

April 1973 – July 1999

Class

Subcompact car

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1973–1984), Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (1984–1999)

Predecessor

Toyota Publica

Successor

Toyota Vitz/Echo/Yaris

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1355779CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_StarletCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1372467328 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1998_Toyota_Starlet_S_1.3_Front.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Vauxford · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.toyota.co.za/ranges/starletLink only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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