Toyota Taisor Launched in South Africa as Starlet Cross

Toyota has launched the Taisor in South Africa, but it goes by a different name there – the Starlet Cross. This model is based on the Maruti Fronx, much like the Taisor in India, but there are some key differences between the two.

Exterior Design

The South African Starlet Cross and the Indian Taisor share a similar design. Both models feature striking LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and tripod headlights integrated into the bumper. The grille design is akin to the India-spec Toyota Rumion, with a chrome strip connecting the DRLs.

Other common design elements include 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, chunky body cladding, and connected LED tail lights. However, the Starlet Cross offers two additional color options: black and blue, apart from the ones available for the Taisor in India.

Interior and Features

Inside, the Starlet Cross features a black and brown theme, while the Taisor in India has a black and maroon interior. Both models boast a similar dashboard layout and come equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional features include a heads-up display, wireless phone charging, automatic climate control, and push-button start/stop.

For safety, both vehicles are equipped with up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, and rear parking sensors.

Engine Options

One of the significant differences between the two models lies under the hood. The Starlet Cross is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 105 PS and 138 Nm of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

In contrast, the Taisor in India offers a choice between a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine (90 PS/113 Nm) and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (100 PS/148 Nm). Additionally, the Taisor has an optional 1.2-litre CNG powertrain that produces 77 PS and 98.5 Nm, available only with a manual gearbox.

Pricing and Competition

The Toyota Starlet Cross in South Africa is priced between R 299,900 and R 359,300, which translates to approximately Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 16.4 lakh. In India, the Taisor is priced from Rs 7.74 lakh to Rs 13.04 lakh (ex-showroom).

In terms of competition, the Taisor competes with the Maruti Fronx and Citroen C3 and serves as an alternative to sub-4m SUVs like the Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon.

With these variations and similarities, Toyota continues to cater to different markets with tailored offerings, ensuring that both Indian and South African customers get a vehicle that suits their preferences and needs.