Toyota Starlet IV 1.3i 12V (82 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.5 / 5
Comfort 2.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Toyota Starlet:

The Toyota Starlet 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 , the 1990–1995 GT Turbo , and the 1996–1999 Glanza V. 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....(Read more on Wikipedia)

IV Overview:

Toyota Starlet (IV). With 104 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.6 l/100km). Weighing only 765 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.3 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A compact car with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Toyota Starlet IV was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so it was not officially rated. Safety features were basic for its era, typical of small cars from the late 80s and early 90s.

1.3i 12V (82 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Provides adequate performance for daily commuting and city driving, reliable and predictable, though not particularly exciting.

Fuel Economy

Excellent fuel economy, making it a very cost-effective option for those prioritizing low running costs and efficiency.

Best Use Case: City Commuting / Economy

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional Toyota reliability and durability
  • • Excellent fuel economy, especially with the diesel and smaller petrol engines
  • • Compact size makes it agile and easy to park in urban environments
  • • Surprisingly spacious interior for its class
  • • The GT Turbo variant offers thrilling performance for enthusiasts

Cons:

  • • Basic interior comfort and features compared to modern cars
  • • Limited safety features by today's standards (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered on highways
  • • Road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
  • • Design is somewhat utilitarian, lacking modern aesthetic appeal

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II: 1978 - 1984).

General:
Brand:Toyota
Model:Starlet
Generation:IV
Modification (Engine):1.3i 12V (82 Hp)
Start of production:1989
End of production:1996
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Hatchback
Seats:5
Doors:3/5
Engine:
Power:82 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:63.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:104 Nm @ 5200 rpm.
Engine displacement:1296
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:73 mm
Piston Stroke:77.4 mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:7.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.3 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.3 kg/Hp, 107.2 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:7.4 kg/Nm, 135.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:9.8 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:765
Max. weight:1225
Max load:460
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:490 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:225 l
Fuel tank capacity:40 l
Size:
Length:3720 mm
Width:1600 mm
Height:1380 mm
Wheelbase:2300 mm
Front track:1390 mm
Rear (Back) track:1370 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDisc [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size165/70 R13
Front suspensionWishbone
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota Starlet?