Toyota Taisor Gets a South African Makeover: Meet the Starlet Cross

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, a rebadged Maruti Fronx, has made its mark in India as a stylish and feature-rich sub-4m crossover. However, when it crossed the Indian Ocean to South Africa, it underwent a name change, becoming the Toyota Starlet Cross. While the exterior might share similarities, there are distinct differences in terms of interior, features, and most importantly, the powertrain. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Identical Exterior, Different Names

Both the Taisor and Starlet Cross boast the same striking exterior design, characterized by sharp LED DRLs, tri-pod headlights, and a bold grille reminiscent of the Toyota Rumion. The chunky body cladding, 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and connected LED tail lights further enhance the crossover appeal. While the color palette largely overlaps, the Starlet Cross offers two exclusive shades: black and blue.

Cabin Aesthetics and Features: Subtle Differences

The dashboard layout remains consistent across both models, but the cabin ambiance differs. The Starlet Cross opts for a black and brown theme, while the Taisor leans towards a black and maroon combination.

Feature-wise, both crossovers are well-equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a convenient heads-up display, wireless charging, automatic climate control, and push-button start. Safety is prioritized with up to six airbags, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and rear parking sensors.

Under the Hood: A Powertrain Paradox

The most significant divergence between the Taisor and Starlet Cross lies under the hood. The Indian market Taisor offers a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated unit producing 90 PS and 113 Nm of torque, and a turbocharged 1-liter engine generating 100 PS and 148 Nm of torque. Additionally, a CNG variant of the 1.2-liter engine is available.

In contrast, the South African-spec Starlet Cross is powered solely by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 105 PS and 138 Nm of torque. This engine can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Pricing and Competition

The Starlet Cross commands a premium in South Africa, with prices ranging from R 299,900 to R 359,300 (approximately Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 16.4 lakh). In comparison, the Taisor is more affordably priced in India, starting from Rs 7.74 lakh to Rs 13.04 lakh (ex-showroom).

In India, the Taisor competes fiercely with the Maruti Fronx and Citroen C3. Its crossover stance also positions it as an alternative to sub-4m SUVs like the Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon.

Conclusion

While the Toyota Taisor and Starlet Cross share a common exterior design and a similar feature set, the powertrain disparity is a notable distinction. The South African market prioritizes a larger, naturally aspirated engine, while the Indian market offers a wider range of options, including a fuel-efficient CNG variant. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on market preferences and the specific needs of the consumers.