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Toyota Starlet IV 1.45 D (55 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 91 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.7 l/100km). Weighing only 790 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 14.5 s). The top speed reaches 155 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.
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.
1.45 D (55 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very modest performance, primarily designed for maximum fuel efficiency rather than speed. Acceleration is slow, best suited for urban environments.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, making it an incredibly cheap car to run, ideal for drivers who prioritize low running costs above all else.
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 - 1982).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Toyota |
| Model: | Starlet |
| Generation: | IV |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.45 D (55 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1989 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Hatchback |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 3/5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 55 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 37.9 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 91 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1453 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 74 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 22:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 3.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 4.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 14.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 14.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 155 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.7 kg/Nm, 115.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 13.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 790 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 490 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 225 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 40 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3720 mm mm |
| Width: | 1600 mm mm |
| Height: | 1380 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2300 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1390 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1370 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.8 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Toyota Starlet?