Thank you for the in-depth review of the Starlet Cross. I purchased the Suzuki Fronx GL in December last year, and I'm very happy with the car. The fuel consumption is excellent (currently sitting at an average of 15.8 km/L). The nice-to-haves like Cruise Control, PDC, reverse camera and Infotainment System make the Fronx / Starlet Cross stand out from the rest (Vivo cough). I can confirm that Android Auto supports wireless connectivity, so there's no need to connect via USB. I went with the Fronx GL model since the extras didn't justify the 40k difference for me. One thing I didn't realize until after purchasing the car was that only the GLX / XR has the rear LED light bar. The GL / XS appears to have one, but it doesn't light up. That was a bit of a disappointment since the light bar is what makes this car stand out, but I made peace with it. At the end of the day, the more features there are, the more can go wrong, and the more expensive it is to replace them. I must say, I'm not pleased to see Toyota "stealing" the Fronx too. As a Fronx owner, I can't help but wonder how this will impact my car's resale value. I know with the normal Starlet, Toyota offered an extended warranty for a very small amount (+- R 1000). And brand loyalty is a thing. A very important tip: When purchasing the Fronx / Starlet Cross new, order one with the "auto-locking" doors feature installed (for lack of a better term). I was used to my previous car (VW) having this feature and never having to bother locking the doors manually when driving off. We were very fortunate to remember to lock our doors moments before someone pulled on one of the rear door handles when we were stationary. This is a must-have, especially in our country, and it boggles my mind why this feature is not standard.
Thanks for sharing all this information with us! Someone mentioned that Android Auto works wirelessly, but this confirms it even though it is listed as cable only. Big win I would say. The real world fuel consumption is very impressive for a vehicle of that size. Especially for city driving. Do you have the auto or the manual? Agree on your point around the auto locking doors. Very dangerous to drive around without doors locked as crooks will catch onto this very quickly
It's a SUZUKI! Luckily, unlike the 'Starlet' (i.e. Baleno) they kept the cruise control on the bottom spec model, but, again, the price is HIGHER than the exact same Suzuki product. The 'Toy'ota Warranty/Service Plan, of course, is worse.
Agree and as I mentioned in the video I would just buy the Suzuki if you have a dealership nearby. The price difference does not make sense (even though it is small) given the shorter warranty. Just glad this has 15 000 km service interval and not the 10 000km service intervals found on the Hilux
The Suzuki Fronx has not yet been tested by the Global NCAP, so there is no official NCAP safety rating available for this model. The Suzuki Fronx is primarily built for the Indian market and is positioned as a global strategic model by Suzuki. While it is available in markets outside of India, including Japan and potentially other regions, it is not currently sold in Europe. This is typical of big brands trying to sell cheap unsafe products to growth market consumers who are none the wiser and don't do their research before buying.
Dang, interesting how insurance works. I got quotes for around R550/month for this vehicle (Northern Suburbs, Cape Town). People in Gauteng pay around R1000 (same age). So while Cape Town is always more expensive when it comes to living costs, I guess when it comes to insurance it's finally a win, hah.
@@AutoBot_7 Have to say though, as a family car, the Grand Vitara might be a better option. Also with similar features to the top spec Fronx. Seems decent value too.
Great review, although the Automatic transmission should have an overdrive gear that drops the revs when driving at speed to reduce the engine droning.
Will be buying it in March 2025, going with toyota as there's no Suzuki dealership in polokwane plus I heard terrible reviews for the bb auto dealership here, I would've went with fronx if there was a dealership here
VW wishes Toyota didn't exist the company is just a threat to all their models starlet - polo t-cross - starlet cross t-troc - corolla cross ( t-troc might be more good looking but one saves a lot of money if they choose a corolla cross ) tiguan - fortuner amarok - hilux
@@AutoBot_7 Styling of the Starlet Cross , and when it comes to buying, of course I’d buy the one with more service and maintenance plan - the fronx (but again I’ve just said I love the styling of the Starlet cross, so I wouldn’t say no to not buying one 😂) so it’s a 50/50 split.
True, just imagine if the Fronx or corolla cross GR had panoramic sunroofs, that would have been epic.👌atleast the Grand Vitara has a panoramic sunroof Wich looks good👌
I think they know their customers very well. I for one I don't see any use for sunroof until someone mentions it in their car. I know it makes the SUVs and mostly vw hatchback cars look wow inside out... The need for it to me is close to 0.
Glad you enjoyed it. The Starlet hatch will be better by around 8%. Thus you should get around 50km more per tank in the Startlet compare to the Starlet Cross
Thank you so much for your prompt response. For a first time car buyer, single lady, would you recommend the starlet hatch or starlet cross since it’s a mini SUV?
Difficult question as it will depend on quite a few things🙂. If you are looking for a car that will mainly be used for city driving the hatch would be my pick due to lower purchase price and better fuel consumption. I would however look at the Suzuki Baleno if you have a Suzuki dealer nearby as this is basically the same car but it is cheaper than the Starlet and is also cheaper to insure If the roads in your area are not in a good condition or you need to travel on gravel roads the Starlet Cross might be a better option. Also something to think about is how long you plan on keeping the car because if you plan on starting a family at some point down the extra room will come in handy
@@Spies181 Sales person as well as the specification on the Toyota website This states Standard Cable Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay under the comfort and convenience option. Link is below www.toyota.co.za/vehicles/starlet-cross/compare?code=75P
You should be fine on most gravel roads. Not a 4x4 by any stretch of the imagination though so if you are looking at more serious off roading maybe look at the Suzuki Jimny
@@benbarnard8280 Think they are focussing on the upper end of the market with the Hilux, Fortuner, Prado and LC😔. These are not affordable to the majority of people though
IMPORTANT: We have confirmation in the comments that wireless Android Auto is working even though it is listed as cable only
Cant go wrong with this combo. Suzuki and toyota are brilliant brands and very reliable
Thank you for the in-depth review of the Starlet Cross. I purchased the Suzuki Fronx GL in December last year, and I'm very happy with the car. The fuel consumption is excellent (currently sitting at an average of 15.8 km/L). The nice-to-haves like Cruise Control, PDC, reverse camera and Infotainment System make the Fronx / Starlet Cross stand out from the rest (Vivo cough). I can confirm that Android Auto supports wireless connectivity, so there's no need to connect via USB.
I went with the Fronx GL model since the extras didn't justify the 40k difference for me. One thing I didn't realize until after purchasing the car was that only the GLX / XR has the rear LED light bar. The GL / XS appears to have one, but it doesn't light up. That was a bit of a disappointment since the light bar is what makes this car stand out, but I made peace with it. At the end of the day, the more features there are, the more can go wrong, and the more expensive it is to replace them.
I must say, I'm not pleased to see Toyota "stealing" the Fronx too. As a Fronx owner, I can't help but wonder how this will impact my car's resale value. I know with the normal Starlet, Toyota offered an extended warranty for a very small amount (+- R 1000). And brand loyalty is a thing.
A very important tip: When purchasing the Fronx / Starlet Cross new, order one with the "auto-locking" doors feature installed (for lack of a better term). I was used to my previous car (VW) having this feature and never having to bother locking the doors manually when driving off. We were very fortunate to remember to lock our doors moments before someone pulled on one of the rear door handles when we were stationary. This is a must-have, especially in our country, and it boggles my mind why this feature is not standard.
Thanks for sharing all this information with us! Someone mentioned that Android Auto works wirelessly, but this confirms it even though it is listed as cable only. Big win I would say.
The real world fuel consumption is very impressive for a vehicle of that size. Especially for city driving. Do you have the auto or the manual?
Agree on your point around the auto locking doors. Very dangerous to drive around without doors locked as crooks will catch onto this very quickly
@@AutoBot_7 You're welcome. I have the manual version. Best consumption I got on the open road was close to 19 Km/L 🙂
Thanks not one review mentioned that you can order with locking doors. It's a must in my mind.
Been always overlooking Toyota Starlet vehicles but these hybrids models really steal my heart.
this is not a hybrid.
Great Review. You actually mentioned all the little details which sets the trims apart 👏👏
@@floydmalatji3671 Glad you found it useful
Wow this was thorough, Thank you!
@@bongamav Glad you enjoyed it🤜🤛
It's a SUZUKI! Luckily, unlike the 'Starlet' (i.e. Baleno) they kept the cruise control on the bottom spec model, but, again, the price is HIGHER than the exact same Suzuki product. The 'Toy'ota Warranty/Service Plan, of course, is worse.
Agree and as I mentioned in the video I would just buy the Suzuki if you have a dealership nearby. The price difference does not make sense (even though it is small) given the shorter warranty.
Just glad this has 15 000 km service interval and not the 10 000km service intervals found on the Hilux
I did a quote through a Toyota dealership in JHB to extend my warranty for 8 years , they have charged me a once off R6565.22 exc vat
Seems like good value!
My mom bought one kislux and she loves it. It had been there for over 10 years when she went out with it.
Wonderful review. I've been looking at both cars and sort of didn't know which one to go for, but your review i think I know which one i will go for
@@mananamolefe7934 Thanks fot taking the time to comment💛. Glad you found it helpful💪
The Suzuki Fronx has not yet been tested by the Global NCAP, so there is no official NCAP safety rating available for this model. The Suzuki Fronx is primarily built for the Indian market and is positioned as a global strategic model by Suzuki. While it is available in markets outside of India, including Japan and potentially other regions, it is not currently sold in Europe. This is typical of big brands trying to sell cheap unsafe products to growth market consumers who are none the wiser and don't do their research before buying.
Thank u for eye opening comment. Is the Starlet cross ncap certified?
Dang, interesting how insurance works. I got quotes for around R550/month for this vehicle (Northern Suburbs, Cape Town). People in Gauteng pay around R1000 (same age). So while Cape Town is always more expensive when it comes to living costs, I guess when it comes to insurance it's finally a win, hah.
@@adriaanvandermerwe536 R550 is awesome!
Nice review, the Fronx is definitely the better buy on paper. But I suspect the Starlett Cross will mostly likely have the better sales between the 2.
@@user-um8cn2my3k Expect the same. Brand loyalty/familiarity will sway logic
@@AutoBot_7 I suspect Suzuki might drop the price of the Fronx now which is even better!
@@user-um8cn2my3k Would be an even bigger bargain😁
@@AutoBot_7 Have to say though, as a family car, the Grand Vitara might be a better option. Also with similar features to the top spec Fronx. Seems decent value too.
You can get into the base Grand Vitara for the same price as the GLX Auto Fronx which is not bad at all
Great review, although the Automatic transmission should have an overdrive gear that drops the revs when driving at speed to reduce the engine droning.
@@govenderryan Thanks for the feedback. The overdrive gear definitely helps, but you have to jump out of it to overtake as it hampers acceleration
The 4 speed auto has an overdrive button on the gearstick.
Starlet Cross over Fronx , re-sale value my opinion thou . nice review by the way 🥳🥳
Would be interesting to see what re sale looks like given that the Fronx has a longer warranty
People already know that its the same as a fronx, resale value would just be the same.
Absolutely honest and great review: thank you
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it🤜🤛
Will be buying it in March 2025, going with toyota as there's no Suzuki dealership in polokwane plus I heard terrible reviews for the bb auto dealership here, I would've went with fronx if there was a dealership here
@@theelusiveme7643 Makes sense👍. Wish you many safe miles
There is suzuki dealership in polokwane, is by honda in landross mare street
Just bought one yesterday from Suzuki Polokwane by Landros Mare...
@@CetrickMabela congratulations,
VW wishes Toyota didn't exist the company is just a threat to all their models
starlet - polo
t-cross - starlet cross
t-troc - corolla cross ( t-troc might be more good looking but one saves a lot of money if they choose a corolla cross )
tiguan - fortuner
amarok - hilux
😅
A pretty neat Starlet Cross 🔥👏
You are always first💪. Do you prefer the styling on the Starlet Cross or the Fronx?
@@AutoBot_7 Styling of the Starlet Cross , and when it comes to buying, of course I’d buy the one with more service and maintenance plan - the fronx (but again I’ve just said I love the styling of the Starlet cross, so I wouldn’t say no to not buying one 😂) so it’s a 50/50 split.
Can you please talk about battery life spen on Xs, how long can you play radio does it need to be powered as it is automatic??
Love it🤩🔥 looks better than ugly Yaris cross sold in Europe
Thanks for the input that gives me a heads up 👍👍👌👌
@@victorlesar3339 💛
A Toyota version of Fronx 👍
Exactly yes
@@AutoBot_7 Then ,what Can you advise ?
I bought it in 10Lakh INR last year Fronx Maruti in India
I think starlet cross suitable for toyota raize next generation in global scale
Great review 👏🏾
@@b_reshoketswe2777 Thanks for the support🤜🤛
Does the XR with std start push button comes with factory-fitted gear lock?
Ill go for Suzuki
@@NtshengedzeniMakulane Me too!
Good review
Glad you enjoyed it
Hellos, is Toyota Taisor available in RSA 🤔
Toyota and Suzuki are very scared of panoramic sunroof
🤣🤣
True, just imagine if the Fronx or corolla cross GR had panoramic sunroofs, that would have been epic.👌atleast the Grand Vitara has a panoramic sunroof Wich looks good👌
I think they know their customers very well.
I for one I don't see any use for sunroof until someone mentions it in their car. I know it makes the SUVs and mostly vw hatchback cars look wow inside out... The need for it to me is close to 0.
"so you don't expect this to be racing from robot to robot"😂😂
@@OratileTrusts 🤣
I like the maroon & gray interior /
@@JeremyGeduldt Glad you like it❤️. As I mentioned this will be personal preference. Would have just liked them to have a different option as well
Maroon looks better than the Bordeaux n black colour. Hv u seen one in a show room already? M sure u will come back n delete the comment. 😂😂😂
37 is criminally small for petrol tank.
Sure is!
Those are not foglights at the bottom. Those are the main headlights and brights
@@H.I.I.T68 Thanks for pointing this out 👍
Hello, great review!. How is the fuel consumption as compared to the Starlet hatch?
Glad you enjoyed it. The Starlet hatch will be better by around 8%.
Thus you should get around 50km more per tank in the Startlet compare to the Starlet Cross
Thank you so much for your prompt response. For a first time car buyer, single lady, would you recommend the starlet hatch or starlet cross since it’s a mini SUV?
Difficult question as it will depend on quite a few things🙂. If you are looking for a car that will mainly be used for city driving the hatch would be my pick due to lower purchase price and better fuel consumption. I would however look at the Suzuki Baleno if you have a Suzuki dealer nearby as this is basically the same car but it is cheaper than the Starlet and is also cheaper to insure
If the roads in your area are not in a good condition or you need to travel on gravel roads the Starlet Cross might be a better option. Also something to think about is how long you plan on keeping the car because if you plan on starting a family at some point down the extra room will come in handy
@@AutoBot_7 Noted and thank you so much!, I really appreciate your great responses.
I think the Yaris Cross can now come to Mzansi .
Can you do the starlet XR and xs please
ruclips.net/video/1RW21bq6Mlw/видео.html
Maroon looks better than the Bordeaux n black colour. Hv u seen one in a show room already? M sure u will come back n delete the comment. 😂😂😂
@@remandlo ???? I'm not talking about colour I'm talk about specs
android Auto wireless works my friend? where did you get that info from that you need a cable
you probably talking about wireless charging?
@@Spies181 Sales person as well as the specification on the Toyota website
This states Standard Cable Android Auto and Wireless Apple CarPlay under the comfort and convenience option. Link is below
www.toyota.co.za/vehicles/starlet-cross/compare?code=75P
have you tested it in teh car? because it works when i tested it
@@Spies181
I did not test this, but have had feedback from a few people that it is working. Thanks for pointing this out 👍
I wonder how is it for off road driving
You should be fine on most gravel roads. Not a 4x4 by any stretch of the imagination though so if you are looking at more serious off roading maybe look at the Suzuki Jimny
So both the XS and the XR have the cruise control?
I think Suzuki seems to match Toyota in reliability these days so I'd take Suzuki.
My choice as well🙂
Absolutely 💯 Suzuki always
It is big car with small engine
Damn thats a lot of money.
@@debeerpaul 🙈
Toyota is not capable of building a car like this suzuki rules
Super small interior
Have you sat in one?
@@AutoBot_7 Yes, lovely car but come now Toyota make it a bit bigger you know...I was sitting elbow to elbow with the passenger feels too cramped
Just another rebaged Susuki, Toyota is bad, not building new cars just rebaging. 😢
@@benbarnard8280 Think they are focussing on the upper end of the market with the Hilux, Fortuner, Prado and LC😔. These are not affordable to the majority of people though
Honestly, Toyota cannot design cars especially the A & B segments.
@@fentswedibs3176 yes every one is doing it, they are doing cheap
Agree. They have struggled for years with this. They should relaunch the Taz :-)