![]() ![]() The Xr, however, gets the auto-light-control feature, follow-me-home lights and auto-folding side mirrors. Toyota used the opportunity to add a touch of Toyota-ness to the styling of the Starlet with chrome-plated fog-lamp surrounds and a honeycomb lower grille that is standard fare across the range in the Xi, Xs and Xr models. It also offers a fresh-faced approach compared to the outgoing model that was launched locally in 2020. So, you are asking, what is the Toyota Starlet all about? First, it needs to be mentioned that it comes in three different trim levels namely the Xi, Xs and Xr models and two different drivetrain configurations with a 5-speed manual that’s available across the range and a 4-speed auto ‘box that can be specified in the Xs and Xr models. Does the Starlet have stars in its eyes? But it’s also here where it gets a touch complicated: both cars are competing for market share in the same market… This enables the Japanese giant to keep pricing competitive while adding some Toyota-specific touches. Toyota, on the other hand, gets a quality sub-compact car out of the deal at a wholesale price. ![]() Think of it as the economy of scale… sort of… As a result, Suzuki can create jobs, develop new vehicles and re-invest in infrastructure projects since it’s already building the Baleno and there’s no need to create new assembly lines. Toyota pays Suzuki for assembling the chassis, drivetrain, and passenger compartment at Suzuki’s Maruti plant in India. While we’re not privy to what exactly the business agreement between Toyota and Suzuki entails in and around the use of the Baleno as the Starlet’s donor vehicle, logic dictates that it is a mutually-beneficial agreement. Before you groan in displeasure at the sheer audacity, let us simply state that it makes sound business sense. Getting to the point of this story, though, there's a new chapter written in joint venturing and it’s simply titled Toyota Starlet. Urban Cruiser? Yes, that’s a Suzuki Brezza wearing a Toyota haori. Toyota is no stranger to this ‘sharing is caring’ business since its Supra is underpinned by BMW’s Z4 chassis – as well as some other bits and bobs. Ford Ranger and VW Amarok… You get the point. Not many know this, but Mercedes-Benz and Renault also had an unlikely partnership where the latter supplied the former with powertrains – one such instance is the previous-gen A180 CDi, propelled by Renault’s 1.5-litre engine that also drives the Duster and Nissan NP200. Take VW’s MLB Evo platform for one: it underpins the VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and Lamborghini Urus. Badge engineering, rebadging, joint ventures, engine- and platform-sharing whatever you fancy calling it, it’s an everyday occurrence as far as cars are concerned.
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