Toyota Starlet

Toyota Starlet
Starlet 1.3 Carat (EP91, Europe)
Overview
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	April 1973–July 1999
Assembly	Japan, Indonesia
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Publica
Successor	Toyota Tercel Toyota Yaris/Vitz

The Toyota Starlet is a small automobile manufactured by Toyota from 1973 to 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 Corolla Stores.

Normally, Starlets were known for being dependable but dull automobiles, but there were exceptions. First was the sporty turbocharged Starlet which came in three generations; the 1986-1989 Turbo S (EP71), the 1990-1995 GT turbo (EP82), and the 1996-1999 Glanza V (EP91). Second was the Sera, made in the early 1990s and officially sold only in Japan, is a similar car with a totally different two-door coupe body and butterfly doors that shared the Starlet's chassis and mechanicals. Only about 16,000 were ever produced.

The Starlet was briefly exported to North America from 1981 to 1984, when it was replaced by the Corolla FX in Toyota's North American lineup.

In 1999, the Starlet range was replaced by the Echo / Yaris range in most countries, but Toyota had been absent in the city car market of Europe until the Aygo was launched in 2005. Another Japanese replacement was the bB mini MPV, which is sold as the Scion xB in the United States.

First generation (P40/P50; 1973–1978)

40 Series
Starlet sedan
Overview
Production	April 1973–1978
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 3-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	993 cc 2K I4 1,166 cc 3K I4
Chronology
Predecessor	Toyota Publica

Initially launched in April 1973 as the Publica Starlet 40 series, the Starlet was offered with 1,000 and 1,200 cc engines. Generally the car looked like a shortened Corolla. Body styles originally available were a two-door sedan and a three-door wagon. The four-door sedan arrived in October 1973. Grades offered were Standard, Deluxe, Hi-Deluxe, ST, and SR. It was never sold in Europe, despite the popularity in that continent (particularly in the United Kingdom) of the similar-sized Datsun Cherry, produced by Toyota's rival manufacturer Nissan, as well as the success of modern new superminis like the Fiat 127 and Renault 5.

Second generation (P60; 1978–1984)

60 Series
The early model Starlet 3-door hatchback (P60, New Zealand)
Overview
Production	Feb 1978[1]–Oct 1984
Body and chassis
Body style	3/5-door hatchback 3/5-door station wagon/van
Layout	FR layout
Platform	P60
Related	Toyota Tercel
Powertrain
Engine	993 cc 2K I4 (KP60) 1,166 cc 3K I4 (KP62) 1,290 cc 4K I4 (KP61) 1,290 cc 4K-E I4 EFI (KP61)
Transmission	K40 (4-speed manual) K50/K51 (5-speed manual) 3-speed automatic (second facelift)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,301–2,324 mm (90.6–91.5 in)[2]
Length	3,680–3,745 mm (145–147 in)[3] 3,850 mm (152 in) (Van)[4]
Width	1,525–1,535 mm (60–60 in)[3]
Height	1,370–1,395 mm (54–55 in)[3]
Curb weight	695–750 kg (1,532–1,653 lb)[3]

1982 Toyota Starlet DL 3-door (New Zealand)

The 60 series, introduced in February 1978, was better known, being the first to be extensively sold outside Japan, being imported to Europe, including the United Kingdom, from 1978, by which time superminis were soaring in popularity. It was offered with a 993 (KP60 2K), 1,166 (KP62, 3K) or 1,290 cc (KP61, 4K) engine. Three- and five-door hatchbacks were offered in export markets, although a longer five-door wagon variant (also known as the "Van" in the Japanese market) was sold in Japan and certain Asian and European markets. The Van arrived in October 1978.^[5] In Japan, the Starlet was only available with the larger, 1.3 litre, engine once it had been introduced, excepting the Van model which retained the smaller, 1.2 litre, 3K-HJ type. The 60 series Starlet was the first Toyota passenger car to utilize rack-and-pinion steering.^[6] Suspension on 60 series Starlets is in the form of MacPherson front struts accompanied by four link rear suspension with coil springs for hatchback models and leaf spring suspension on van models.

Trim levels were Standard, De Luxe (also known as DX in some markets), GL, XL, S, Si, Sprint, SE and Lisse. Si models have a fuel injected 4K-E engine. Sprint models include a tachometer, five-speed (K50) transmission, 1,290 cc (4K) engine and a different, "racy", interior compared to other models. Sprint models also feature Toyota Sports Handling Suspension and the external trimming on the car is clipped into place, as opposed to being glued on as in other models. Sprint models also include the same alloy wheels as featured on early AE86 Corollas. Japanese market models did not generally have self-retracting rear seatbelts. Japanese and New Zealand market models have 203 mm front brake rotors, as opposed to many other markets receiving Starlets with 228 mm front brake rotors.

Vehicles fitted with a 2K engine received a smaller differential (X code, 5.6 in, 142 mm) than vehicles fitted with a 4K engine (U code, 6 in, 152 mm). Differential ratios depend on the trim model and market for each car, with 3.909:1 being common for vehicles with a 2K engine, 4.3:1 for European van models, 3.727 for Japanese van models, 3.417:1 for vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission, 3.583:1 for general applications with a 4K engine, and other ratios existing for various Japanese market vehicles.

In 1980 the Starlet was facelifted to include square headlights and a second facelift followed in 1983 to incorporate a slant nose front end, and a lower hatch opening.

Tidy 60 series Starlets are becoming more difficult to acquire due, in part, to their age and proneness to rust, and due to the fact that many are being converted into track and rally cars, and are thus beginning to become a valuable collector's car.

The KP61 was the only Starlet ever sold in the US from 1981 to 1984, and the Toyota Corolla FX replaced it in 1985. The 1981–1982 models came with standard five-speed manual transmissions and tachometers. It is an equivalent to other markets' S model. The 1983–1984 models were additionally offered with electronic fuel injection (EFI) with the 4K engine, but with a four-speed manual transmission, and similar to other markets' XLi model.

Common rust locations on a 60 series Starlet are under the rear hatch seal, around the front window wiper mount, behind the front fenders and the bottom of the doors.

The first facelift Starlet 3-door hatchback (KP61, US)  The second facelift model Starlet 5-door hatchback (KP60, Europe)  Starlet Kombi / station wagon (Germany)  Starlet Van (Japan)  Starlet Sprint (New Zealand)

Third generation (P70; 1984–1989)

70 Series
Starlet 1.3 Si (EP71, Japan)
Overview
Production	Oct 1984–Dec 1989
Assembly	Japan Jakarta, Indonesia
Body and chassis
Body style	3/5-door hatchback 3-door van
Layout	FF layout
Platform	P70
Powertrain
Engine	999 cc 1E I4 1295 cc 2E I4 1295 cc 2E-ELU EFi I4 1295 cc 2E-TELU turbo I4
Transmission	4 speed manual 5 speed manual 3 speed automatic 4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3,700 mm (145.7 in)
Width	1,590 mm (62.6 in)
Height	1,380 mm (54.3 in)
Curb weight	740 kg (1,631 lb)

The 70 series of October 1984 saw the Starlet switch to front wheel drive, which was now the normal format for cars of this size. Three-door and five-door hatchbacks were offered, and a three-door van for commercial use was also available in many markets. The 12 valve 1E and 2E engines replaced the old K-series engines. The extensive Japanese line up consisted of Standard, DX, Soleil, XL, XL Lisse, SE, Si, Si Limited, Ri, Turbo R, and Turbo S, although the one-litre version was available for export only.^[7] The engine fitted in turbo models was the 2E-TELU, and was installed with Toyota's active suspension technology called TEMS. The Ri and Turbo R are the light weight models designed for motorsports. For export markets the Starlet 70 series were offered as 1.0 Standard, 1.0 DX, 1.0 XL, 1.0 XL Lisse, 1.3 DX, 1.3 XL, 1.3 S, and 1.3 SE. The export version Si Limited was basically an XL or 1.3 S with front and rear spoilers, sporty red and black interior, Multi-point fuel injection and special exterior colour 2-tone black-silver, or white.

The first Starlet assembled outside Japan was the 1985 1.0 XL built in Indonesia. A year later, the 1.3 litre model joined the production line there. A minor change for Japanese models was given in 1987 with new nose, tail lights, bigger bumpers, and revised interior.

Starlet 1.3 SE 5-door hatchback (EP71, Indonesia)  Starlet 1.0 XL 3-door hatchback (EP70, Europe)  Facelifted Starlet 1.3 Si 3-door hatchback (EP71, Japan)

Fourth generation (P80; 1989–1995)

80 Series
1991 Toyota Starlet 1.3 XL 3-door Hatchback (EP81, New Zealand)
Overview
Production	Dec 1989–Dec 1995 (Japan) 1990–March 1998 (Indonesia)
Assembly	Japan Jakarta, Indonesia
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	P80
Related	Toyota Sera
Powertrain
Engine	999 cc 1E I4 (EP80) 1295 cc 2E/2E-E I4 (EP81) 1331 cc 4E-FE I4 (EP82, EP85) 1331 cc 4E-FTE turbo I4 (EP82) 1453 cc 1N diesel I4 (NP80)
Transmission	4 speed manual 5 speed manual 3 speed automatic 4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3,720–3,805 mm (146.5–149.8 in)
Width	1,600–1,620 mm (63.0–63.8 in)
Height	1,380 mm (54.3 in)

The Starlet 80 series was introduced to the Japanese market in December 1989. It featured a more rounded body style and interior. Japanese models received new twin cam engines: 4E-F, 4E-FE, and turbocharged 4E-FTE. Export models retained the 1E and 2E engines, and the special version 4E-FE (only for UK and Hong Kong facelift models). The 1N 1.5-litre diesel engine was also available. The Starlet for Japan and Indonesia have a rear center garnish and therefore the license plate is mounted on the bumper. 80 Series Starlets exported to other destinations have their number plates mounted on the hatch centre panel.

The rear view of Starlet 1.3 XLi 3-door hatchback (EP81, Europe)

In Japan, the 80 Series Starlet was again offered in a wide range of variants: Van,Soleil, the best selling Soleil L, S, X, X Limited, Si, canvas top, the sports model Gi and GT Turbo. The sports model have different bumpers, headlights, and tail lights from the regular models. Sports bucket front seats and a rear spoiler are also standard on the Gi and GT. The GT has a two-mode (low and high) turbo. The Japanese only full-time 4WD models (EP85) were offered in Soleil L, S, and X Limited grades.

The Starlet made its European debut at the 1990 Geneva Auto Show. The 1.3 XLi was sold in most European countries. The sporty 1.3 Si was offered in Switzerland. It came with standard sports front seats, three-spoke steering wheel, sunroof, and rear spoiler.

The UK model was the 1.0 GL, only offered as a three-door hatchback, replaced by the 1.3 GLi three-door from 1993 onwards. For 1994, the UK models were 1.3 XLi three-door and 1.3 GLi five-door. All GLi models have a sunroof. New Zealand received the XL (1.0 or 1.3), 1.3S, and from March 1993 a five-door 1.3 XL only available with an automatic transmission. The 2E-engined versions were carburetted and produce 53 kW (72 PS).^[8]

They were some special editions of 80-series sold in Europe such as 1.3 Jeans in the UK and Germany, 1.3 Dance in Switzerland, and 1.3 Westwood in Belgium, all of these are based on the 1.3 XLi.

The 1st facelift 1994 Starlet 1.3 SE-G 5-door (EP81, Indonesia)

A minor facelift occurred in January 1992, with all Japanese models gaining fuel injection and the discontinuation of the X variant. A new front bumper and revised interior were installed, and the addition of a safety beam inside the doors were added for all models. The S, X Limited, Gi, and GT also gained a new rear center garnish. In Indonesia the new SE-G replaced the SE Limited. The SE-G has upmarket interior similar to the Japanese X Limited, and shares the redesigned tail lights and trunk garnish with the Gi and GT. For the Hong Kong market, the Japanese model Soleil L 5 door hatchback replaced the old 1.3 XL. The Starlet canvas top Si 1992 with folding canvas roof was offered in Hong Kong and certain European countries.

The Starlet EP81 participated in the WRC Acropolis Rally in Greece, and won the A5 class. The Starlet also competed in the Starlet One Make Race in Japan, the Indonesian Touring Car Championship, and rallies in the Caribbean.

The second facelift model Starlet Soleil L 3-door (EP82, Japan)

The second facelift model Starlet 1.3 Soleil L 3-door (EP82, Japan)

The second minor update was in May 1994 with new front end and tail lights. The full-wide rear garnish was deleted. The hatch trunk now has smooth panel with small garnishes. The Gi and GT featured twin round headlights and mesh grille, also known as "quad" headlights. These minor changes were only extended to Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Hong Kong received Japanese market Soleil Ls. The 1.3 SE-G continued in Indonesia, and the 1.3 GS replaced the 1.3 S in New Zealand.

Production in Japan ended in December 1995, but continued in Indonesia until March 1998. The last 80-series in Indonesia was marketed as the "Fantastic Starlet" with sporty bumpers, grille, and hood from the Japanese Gi. At the beginning, the Fantastic Starlet was offered in the mid-level SE and top-of-the line SE-G, but later the cheaper model was discontinued.

GT Turbo

Starlet GT turbo (EP82, Japanese-spec, grey-exported to the Philippines)

The Starlet GT turbo is a high performance model of the fourth generation Starlet, first introduced in 1990 as a successor to the 70 series Starlet 1.3 Turbo R. The EP82 GT turbo was powered by a turbocharged version of a Toyota's E Engine, the 4E-FTE with a CT9 turbocharger. This engine produced 135 PS (99 kW) at 6,400 rpm. The car weighed in at 890 kilograms (1,962 lb), providing a greater than 100 kilowatt per tonne power-to-weight ratio. Adding to its handling abilities, Toyota's active suspension technology continued from the previous generation, called TEMS.

As with other Japanese market Starlets, the GT Turbo received minor changes in January 1992 which included new bumpers and rear combination lamps. The second minor change was given in May 1994, this time with four round quad headlights combined with the mesh grille. The tail lights remained the same, but the full length center garnish was replaced by the small ones on each side.

Production of the car ended in December 1995, but the popularity of the car is still maintained by a cult of drivers, mainly as a used import. The Starlet GT turbo and the normally aspirated 1.3 Gi were replaced by the Starlet Glanza series, the Glanza V and Glanza S respectively.

Two limited edition versions of the GT turbo were produced; the GT Limited and the GT Advance, both featured small changes such as different steering wheels and gear shifter knobs, a rear strut bar, ABS (later versions only) and were distinguishable by their two tone paint scheme. These models also featured an optional LSD which was available with the C153 transaxle.

Fifth generation (P90; 1996–1999)

90 Series
Starlet 1.3 Style (EP91, Australia)
Overview
Production	January 1996–July 1999
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door hatchback
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	P90
Related	Toyota Tercel Toyota Paseo
Powertrain
Engine	1295 cc 2E I4 1331 cc 4E-FE I4 1331 cc 4E-FTE turbo I4 1453 cc 1N diesel I4
Transmission	4 speed manual 5 speed manual 3 speed automatic 4 speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,300 mm (90.6 in)
Length	3,750–3,790 mm (147.6–149.2 in)
Width	1,625 mm (64.0 in)
Height	1,400–1,415 mm (55.1–55.7 in)

The Starlet 90 series, introduced in 1996, retained the same ideas of three or five-door hatchback. The unique design is sloped-down belt line on front doors. The Japanese versions were divided into 3 models: Reflet (normal), Glanza (sports), and Carat (classic). The Reflet (Base, f, and x), the Carat, and the Glanza S were powered by the 4E-FE engine. The Base model was also offered with the 1N Diesel engine. Based on the 5 door Reflet, the Starlet Remix came with rugged SUV style. It has over fenders, body cladding, roof rail, and spare tire mounted on the back.

The 90 Series Starlet shared its platform with the Paseo including suspension, engines and many other components. The RHD Starlet has its own dashboard design with slightly higher center AC outlets, while the LHD shares the dashboard with Tercel and Paseo.

Toyota Starlet 1.3 GLi 5 door (EP91, Europe)

Interior

The Starlet EP91 came to Europe in the second quarter of 1996. Although basically all European models were 1.3 XLi with a 75 PS (55 kW) version of the 4E-FE engine, they were marketed in different name across Europe. Initially the UK models were the base 1.3 Sportif and the upmarket 1.3 CD (with standard CD Player and Sunroof). In 1998, the UK line up was revised with base 1.3 S, sporty 1.3 SR (with lowered suspension, spoiler, and sport exhaust), and loaded 1.3 GLS. The French models were Base, GL, and GLS. In Switzerland, the upgraded model similar to GLS is called 1.3 Crystal, while in Norway is called SLi. All of high grade models have driver's side SRS Airbag, tachometer, front power windows, rear headrests, and coloured bumpers. ABS and Sunroof are options.

The only generation sold new in Australia, the EP91 Starlet was available from March 1996 to December 1999, originally under three trim levels, the base three-door Life, sporty three-door Group X and luxury five-door Style. In 1997 a five-door version of the Life was introduced. During 1998, the Group X and Style models were dropped, and the Life gained a driver's airbag as standard equipment. When first sold in Australia, the Starlet suffered from higher pricing in its category, but sold well later on after Toyota entered a small-car price cut war, competing against the Hyundai Excel and Ford Festiva.^[9][10]

Minor changes with new front bumpers, grille, tail lights, and revised interior fabric were new for 1998 Japanese market models. Production of Starlet ended in July 1999, just after the launch of the Yaris.

The facelift model Starlet 1.3 Reflet f Limited (EP91, Japan)  Starlet 1.3 Carat 5 door (EP91, Japan)  Starlet 1.3 Remix (EP91, Japan)

Glanza

The Starlet Glanza is the sports version of the P90 generation Starlet, and is the successor to the 80 series naturally aspirated Starlet 1.3 Gi and Starlet GT Turbo. The Glanza S was powered by the naturally aspirated 1331 cc 4E-FE and the Glanza V was powered by the turbocharged 1331 cc 4E-FTE. The 4E-FE used in the Glanza S generated 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) which, for the extremely light Starlet, was enough to propel the car from 0–100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. The turbo 4E-FTE used in the Glanza V generated 133 PS (98 kW; 131 hp) at 6400 rpm with a 0–100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds (factory brochure stats).

In December 1996, the Glanza S Limited was released. It has standard body kits same as Glanza V Turbo except the scooped-hood and the engine did not have a Turbo. A lightweight version of the Glanza V was also available without air conditioner and electric windows to keep the car as light as possible, being intended for competitive usage.

The Glanza S and Glanza V were only officially available on the Japanese market, although some used private imports made their way to the UK, New Zealand, and many other right-hand drive markets.

Starlet 1.3 Glanza V Turbo (EP91, Japan)  Toyota Starlet Glanza S (EP91, Japan)  The rear view of 1997 Toyota Starlet Glanza V (EP91) exported to Europe  1998 Toyota Starlet Glanza V (EP91) exported to The Philippines and converted to left hand drive

References

• Toyota Starlet EP82/EP85/NP80 Japanese Brochures December 1989, January 1992, and May 1994.
• Toyota Starlet EP81 Indonesian Brochures 1994 and 1997.
• Toyota Starlet EP91 European Brochures 1997 from France, Switzerland, UK, and Belgium.

1. Toyota Vehicle Identification Manual. Japan: Toyota Motor Corporation - Overseas Parts Department. 1984. Catalog No.97913-84.
2. "Autotest: Toyota Starlet". Autocar. Vol. 149 (nbr 4264). 29 July 1978. pp. 33–37.
3. "自動車ガイドブック [Japanese Motor Vehicles Guide Book 1979/1980]" (in Japanese). 26. Japan: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. 1979-11-01: 130. 053-790026-3400.
4. Automobile Guide Book 1979/1980, p. 188
5. "2nd Starlet Van". 75 years of Toyota: Vehicle Lineage. Toyota Motor Co. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
6. http://blog.toyota.co.uk/history-of-the-toyota-starlet
7. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (March 1986). Automobil Revue 1986 (in German and French). 81. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 533. ISBN 3-444-00450-8.
8. Anderson, Donn, ed. (March 1993). "Newsline: Starlet goes 5-door...and auto!". New Zealand Car. Auckland, New Zealand: Accent Publishing Cnr. 7 (5): 13. ISSN 0113-0196.
9. Mellor, John. "Toyota Starlet EP91R Starlet 1996-1998". Go Auto. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
10. Mellor, John. "Toyota Starlet EP91R Starlet Series II 1998-1999". Go Auto. Retrieved 5 January 2014.

External links

• World Starlet fansite.
• Dutch Starlet Forum.
• Greek Starlet Forum.
• Toyota GT Turbo.
• The World Famous Toyota Starlet Site.
• Club-K: New Zealands Club for KP Starlets & KE Corollas.
• Toyota Starlet Specifications.