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Toyota Starlet Hatchback (1996-1999) review

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Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £7,845 - £11,755
Road tax cost £210
Insurance group 9 - 11
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 356 - 426 miles
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Available fuel types

Petrol

Pros & cons

PROS

Promises trouble-free motoring; well built and long lasting

CONS

Mediocre ride and handling

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

This was the model that ended the long line of Starlets with a wider range (including the sporty SR) than ever before. Despite the Hollywood inspired name, the Starlet does not really draw attention to itself. It can’t. The styling is so dull, the Starlet is easy to overlook. Style matters now even at the entry level end of the car market so this is a major flaw.

On the plus side, it inherits Toyota’s legendary reliability and with prices starting at £2500, it makes an efficient runabout. Replaced by the more charismatic Yaris.