The Toyota Starlet IV 1.3i 12V, produced between 1989 and 1996, represents the fourth generation of Toyota’s long-running Starlet supermini. While not officially sold in the United States, the Starlet held a significant position in the Japanese and European markets as an affordable, reliable, and economical compact car. This generation offered a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly engaging driving experience for its class. The Starlet IV was available in both 3-door and 5-door hatchback configurations, catering to a wide range of buyers seeking a small, versatile vehicle.
Toyota Starlet IV: A Detailed Overview
The Starlet IV was designed to appeal to buyers looking for a no-frills, dependable vehicle for daily commuting and urban driving. It competed with other popular superminis of the era, such as the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Peugeot 205. The fourth generation saw improvements in styling, interior space, and mechanical refinement compared to its predecessors. It was a popular choice for first-time car buyers and those seeking a cost-effective mode of transportation.
Engine & Performance
The 1.3i 12V variant of the Starlet IV is powered by a 1.3-liter (1296 cm3 or 79.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces 82 horsepower (Hp) at 6000 rpm and 104 Nm (76.71 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5200 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 1.3i engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 9.8 seconds. The Starlet IV boasts a maximum speed of 170 km/h (105.63 mph). The engine’s relatively light weight – the car has a kerb weight of 765 kg (1686.54 lbs) – contributes to a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 9.3 kg/Hp.
Fuel economy is a key strength of the Starlet IV 1.3i. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg or 39.8 UK mpg), with urban consumption at 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) and extra-urban consumption at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain is a conventional front-wheel-drive setup.
Design & Features
The Toyota Starlet IV is a compact hatchback available in both 3-door and 5-door body styles. Its design is functional and understated, typical of superminis of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The interior is designed for practicality, offering seating for five passengers. While not luxurious, the cabin is reasonably well-appointed for its price point. The trunk space ranges from 225 liters (7.95 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up to 490 liters (17.3 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down, providing a useful amount of cargo capacity.
Safety features for the era included a steering rack and pinion system with hydraulic power steering, and, on some models, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Brakes are disc in the front and drum in the rear. Suspension consists of a wishbone setup at the front and coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The Starlet IV rides on 165/70 R13 tires. The vehicle’s relatively small turning circle of 9.8 meters (32.15 ft) makes it easy to maneuver in tight urban environments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Starlet |
| Generation | Starlet IV |
| Type (Engine) | 1.3i 12V (82 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1989 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3/5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 104 Nm @ 5200 rpm (76.71 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine displacement | 1296 cm3 (79.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 73 mm (2.87 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 77.4 mm (3.05 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 765 kg (1686.54 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1225 kg (2700.66 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 225 l (7.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 40 l (10.57 US gal | 8.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 3720 mm (146.46 in.) |
| Width | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm (90.55 in.) |
| Front track | 1390 mm (54.72 in.) |
| Rear track | 1370 mm (53.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 165/70 R13 |
The Toyota Starlet IV 1.3i 12V remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors due to its simplicity, reliability, and affordability. It represents a significant era in Toyota’s history, showcasing the company’s commitment to producing practical and dependable vehicles for the masses.
