Toyota Starlet 1996–1999 car dimensions: 3740 mm long, 1635 mm wide and 1400 mm high. Unladen weight is 830 kg. Braked towing is 900 kg.
The cabin is straightforward with hard plastics and clear dials. A driver's airbag comes as standard across the range, with a passenger airbag available on higher grades or later models. Manual air conditioning is offered on some trims. Power steering appears on mid and top grades. Seats fold 60/40. No electronic driver aids beyond basic ABS as an option on many versions.
Boot space starts at 214 litres with the rear seats up. Folding the split rear bench expands it to 505 litres for larger loads.
Braked towing capacity reaches 900 kg, with unbraked at 400 kg. Payload sits around 440 kg depending on exact kerb weight. The car suits light duties but lacks specialised work packs.
The cabin is simple and functional with hard plastics on the dash and doors. Seats use cloth trim that feels basic but supportive for short trips. Higher grades add better velour or pattern cloth, rear headrests and driver seat height adjustment. Front power windows and central locking appear on upper trims. Rear space is tight for adults while the low seating position aids headroom up front. Visibility is good thanks to large windows.
Combined fuel use around 6.5-6.8 l/100 km on petrol 1.3i.
Oil and filter change every 15 000 km or yearly.
Timing belt change recommended at 100 000 km.
Driver airbag and front seatbelt pretensioners standard.
Side impact beams and collapsible steering column fitted.
ABS available as option or on later higher grades.
The 1.3i petrol returns combined figures near 6.5 to 6.8 litres per 100 km depending on market data, with a 45-litre tank. Urban use climbs higher while highway runs stay thrifty. Real-world figures often sit a little above the official numbers.
Routine oil and filter service falls due every 15 000 km or once a year. Spark plugs and brake fluid need attention around 30 000 km intervals. The cam belt lasts to about 100 000 km and is a free-running design so breakage does not destroy the engine, though it leaves you stranded.
Safety kit centres on a driver’s airbag across the range plus front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters. Twin side-impact door beams, a reinforced body cell and collapsible column are standard. Passenger airbag and ABS arrive later or on better grades. No official star rating exists because the car predates current crash programmes.
The car is light, easy to park and cheap to keep on the road. Parts remain available and the mechanicals have a strong reputation for lasting past 300 000 km when serviced on time. Rust is rare if the body is looked after.
Length 3740 mm, Width 1635 mm, Height 1400 mm, Wheelbase 2300 mm (Starlet 1996–1999)
Sources: manufacturer data, 1998 Toyota Starlet UK brochure.