A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Recorded price context
H1:
last listed from
ZAR 229,900
·
Starlet Cross:
current from
ZAR 304,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Maximum Power
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
77 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
140 Nm
Engine Size
1497 cc
1498 cc
Claimed Mileage
7.0 km/l
18.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
160 mm
185 mm
Boot / Load Bay
Not confirmed
270 l
Airbags
4
4
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
1080 kg
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
-
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both H1 and Starlet Cross are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Starlet Cross
+4 pts
Efficiency
Starlet Cross
+35 pts
Safety
Starlet Cross
+7 pts
Practicality
H1
+5 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
H1
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Starlet Cross
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
H1
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Starlet Cross
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Model Introduced Year
2015
2022
Generation
Single generation in South Africa from 2015-2019. The H1 was based on an older Great Wall platform and was discontinued without a direct successor.
First generation Starlet Cross for SA market
Facelift History
H1 received a single mid-cycle update in 2017 that brought minor exterior styling refinements and an updated infotainment system. No significant mechanical changes through the model life.
Introduced to SA in 2022 as a Starlet-based crossover
Facelift Launched Since
2017
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Not confirmed
Current
Body Style
Not confirmed
SUV
Color Note
Not confirmed
White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Black, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Not confirmed
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
Not confirmed
2026
Production Status
Not confirmed
published
Segment
Not confirmed
SUV
Vehicle Type
Not confirmed
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
Not confirmed
1080 kg
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
No
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
-
Gearbox
6-Speed CVT
CVT
Final Drive Ratio
3.94:1
Not Applicable
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
3.2
-
Number of Gears
6
5
Transmission Type
Automatic CVT
Continuously Variable Transmission
Clutch Type
Torque Converter
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Gearbox Type
Automatic
CVT
Transmission Speeds
6
5
Drivetrain Layout
Not confirmed
FF
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Engagement
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not confirmed
No
Differential Type Front
Not confirmed
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not confirmed
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Not confirmed
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not confirmed
Not Available
Gear Shift Type
Not confirmed
CVT
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Claimed Mileage
7.0 km/l
18.5 km/l
City Mileage
6.8 km/l
14.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.2 km/l
18.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
42 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 4
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
42
42
Average Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Efficiency
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Real-world Mileage
7.0 km/l
18.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Combined Consumption L 100km
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Economy Combined
Not confirmed
5.4 l/100km
Combined Driving Range
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Airbags
4
4
ABS
Yes
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Not Available
Standard
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
Standard
Side Impact Beams
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front Seats
Not Available
Speed Alert System
Standard
-
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
-
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Safety Rating
4
-
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints
-
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
-
TCS
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not confirmed
Standard
Brake Override System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Not confirmed
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
4
EBD
Not confirmed
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
4
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Not Available
Side Airbags
Not confirmed
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not confirmed
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Not confirmed
Not Available
ABS EBD
Yes
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
4
Driver Passenger Airbags
Not confirmed
4
ESC With Traction Control
Not confirmed
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Lights
Not confirmed
Not Available
Auto Wipers
Not confirmed
Not Available
EV Mode
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not confirmed
Rear
Reverse Camera
Yes
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Parking Distance Sensors
Not confirmed
Rear
Parking Sensor
Not confirmed
Rear
Pre-Collision System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not confirmed
Standard
Reverse Camera Type
Not confirmed
Standard
Reversing Camera
Not confirmed
Standard
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Seat Material
Fabric
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Manual 6-Way
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
Standard
Front Armrest
Front Centre Armrest
Standard
Rear Armrest
Not Available
-
Cup Holders
4
-
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
-
Rear USB Ports
0
2
Steering Wheel Material
Polyurethane
Not Applicable
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue Speedometer
Not Available
Interior Colour Options
2
5
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
-
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
-
Front Shoulder Room
1190 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
1150 mm
Not Applicable
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Standard
Adjustable Driver Seat
Not confirmed
Manual 6-Way
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual 6-Way
Fabric Seats
Not confirmed
Fabric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not confirmed
Manual
Armrest Front
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Seat
Not confirmed
Manual 6-Way
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Not confirmed
7-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, air conditioning, 5-seat layout
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Fabric
Interior Colours
Not confirmed
5
Seat Fold Type
Not confirmed
Standard
Seat Trim
Not confirmed
Fabric
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Power Windows
Front and Rear
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
-
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
-
Electric Mirror Folding
Manual Fold
-
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard Driver
-
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
-
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
-
Speed Limiter
Not Available
-
AC Type
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Standard
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare
Compact
Air Conditioning
Manual Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Rim Size
15 Inches
Standard
Sound System
4
4
Unlocking
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Standard
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1100 l
270 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1100 l
270 l
Sunroof
Not confirmed
Not Available
Adaptive Dampers
Not confirmed
Not Available
Climate Zones
Not confirmed
Manual AC
Electric Folding Mirrors
Not confirmed
All Doors
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not confirmed
Standard
TPMS
Not Available
Standard
Engine Warranty
Not confirmed
5 Years / 150,000 km
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not confirmed
5.4
Hill Start Assist
Not confirmed
Standard
Panoramic Roof
Not confirmed
Not Available
Performance Data Logger
Not confirmed
Not Available
Power Mirrors
Not confirmed
All Doors
Rear Seat Split
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Wing
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rev Matching
Not confirmed
Not Available
Seat Type
Not confirmed
Fabric
Stabilizer Bar
Not confirmed
Front
Telescopic Steering
Not confirmed
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
Not confirmed
Tilt and Telescopic
Voice Command
Not confirmed
Not Available
Voice Command Support
Not confirmed
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
Not confirmed
11.8 sec
Battery Preconditioning
Not confirmed
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not confirmed
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not confirmed
Not Available
Centre Console
Not confirmed
Standard
Common Rail Injection
Not confirmed
Multi-Point EFI
Diff Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Difflock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Digital Speedometer
Not confirmed
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not confirmed
Standard
Lift Gate
Not confirmed
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not confirmed
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not confirmed
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not confirmed
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not confirmed
Not Available
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not confirmed
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not confirmed
Not Available
Manual Aircon
Not confirmed
Manual AC
Mirror
Not confirmed
All Doors
One Pedal Driving
Not confirmed
Not Available
Passive Entry Start
Not confirmed
Standard
Powered Tailgate
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not confirmed
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not confirmed
Not Available
Remote Central Locking
Not confirmed
Standard
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not confirmed
Not Available
Sonar
Not confirmed
Rear
Source Model Column
Not confirmed
starlet-cross
Sport Plus Mode
Not confirmed
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not confirmed
Not Available
Stabilizer Bar Front
Not confirmed
Front
Steering Column Adjustment
Not confirmed
Tilt and Telescopic
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not confirmed
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not confirmed
Not Available
Trim Level
Not confirmed
top
Variant Role
Not confirmed
Mid-to-high value derivative
Vdc
Not confirmed
Standard
Vehicle To Grid
Not confirmed
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not confirmed
Not Available
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not confirmed
Standard
Walk Away Lock
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Length
4002 mm
4055 mm
Width
1740 mm
1740 mm
Height
1567 mm
1575 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2520 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Front Headroom
975 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
42 l
42 l
Rear Headroom
950 mm
-
Front Legroom
1020 mm
-
Rear Legroom
840 mm
-
Ground Clearance (Default)
160 mm
185 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1770 kg
1480 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.2 m
5.1 m
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
1080 kg
Boot/Cargo Space
Not confirmed
270 l
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Engine
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Cylinders
4
4
Valves
16
16
Fuel System
Multi-Point Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Top Speed
155 km/h
175 km/h
Engine Code
GW4G15
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Naturally Aspirated
Bore
73.5 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
88.3 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
1498 cc
Transmission
CVT
CVT
0-100 km/h
13.5 sec
11.8 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
77 kW
Maximum Torque
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
140 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
71.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
129.6 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Apple CarPlay
No
Standard
Android Auto
No
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Standard
Number of Speakers
4
4
Navigation System
No
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Partial Digital
Not Applicable
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
Standard
FM Radio
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not Available
-
Voice Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
AUX Input
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
7
8-inch Touchscreen
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
-
Audio Speakers
4
4
Infotainment Screen
7
8-inch Touchscreen
Touchscreen
7
8-inch Touchscreen
Wireless Android Auto
No
Standard
USB Ports
1
2
Infotainment System
Not confirmed
8-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Display
Not confirmed
8-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Not confirmed
2
Audio System
Not confirmed
4
Display Audio
Not confirmed
8-inch Touchscreen
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Not confirmed
2
Multi Information Display
Not confirmed
Not Available
Connected Services
Not confirmed
Standard
Voice Control
Not confirmed
Not Available
Smartphone Connectivity
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Not Available
Body Cladding
Plastic Body Cladding
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Not Available
Wing Mirror Type
Manual Black Mirrors
-
Rear Wiper
Standard
-
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured
-
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
Not Available
Standard
Led Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
Standard
Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Standard
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Standard
Headlight Type
Halogen Headlamps
Standard
Headlights
Halogen Headlamps
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
6
5
Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Standard
Front Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Standard
Auto Headlights
Not confirmed
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not confirmed
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not confirmed
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
Not confirmed
5
Exterior Mirror Electric
Not confirmed
All Doors
Headlamp Levelling
Not confirmed
Standard
Load Bed Liner
Not confirmed
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Not confirmed
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Approach Angle
23 deg
Not Available
Departure Angle
27 deg
Not Available
Wading Depth
0 mm
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Not Available
-
Ramp Breakover Angle
0 deg
-
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
-
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
160 mm
185 mm
Ground Clearance Min
160 mm
185 mm
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not confirmed
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not confirmed
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
Not confirmed
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not confirmed
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not confirmed
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not confirmed
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not confirmed
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not confirmed
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not confirmed
Not Available
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Tyre Size
195/65R15
195/55 R16
Wheel Type
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Compact
Front Brake Disc Diameter
254 mm
-
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
200 mm
-
Parking Brake Type
Drum Rear
-
Tyre Load Index
89
-
Tyre Speed Rating
T
-
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
Standard
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Compact
Wheel Diameter
15 Inches
Standard
Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard
Tyre Type
Not confirmed
195/55 R16
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not confirmed
Not Available
Brakes
Not confirmed
Disc
Cornering Brake Control
Not confirmed
Standard
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not confirmed
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Not confirmed
Standard
Spare Wheel Size Type
Not confirmed
Compact
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not confirmed
Standard
Tyre Pressure Display
Not confirmed
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Wheel Material
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Standard
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
-
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Spring Type
Torsion Bar
Torsion Beam
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Front
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
-
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
1490 mm
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
1480 mm
Not Applicable
MagneRide Damping
Not confirmed
Not Available
Rear Axle Type
Not confirmed
Torsion Beam
Suspension
Not confirmed
MacPherson Strut
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Service Interval
15000
-
Approx Service Cost
1500
-
Battery Warranty
12 Months
5 Years / 150,000 km
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
3 Years / 45,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10000
-
First Service At
1000
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
-
Service Intervals
15000
-
Engine Oil Capacity
3.6 l
-
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Warranty Years
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 years / 100 000 km
Roadside Assistance
Not confirmed
3 Years
Roadside Assistance
Not confirmed
3 Years
Warranty Roadside Assistance
Not confirmed
3 Years
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
128 g/km
Start Stop System
Not Available
-
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Available
Noise Level
71 dB
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
Petrol
Particulate Filter
Not Applicable
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 4
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
-
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
128
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
-
Variable Valve Timing
Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
Not confirmed
128
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Real-world City Mileage Min
5.8 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
7.2 l/100km
8 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
7.5 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
9.0 l/100km
6.5 l/100km
Owner Review Count
0
8
Spec
H1
Starlet Cross
Ownership Role
Not confirmed
Top
Price Source
Not confirmed
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Price Zar
Not confirmed
375900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Not confirmed
Current listed price
Starting Price
Not confirmed
375900
Starting Price Zar
Not confirmed
375900
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Starlet Cross leads by 7 points
Both H1 and Starlet Cross are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Starlet Cross
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
70/100
Safety
63/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
44/100
H1
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
35/100
Safety
56/100
Practicality
63/100
Ownership
44/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Starlet Cross
wins with 53 pts
vs 46 pts for H1
In structured scoring, Starlet Cross emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H1 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Starlet Cross edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: H1 35 vs Starlet Cross 70. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: H1 56, Starlet Cross 63. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: H1 44, Starlet Cross 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: H1 63, Starlet Cross 58. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H1 30, Starlet Cross 34. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Starlet Cross edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Starlet Cross scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between H1 and Starlet Cross in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H1 scores 30 vs 34.
Efficiency: H1 scores 35 vs 70.
Safety: H1 scores 56 vs 63.
Practicality: H1 scores 63 vs 58.
Ownership: H1 scores 44 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Starlet Cross
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.
