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.
Starlet Cross starts ZAR 209,600 cheaperStarlet Cross from ZAR 304,900 · Taigo from ZAR 514,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Maximum Power
77 kW
85 kW
Maximum Torque
140 Nm
200 Nm
Engine Size
1498 cc
1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
18.5 km/l
16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
185 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
270 l
440 l
Airbags
4
6
Kerb Weight
1080 kg
1220 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Starlet Cross and Taigo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Taigo
+2 pts
Efficiency
Starlet Cross
+7 pts
Safety
Taigo
+11 pts
Practicality
Taigo
+8 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Starlet Cross
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Catalogue-index leader
Taigo
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
Starlet Cross
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Taigo
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Model Introduced Year
2022
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
First generation Starlet Cross for SA market
Current South African Taigo listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Introduced to SA in 2022 as a Starlet-based crossover
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2022
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Black, Blue, Red
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
7-inch touchscreen, reversing camera, air conditioning, 5-seat layout
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Taigo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Fabric
-
Interior Colours
5
Black
Seat Fold Type
Standard
-
Seat Trim
Fabric
Cloth
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Infotainment System
8-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
4
Not Available
Navigation System
Not Available
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
2
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Not Available
Voice Recognition
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
8-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Infotainment Display
8-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
2
-
Audio Speakers
4
Not Available
Audio System
4
-
Display Audio
8-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
2
-
Infotainment Screen
8-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Multi Information Display
Not Available
-
Connected Services
Standard
SYNC
Voice Control
Not Available
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
8-inch Touchscreen
SYNC
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
LED Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Standard
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
5
3
Roof Type
Not Available
-
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
Standard
Not Available
Fog Lights
Standard
-
Front Fog Lights
Standard
-
Led Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Auto Headlights
Not Available
-
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Daytime Running Lights
Standard
Not Available
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
5
3
Exterior Mirror Electric
All Doors
-
Front Fog Lamps
Standard
Not Available
Headlamp Levelling
Standard
-
Headlamps
Standard
Not Available
Headlight Type
Standard
Not Available
Headlights
Standard
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
168 mm
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Tyre Size
195/55 R16
Not Available
Wheel Type
Standard
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Compact
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Standard
Not Available
Brake Type Front
Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Compact
Not Available
Tyre Type
195/55 R16
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Compact
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Standard
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Standard
Not Available
Wheel Material
Standard
-
Wheels
Standard
-
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Battery Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
Not Available
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
Not Available
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
Not Available
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
CO2 Emissions
128 g/km
123 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
Petrol
Particulate Filter
Not Available
Not Available
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 4
-
Idle CO2 Output
128
123
CO2 Emissions G Km
128
123
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.5 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
8 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
5.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
6.5 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
8
-
Spec
Starlet Cross
Taigo
Ownership Role
Top
South Africa market model
Price Zar
375900 ZAR
581500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Active local lineup
Starting Price
375900
581500
Starting Price Zar
375900
581500
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Taigo leads by 6 points
Starlet Cross and Taigo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Taigo
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
66/100
Starlet Cross
Performance
34/100
Efficiency
70/100
Safety
70/100
Practicality
58/100
Ownership
43/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Volkswagen Taigo
leads the catalogue index with 61 pts
vs 55 pts for Starlet Cross
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Taigo leads. However, Starlet Cross may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Starlet Cross and Taigo comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Starlet Cross 34 vs Taigo 36.
Efficiency index: Starlet Cross 70 vs Taigo 63.
Safety-equipment index: Starlet Cross 70 vs Taigo 81.
Practicality index: Starlet Cross 58 vs Taigo 66.
Ownership-cover index: Starlet Cross 43 vs Taigo not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
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.