Toyota GR Corolla vs Toyota Starlet
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.
Toyota GR Corolla
At a Glance — Who Wins What
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Power | 224 kW | 72 kW @ 5500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 390 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Engine Size | 1618 cc | 996 cc |
| Combined Fuel Economy | 11.2 km/l | 16.7 km/l |
| Ground Clearance | 155 mm | 162 mm |
| Boot / Load Bay | 217 l | 265 l |
| Airbags | 8 | 7 |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg | 1005 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100 000 km | 3 years / 100 000 km |
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
GR Corolla has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Starlet remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
GR Corolla
- More powerful engine output
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Lower published practicality figures
Starlet
- Better fuel efficiency
- Stronger published practicality figures
- Less powerful engine setup
Which One's Right for You?
GR Corolla
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Starlet
- Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
- Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Model Introduced Year | 2023 | 2020 |
| Generation | First generation GR Corolla on TNGA-C platform with GR performance upgrades | First generation Starlet in South Africa on B-segment platform |
| Facelift History | First generation GR Corolla launched in SA in 2023 | Minor updates since launch |
| Facelift Launched Since | 2023 | Original current-generation version |
| Facelift Version Ending | Current | Current |
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Color Note | Supersonic Red, White Pearl, Dark Gray | White, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red, Orange |
| Dealer Stock Note | Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup | Top grade in the South Africa lineup |
| Model Year | 2026 | 2026 |
| Production Status | published | published |
| Segment | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Tare Mass Kg | 1370 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4360 mm | 3995 mm |
| Width | 1850 mm | 1695 mm |
| Height | 1455 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm | 2520 mm |
| Ground Clearance (Default) | 155 mm | 162 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 l | 40 l |
| Boot/Cargo Space | 217 l | 265 l |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg | 1005 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | 1770 kg | 1420 kg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Minimum Turning Radius | 5.3 m | 4.9 m |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Track Width | Not Applicable | 1470 mm |
| Rear Track Width | Not Applicable | 1455 mm |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Torsion Beam |
| Power Steering | Electric | Electric |
| Steering Column | Tilt and Telescopic | Tilt Adjustable |
| Front Spring Type | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Spring Type | Double Wishbone | Torsion Beam |
| Front Anti-Roll Bar | Front and Rear | - |
| Front Suspension Type | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Axle Type | Double Wishbone | Torsion Beam |
| Rear Suspension Type | Double Wishbone | Torsion Beam |
| Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Chassis Type | - | Monocoque |
| Chassis Material | - | Monocoque |
| MagneRide Damping | - | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Load Bed Length | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Load Bed Width | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Climate Control | Dual-Zone Auto AC | Automatic AC |
| Power Windows | All Doors | All Doors |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Push Button Start | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Charging | Standard | Optional |
| Sunroof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Electric Tailgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Automatic Headlamps | Standard | Standard |
| Rain Sensing Wipers | Standard | Standard |
| Boot Space Seats Folded | 217 l | 265 l |
| AC Type | Dual-Zone Auto AC | Automatic AC |
| Climate Zones | Dual-Zone Auto AC | Automatic AC |
| Electric Folding Mirrors | All Doors | All Doors |
| Engine Start Button Illumination | Standard | Standard |
| Engine Start Stop | Standard | Standard |
| Engine Start Stop Button | Standard | Standard |
| Engine Warranty | 5 Years / 150,000 km | Not Applicable |
| Front Armrest | Standard | Not Available |
| Fuel Consumption Combined | 9.5 | 6 |
| Hill Start Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Panoramic Roof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Power Mirrors | All Doors | All Doors |
| Push Button Start | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Seat Split | Standard | 60/40 Split |
| Rear Wing | Standard | Not Available |
| Seat Type | Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara | Fabric |
| Skid Plates | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spare Wheel | Not Available | Full Size Steel |
| Stabilizer Bar | Front and Rear | - |
| Telescopic Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | Height Adjustable |
| Tilt Steering | Tilt and Telescopic | Height Adjustable |
| Voice Command | Standard | Standard |
| Voice Command Support | Standard | Standard |
| Accelerator 0 100 | 4.6 sec | 12.0 sec |
| Air Conditioning | Dual-Zone Auto AC | Automatic AC |
| Battery Preconditioning | Not Available | Not Available |
| Bed Extender | Not Available | Not Available |
| Canopy Fitment | Not Available | Not Available |
| Centre Console | Standard | Not Available |
| Common Rail Injection | Direct Injection | Direct Injection |
| Digital Speedometer | Standard | Full Digital |
| Intelligent Battery System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Intelligent Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Lift Gate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Load Bed Cover | Not Available | Not Available |
| Load Bed Light | Not Available | Not Available |
| Load Bed Steps | Not Available | Not Available |
| Loadbox Depth Mm | Not Available | Not Available |
| Loadbox Length Mm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Loadbox Rope Hooks | Not Available | Not Available |
| Loadbox Tiedown Brackets | Not Available | Not Available |
| Loadbox Width Mm | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Manual Aircon | Dual-Zone Auto AC | Automatic AC |
| Mirror | All Doors | All Doors |
| One Pedal Driving | Not Available | Not Available |
| Passive Entry Start | Standard | Standard |
| Powered Tailgate | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Electric Motor | Not Available | Not Available |
| Regenerative Braking Levels | Not Available | Not Available |
| Remote Central Locking | Standard | Standard |
| Roof Rack Compatibility | Not Available | Not Available |
| Sonar | Rear | Rear |
| Sound System | 6 | 4 |
| Source Model Column | gr-corolla | starlet |
| Sports Bar | Not Available | Not Available |
| Stabilizer Bar Front | Front and Rear | - |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | Height Adjustable |
| Surround View Monitor | Not Available | Not Available |
| Tailgate Damper | Not Available | Not Available |
| Tailgate Lock | Not Available | Not Available |
| Tow Bar Type | Not Available | Not Available |
| TPMS | Standard | Standard |
| Trailer Stability Assist | Confirmed 4WD derivative | - |
| Trailer Sway Control | Confirmed 4WD derivative | - |
| Trim Level | flagship | top |
| Unlocking | Standard | Standard |
| Variant Role | Flagship / premium derivative | Mid-to-high value derivative |
| Vdc | Standard | Standard |
| Vehicle To Grid | Not Available | Not Available |
| Vehicle To Load | Not Available | Not Available |
| Walk Away Auto Door Lock | Standard | Standard |
| Walk Away Lock | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Charger | Standard | Optional |
| Auto Dimming Mirror | - | Standard |
| Adaptive Dampers | - | Not Available |
| Auto Dimming Irvm | - | Standard |
| Performance Data Logger | - | Not Available |
| Rev Matching | - | Not Available |
| Diff Lock | - | Not Applicable |
| Difflock | - | Not Applicable |
| Front Diff Lock | - | Not Available |
| Rear Diff Lock | - | Not Available |
| Rearview Mirror Inside | - | Standard |
| Rim Size | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Side Impact Bars | - | Standard |
| Sport Plus Mode | - | Not Available |
| Sub Frame | - | Monocoque |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol | 1-litre Turbocharged Petrol |
| Engine Code | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Fuel Type | Petrol | Petrol |
| Hybrid System | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Engine Displacement | 1618 cc | 996 cc |
| Cylinders | 3 | 3 |
| Cylinder Layout | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Valves | 12 | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel System | Direct Injection | Direct Injection |
| Compression Ratio | Not Officially Disclosed | 10.0:1 |
| Bore | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Stroke | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Maximum Power | 224 kW | 72 kW @ 5500 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 390 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Combined Power | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Combined Torque | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Motor Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Number of Motors | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Motor Location | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Drive Type | AWD | FWD |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | CVT |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 175 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.6 sec | 12.0 sec |
| Quarter Mile | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Drive Modes | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Launch Control | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Rev Limiter | Not Officially Disclosed | Not Officially Disclosed |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 163.5 kW/tonne | 71.6 kW/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight Ratio | 284.7 Nm/tonne | 139.3 Nm/tonne |
| Battery Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 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 |
| DC Charging Power | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| AC Charging Time | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| DC Charging Time | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Regenerative Braking | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-Speed Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Drivetrain Layout | AWD | Front Wheel Drive |
| LSD Available | Front and Rear Torsen LSD | Not Applicable |
| Transfer Case | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Paddle Shifters | No | Not Applicable |
| Final Drive Ratio | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Number of Gears | 6 | 4 |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Continuously Variable Transmission |
| Clutch Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Gear Shift Indicator | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Gear Shift Type | 6-Speed Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD GR-FOUR/ | FWD/ |
| 4WD Engagement | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Hi Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Lo Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| 4WD Selector | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Automatic Shift Paddles | No | Not Applicable |
| Drive Mode Selector | 4WD/off-road drive mode support | - |
| Front Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Gearbox Type | 6-Speed Manual | CVT Automatic |
| Low Range Ratio | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Low Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Axle Layout | AWD | FWD |
| Rear Differential Lock | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Transmission Speeds | 6 | 4 |
| Engine Position | - | Front Transverse |
| Differential Type Front | - | Not Available |
| Differential Type Rear | - | Not Available |
| Transfer Case Guard | - | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed Mileage | 11.2 km/l | 16.7 km/l |
| City Mileage | 9.2 km/l | 13 km/l |
| Highway Mileage | 10.0 km/l | 18 km/l |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 l | 40 l |
| Emission Standard | Euro 6 | Euro 5 |
| AdBlue Tank Capacity | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Auto Start Stop | Not Applicable | Standard |
| Real-world Mileage | 11.2 km/l | 16.7 km/l |
| Charging Port Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Charging Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Fuel Tank Litres | 50 | 40 |
| Combined Driving Range | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Electric Consumption | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Highway | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Range Real World Mixed | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 8 | 7 |
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hill Start Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Child Safety Lock | Standard | Standard |
| ISOFIX Mounts | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Standard | Standard |
| Alarm System | Standard | Standard |
| Central Locking | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt Warning All Seats | Not Available | Not Available |
| Front Parking Sensors | Not Available | Not Available |
| AEB | Standard | Standard |
| BA | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Override System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Curtain Airbags | Not Available | Not Available |
| Driver Airbag | 8 | 7 |
| EBD | Standard | Standard |
| Engine Immobiliser | Standard | Standard |
| Hill Hold | Standard | Standard |
| Passenger Airbag | 8 | 7 |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available | Standard |
| Seatbelt Pretensioners | Not Available | Not Available |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Not Available | Not Available |
| Side Airbags | Not Available | Not Available |
| Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
| TCS | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Knee Airbag | Not Available | Not Available |
| ABS EBD | Standard | Standard |
| Anti Theft Alarm | Standard | Standard |
| Driver Front Passenger Airbags | 8 | 7 |
| Driver Passenger Airbags | 8 | 7 |
| ESC With Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Side Impact Beams | - | Standard |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Lane Keep Assist | Standard | Not Available |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available | Standard |
| Parking Sensors | Rear | Rear |
| Rear View Camera | Standard | Standard |
| 360 Degree Camera | Not Available | Not Available |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |
| Driver Fatigue Alert | Not Available | Not Available |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | Not Available | Not Available |
| Auto Highbeam | Not Available | Not Available |
| Auto Lights | Standard | Standard |
| Auto Wipers | Standard | Standard |
| EV Mode | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Rear | Rear |
| Reverse Camera | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Not Available |
| Park Assist | Not Available | Not Available |
| Around View Monitor | Not Available | Not Available |
| Blind Spot Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Emergency Braking | Standard | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Not Available | Not Available |
| Parking Distance Sensors | Rear | Rear |
| Parking Sensor | Rear | Rear |
| Pre-Collision System | Standard | Not Available |
| Rain Sensor Wipers | Standard | Standard |
| Rear View Camera | Standard | Standard |
| Reverse Camera Type | Standard | Standard |
| Reversing Camera | Standard | Standard |
| Surround View Camera | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Material | Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara | Fabric |
| Seat Adjustment | Manual 8-Way | Manual |
| Heated Seats | Standard | Not Applicable |
| Ventilated Seats | Standard | Not Applicable |
| Steering Type | Electric | Electric |
| Steering Adjustment | Tilt and Telescopic | Height Adjustable |
| Ambient Lighting | Standard | Not Applicable |
| Folding Rear Seats | Standard | 60/40 Split |
| Front Armrest | Standard | Not Available |
| Front Shoulder Room | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Rear Shoulder Room | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Rear USB Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Steering Wheel Material | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Instrument Cluster Type | Standard | Full Digital |
| Interior Colour Options | 3 | 6 |
| 60 40 Split Seat | Standard | 60/40 Split |
| Adjustable Driver Seat | Manual 8-Way | Manual |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | Manual 8-Way | Manual |
| Fabric Seats | Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara | Fabric |
| Passenger Seat Adjustment | Manual 8-Way | Manual |
| Armrest Front | Standard | Not Available |
| Driver Seat | Manual 8-Way | Manual |
| Interior Courtesy Lamps | GR sport seats, digital display, performance-focused interior with Morizo Circuit Edition upgrades | Touchscreen infotainment, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Leather Accented Seat Trim | Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara | Fabric |
| Interior Colours | 3 | 6 |
| Seat Fold Type | Standard | 60/40 Split |
| Seat Trim | Morizo Edition Suede / Alcantara | Fabric |
| Rear Armrest | - | Not Available |
| Armrest Rear | - | Not Available |
| Rear Seat Centre Armrest | - | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
| Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Standard | Standard |
| Number of Speakers | 6 | 4 |
| Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | Standard | Full Digital |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Voice Recognition | Standard | Standard |
| Infotainment Screen Size | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Infotainment Display | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Rear Usb | 2 | 2 |
| Audio Speakers | 6 | 4 |
| Audio System | 6 | 4 |
| Display Audio | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Front Rear USB Charge Ports | 2 | 2 |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Multi Information Display | Standard | Full Digital |
| Connected Services | Standard | Standard |
| Voice Control | Standard | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Standard | Standard |
| Touchscreen | 8-inch Touchscreen | 9-inch Touchscreen |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| LED Headlamps | Standard | Full LED |
| Daytime Running Lamps | Standard | LED |
| Fog Lamps | Standard | Standard |
| Roof Rails | Not Available | Not Available |
| Alloy Wheel Design | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Chrome Exterior Finish | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Spoiler | Standard | Not Available |
| Exterior Colour Options | 3 | 6 |
| Roof Type | Not Available | Not Available |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| DRL | Standard | LED |
| Fog Lights | Standard | Standard |
| Front Fog Lights | Standard | Standard |
| Led Headlights | Standard | Full LED |
| Auto Headlights | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Headlamps | Standard | Standard |
| Daytime Running Lights | Standard | LED |
| Electric Blind Sunroof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Exterior Colour Options | 4 | 7 |
| Exterior Mirror Electric | All Doors | All Doors |
| Front Fog Lamps | Standard | Standard |
| Headlamp Levelling | Standard | Full LED |
| Headlamps | Standard | Full LED |
| Headlight Type | Standard | Full LED |
| Headlights | Standard | Full LED |
| Load Bed Liner | Not Available | Not Available |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Spoiler | Standard | Not Available |
| Body Cladding | - | Not Available |
| Active Exhaust | - | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Approach Angle | - | - |
| Departure Angle | - | - |
| Wading Depth | - | - |
| Terrain Modes | Not Available | Not Available |
| Locking Differential | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Underbody Protection | Not Available | Not Available |
| 4WD System Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Hill Descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Approach Angle Deg | - | - |
| Breakover Angle | Not Available | Not Available |
| Departure Angle Deg | - | - |
| Energy Recovery Display | Not Available | Not Available |
| Ground Clearance Max | 155 mm | 162 mm |
| Ground Clearance Min | 155 mm | 162 mm |
| Off Road Descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
| Off Road Traction Assist | Not Available | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Mud | Not Available | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Sand | Not Available | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Snow | Not Available | Not Available |
| Wading Depth Mm | - | - |
| Front Skid Plate Guard | - | Not Available |
| Crawl Control | - | Not Available |
| Rear Skid Plate Guard | - | Not Available |
| Skid Plates Fuel Tank | - | Not Available |
| Skid Plates Transfer Case | - | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Normal | - | Not Available |
| Terrain Mode Rock | - | Not Available |
| Terrain Response System | - | Not Available |
| Underbody Camera | - | Not Available |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre Size | 235/40 R18 | 195/55 R16 |
| Wheel Type | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Front Brake Type | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc | Drum |
| Spare Wheel Type | Not Available | Full Size Steel |
| Wheel Rim Size | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Brake Type Front | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Brake Type Rear | Disc | Drum |
| Spare Tyre | Not Available | Full Size Steel |
| Tyre Type | 235/40 R18 | 195/55 R16 |
| Autonomous Emergency Brake | Standard | Standard |
| Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Cornering Brake Control | Standard | Standard |
| Fifth Wheel Prep | Not Available | Not Available |
| Handbrake Type | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Hydraulic Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Spare Wheel Size Type | Not Available | Full Size Steel |
| Steering Wheel Cruise Controls | Standard | Not Available |
| Tyre Pressure Display | Standard | Standard |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring | Standard | Standard |
| Wheel Material | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Wheels | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Wheel Diameter | Standard | 15-inch Alloy Wheels |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Warranty | 5 Years / 150,000 km | Not Applicable |
| Maintenance Plan | 3 Years / 45,000 km | Optional |
| Service Plan Duration | 3 Years / 45,000 km | Optional |
| Service Plan Distance | 3 Years / 45,000 km | Optional |
| Service Plan | 3 Years / 45,000 km | Optional |
| Service Interval | - | 15,000 km or 1 Year |
| Approx Service Cost | - | Approx R3,200 |
| Engine Oil Change Interval | - | 15,000 km or 1 Year |
| Service Intervals | - | 15,000 km or 1 Year |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Years | 3 years / 100 000 km | 3 years / 100 000 km |
| Warranty Kilometers | 3 years / 100 000 km | 3 years / 100 000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years / 100 000 km | 3 years / 100 000 km |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Warranty | 3 years / 100 000 km | 3 years / 100 000 km |
| Warranty Roadside Assistance | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Anti-Corrosion Warranty | - | 6 Years |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| CO2 Emissions | 222 g/km | 107 g/km |
| Hybrid System Type | Not Available | Not Applicable |
| Fuel Octane Requirement | Petrol | Petrol |
| Particulate Filter | Not Available | Not Available |
| Euro Emission Standard | Euro 6 | Euro 5 |
| Idle CO2 Output | 222 | 107 |
| CO2 Emissions G Km | 222 | 107 |
| Start Stop System | - | Standard |
| Noise Level | - | 67 dB |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Real-world City Mileage Min | 10 l/100km | 14 l/100km |
| Real-world City Mileage Max | 13 l/100km | 17 l/100km |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Min | 7.5 l/100km | 17 l/100km |
| Real-world Highway Mileage Max | 9.5 l/100km | 20 l/100km |
| Owner Review Count | 4 | 31 |
| Spec | GR Corolla | Starlet |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership Role | Flagship | Top |
| Price Zar | 876100 ZAR | 319900 ZAR |
| Pricing Role | Current listed price | Current listed price |
| Starting Price | 876100 | 319900 |
| Starting Price Zar | 876100 | 319900 |
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
GR Corolla leads by 9 points
GR Corolla has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Starlet remains close.
Starlet
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this score View full breakdown
GR Corolla
Starlet
How to Read This Comparison
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, GR Corolla leads. However, Starlet may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
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Questions Buyers Usually Ask
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 GR Corolla and Starlet 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: GR Corolla 90 vs Starlet 32.
Efficiency index: GR Corolla 43 vs Starlet 66.
Safety-equipment index: GR Corolla 98 vs Starlet 98.
Practicality index: GR Corolla 52 vs Starlet 56.
Ownership-cover index: GR Corolla 43 vs Starlet 43.
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.