The Toyota Starlet was a small automobile (or a microcar) manufactured by Toyota from 1973 to 1999, replacing the Toyota Publica (and retaining the Publica's "P" code and generation numbering). However, the Publica name continued to be used in some of Toyota's export markets.
[] 40 Series
Initially launched in April 1973 as the Publica Starlet 40 series, the Starlet was offered with 1000 and 1200 cc engines. Generally the car looked like a shortened Corolla. Variants available were 2-door Sedan, and 3-door wagon. The 4-door Sedan came in October 1973. Grades are Standard, Deluxe, Hi-Deluxe, ST, and SR. Va Fanculo
[] 60 Series
The 60 series, introduced in 1978 was better known, being the first to be extensively sold outside Japan. It was offered with 1000, 1200 and 1300 cc engines. 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks were offered in export markets, although a distinctive 5-door wagon variant was sold on the Japanese domestic market, Hong Kong, and Germany. Trim levels were Standard, Deluxe (DX), XL, S, and SE. In 1980 the car was facelifted to include square headlights, and again was facelifted in 1983 to incorporate a slant nose front end, and lower hatch opening. The KP61 was the only Starlet ever sold in the USA from 1981 to 1984.
[] 70 Series
Starlet 1.0 XL EP70
The 70 series in 1984 saw the Starlet finally switch to front wheel drive. 3-door and 5-door hatchbacks were offered. The 12 valve 1E,2E and 16 valves 4EFE engines(only for UK) replace the old K-series. The extensive Japanese line up consisted of Standard, DX, Soleil, XL, XL Lisse, SE, Si, Si Limited, Ri, Turbo R, and Turbo S. The engine fitted in turbo models was the 2E-TELU. For export markets the Starlet 70 series were offered as 1.0 Standard, 1.0 DX, 1.0 XL, 1.0 XL Lisse, 1.3 XL,1.3FE, 1.3 S, 1.3 SE. Minor change for Japanese models was given in 1987 with new nose, tail lights, bigger bumpers, and revised interior.
[] 80 Series
The Starlet 80 series was introduced in 1990. It featured a more rounded body style and interior. Japanese models received new Twincam engines: 4E-F, 4E-FE, and 4E-FTE with CT9 turbocharger. Export models retained the 1E and 2E engines and the special version 4EFE (only for UK). The Starlet for Japan and Indonesia have a rear center garnish and therefore the license plate is mounted on the bumper. 80 Series Starlets exported to other destinations have their number plates mounted on the hatch centre panel.
In Japan, the 80 Series Starlet was again offered in wide range of variants: Soleil, best selling Soleil L, S, X, X Limited, Si, Canvas Top, the sports model Gi and GT Turbo. The sports model have different bumpers, headlights, and tail lights from the regular models. Sports bucket front seats and rear spoiler are also standard on the Gi and GT. The GT has 2-mode (low and high) turbo. The Japanese only Full-time 4WD models EP85 were offered in Soleil L, S, and X Limited grades.
Starlet 1.3 SE-G EP81
A minor facelift occurred in January 1992, with all Japanese models gaining fuel injection and the discontinuation of the X variant. A new front bumper and revised interior were installed, and the addition of a safety beam inside the doors were added for all models. The S, X Limited, Gi, and GT also gained a new rear center garnish. In Indonesia the new SE-G replaced the SE Limited. The SE-G has upmarket interior similar to Japanese X Limited, and shares the new tail lights with Gi and GT. The Canvas Top was offered in Hong Kong and Germany in small numbers.
Starlet 1.3 XLi
The Starlet made its European debut at 1990 Geneva Auto Show. The 1.3 XLi was sold in most European countries. The sporty 1.3 Si was offered in Switzerland. It comes with standard sports front seats, 3-spoke steering wheel, sunroof, and rear spoiler. UK model was 1.0 GL, which replaced by 1.3 GLi 3 door in 1993. For 1994, the UK models are 1.3 XLi 3 door and 1.3 GLi 5 door. All GLi models have sunroof. The Starlet EP81 participated in WRC Acropolis Rally in Greece, and won the A5 class.
Starlet 1.3 XLi EP81
The second minor update was in May 1994 with new front end and tail lights. The full-wide rear garnish was deleted. The hatch trunk now has smooth panel with small garnishes. The Gi and GT featured twin round headlights and mesh grille, also known as quad headlights. These minor changes were only extended to Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Hong Kong received JDM Soleil L. The 1.3 SE-G continued in Indonesia, and the 1.3 GS replaced 1.3 S in New Zealand. Production in Japan ended in December 1995, but in Indonesia continued until March 1998.
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