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Photo of a Toyota Starlet

Toyota Starlet

Idle-stop in 1981. Selectable turbo boost in 1986. Small Starlet, big ideas.12

Researched November 2, 2026 from 30 sources

Also called

  • Baby CelicaA name used for the original two-door coupe body.3
  • KambingMalaysia's KP-series nickname, inspired by the mountain-goat emblem on the original steering wheel.4
  • Starlet Kotak/StarkoPopular Indonesian names for the EP70 generation.5
  • Starlet KapsulIndonesia's capsule nickname came from the fourth generation's rounded body.5

At a glance

0100200
57.2–133.1 hpPower
0100200
146.94–170.6 km/hTop speed
05001,000
695–940 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1391113

Layout
Front engine; RWD (1973–1984), then FWD; later 4WD options311
Gearbox
4- or 5-speed manual; 2-, 3- or 4-speed automatic, by generation36
Built at
P80: Toyota Industries, Obu, Japan; Multi Astra, Jakarta, Indonesia3
Units built
2,333,538 produced by the end of 199111

The story

Born in 1973 as an upmarket Publica for young buyers, the Starlet had a larger fastback coupe body and used Toyota Auto dealers. Its 1986 turbo added an intercooler and two selectable boost pressures.67

1973: P40/P50: Publica Starlet is born19731975: TOM's KP47 begins a three-title run19751978: P60 keeps rear drive, adds rack steering19781984: P70 goes front-drive and 12-valve19841986: Turbo S puts boost on a switch19861989: P80 GT: 133 hp in an 830 kg hatch19891992: Japan's P80 range drops carburetors19921996: 90-series makes ABS standard in Japan19961999: July farewell; Vitz/Yaris takes over1999 Toyota Publica (P10): 1961–1966P10Toyota Publica (P20): 1966–1969 (Japan)P20Toyota Publica (P30/50): 1969–1978 (sedan)P30/50Toyota Publica Starlet (P40/P50): 1973–1978Toyota Starlet (60 series) (P60): 1978–1984P60Toyota Starlet (70 series) (P70): 1984–1989P70Toyota Starlet (80 series) (P80): 1989–1995 (Japan); to 1998 (Indonesia)P80Toyota Starlet (90 series) (P9): 1996–1999P9Toyota Vitz/Echo/Yaris: From 1999Toyota Vitz/Echo/Yaris 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1367911121516
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1961–1966Toyota Publica (P10)
1966–1969 (Japan)Toyota Publica (P20)
1969–1978 (sedan)Toyota Publica (P30/50)
1973–1978Toyota Publica Starlet (P40/P50)
1978–1984Toyota Starlet (60 series) (P60)
1984–1989Toyota Starlet (70 series) (P70)
1989–1995 (Japan); to 1998 (Indonesia)Toyota Starlet (80 series) (P80)
1996–1999Toyota Starlet (90 series) (P9)
From 1999Toyota Vitz/Echo/Yaris
1973P40/P50: Publica Starlet is born
1975TOM's KP47 begins a three-title run
1978P60 keeps rear drive, adds rack steering
1984P70 goes front-drive and 12-valve
1986Turbo S puts boost on a switch
1989P80 GT: 133 hp in an 830 kg hatch
1992Japan's P80 range drops carburetors
199690-series makes ABS standard in Japan
1999July farewell; Vitz/Yaris takes over
  1. 1973

    P40/P50: Publica Starlet is born

    The XT coupe weighed 720 kg and measured 3,790 mm long; a four-door sedan joined in October.36

  2. 1975

    TOM's KP47 begins a three-title run

    Keiichi Suzuki delivered KP47 touring-car titles in 1975, 1976 and 1978 for TOM's, founded by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa.8

  3. 1978

    P60 keeps rear drive, adds rack steering

    The rear-drive hatch brought rack-and-pinion steering to Toyota's sedan-class cars; the 3,680 mm three-door Standard weighed 695 kg.13

  4. 1984

    P70 goes front-drive and 12-valve

    Front-wheel drive freed cabin space while the body shrank 45 mm in length and grew 55 mm wider. New 1.3-liter engines had 12 valves.37

  5. 1986

    Turbo S puts boost on a switch

    The intercooled 1.3-liter turbo made 104 hp normally or 90 hp in low mode, with the driver choosing between two boost pressures.27

  6. 1989

    P80 GT: 133 hp in an 830 kg hatch

    The 830 kg GT made 133 hp from its 4E-FTE turbo; the base 4E-F Soleil E returned 20.5 km/L on the 10-mode fuel test.3910

  7. 1992

    Japan's P80 range drops carburetors

    A January facelift made fuel injection universal in Japan and added safety beams inside the doors, plus a revised interior.3

  8. 1996

    90-series makes ABS standard in Japan

    Every Japanese version got ABS, a GOA body and a driver's airbag. It was the first small car built in Japan with ABS standard across the range.1112

  9. 1999

    July farewell; Vitz/Yaris takes over

    Production ended in July, with the Vitz/Yaris replacing the Starlet.11

Every generation

  • Toyota Publica
    P101961–1966
  • Toyota Publica
    P201966–1969 (Japan)
  • Toyota Publica
    P30/501969–1978 (sedan)
  • Toyota Publica Starlet
    P40/P501973–1978
  • Toyota Starlet (60 series)
    P601978–1984
  • Toyota Starlet (70 series)
    P701984–1989
  • Toyota Starlet (80 series)
    P801989–1995 (Japan); to 1998 (Indonesia)
  • Toyota Starlet (90 series)
    P91996–1999
  • Toyota Vitz/Echo/Yaris
    Toyota Vitz/Echo/YarisFrom 1999

Power over the years

From 57 hp to 133 hp in 16 years.

050100150 19751980198519901995 hp 1973 · 57 hp · Publica Starlet XT, 2K1973 · 76 hp · Publica Starlet SR, 3K-B1978 · 71 hp · P60 1.3, 4K-U1984 · 80 hp · P70 DX, 2E-LU1984 · 92 hp · P70 Si, 2E-ELU1986 · 104 hp · Turbo S, standard boost1989 · 81 hp · P80 Soleil, 4E-F1989 · 99 hp · P80 Si, 4E-FE1989 · 133 hp · P80 GT Turbo, 4E-FTE1993 · 74 hp · UK 1.3 GLi1996 · 84 hp · P9 4E-FE models (Japan, approx.)1996 · 133 hp · Glanza V (Japan) 133 hp P80 GT Turbo, 4E-FTE 57 hp Publica Starlet XT, 2K
123679111415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197357Publica Starlet XT, 2K
197376Publica Starlet SR, 3K-B
197871P60 1.3, 4K-U
198480P70 DX, 2E-LU
198492P70 Si, 2E-ELU
1986104Turbo S, standard boost
198981P80 Soleil, 4E-F
198999P80 Si, 4E-FE
1989133P80 GT Turbo, 4E-FTE
199374UK 1.3 GLi
199684P9 4E-FE models (Japan, approx.)
1996133Glanza V (Japan)

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Soleil, Si and Canvas Top (P80, Japan)

    Standard

    Soleil, Si and Canvas Top (P80, Japan)

    1989–1995

  • Reflet and Glanza S

    Standard

    Reflet and Glanza S

  • Four-wheel-drive and diesel derivatives

    Standard

    Four-wheel-drive and diesel derivatives

  • UK Sportif, CD, S, GLS and SR

    Standard

    UK Sportif, CD, S, GLS and SR

  • P60 S, Si and Sprint

    Performance

    P60 S, Si and Sprint

    1978–1984

  • Turbo S and Turbo R (EP71)

    Performance

    Turbo S and Turbo R (EP71)

    1986–1989

  • GT Turbo (EP82)

    Performance

    GT Turbo (EP82)

    1989–1995

    133 hp
  • Glanza V (EP91)

    Performance

    Glanza V (EP91)

    1996–1999

    133 hp

  • Special

    Jeans (UK)

    1995

  • Carat and Remix

    Special

    Carat and Remix

  • Limited

    GT Limited and GT Advance

    133 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Publica Starlet coupe: fastback roof and a kicked-up beltline around the rear quarter window.11
  • 70-series: headlights sit flush with both the body and grille.711
  • 80-series: Japanese and Indonesian versions carry the rear plate low in the bumper.3
  • P9: front-door window lines slope gently downward toward the nose.15
  • Glanza: multireflector headlights and a large grille within the front bumper.12

Year by year

  1. 1980

    The hatchback swaps round headlights for rectangular units.11

  2. 1983

    A sloping nose and a lower hatch opening identify the second hatchback facelift.3

  3. 1987 Japan / 1988 Indonesia

    A new nose, taillights and bigger bumpers arrive; European and general-market cars keep the earlier look.3

  4. January 1992

    Japanese cars get a new front bumper; S, X Limited, Gi and GT add revised rear-center trim.3

  5. May 1994

    GT Turbo gains a mesh grille and paired round headlights.14

  6. 1998 (Japan)

    Revised front bumpers, grille and taillights mark the Japanese-market facelift.15

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Toyota Starlet
    Starlet
    Photo of a Corolla
    Corolla

    Corolla

    Publica-era coupe: look for the fastback roof and sharply kicked-up rear-quarter beltline.311

Against its rivals

  • Mitsubishi Colt 1300 (EJ0)

    Starlet vs Mitsubishi Colt 1300 (EJ0)

    Test fuel consumption lower is better

    Starlet8.2 L/100 km
    Mitsubishi Colt 1300 (EJ0)8 L/100 km
    17
  • Nissan Micra 1.3 (K11)

    Starlet vs Nissan Micra 1.3 (K11)

    Test fuel consumption lower is better

    Starlet8.2 L/100 km
    Nissan Micra 1.3 (K11)7.8 L/100 km
    17

Prices

Value today $5.7K–$7.5K20

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$100$1K$10K$100K 1990200020102020 Value today: $5,700–$7,500 1985 · $6,200 · UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.301990 · $13,500 · UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.771992 · $15,300 · UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.781994 · $12,400 · UK 1.3 XLi; GBP1≈USD1.541994 · $15,600 · UK 1.3 GLi; GBP1≈USD1.541995 · $13,300 · UK Jeans; GBP1≈USD1.581996 · $13,000 · UK Sportif; GBP1≈USD1.561996 · $17,900 · UK CD auto; GBP1≈USD1.56 2017 · $4,000 · 1981 1.3 5-speed, BaT2023 · $7,100 · 1996 Glanza V, 64k km, BaT2024 · $10,000 · 1998 Glanza V 5-speed, ~98k miles, BaT2024 · $11,000 · 1992 GT Turbo 6-speed, ~102k miles, BaT2024 · $11,967 · 1992 GT Turbo, Bring A Trailer2024 · $2,600 · 1997 J 5-speed, 135k km, BaT2025 · $858 · 1986 GL project, around 92k miles, Anglia Car Auctions2025 · $6,100 · 1992 GT Turbo, 52k km, BaT2025 · $10,319 · 1996 Glanza V Turbo, 129,199 km, Anglia Car Auctions2026 · $1,690 · 1998 Starlet SOL, Mathewsons2026 · $670 · 1998 Starlet, Humbert & Ellis $12.0K Bring A Trailer, 2024
11222324252627282930
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1985Price when new$6,200UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.30
1990Price when new$13,500UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.77
1992Price when new$15,300UK GL; GBP1≈USD1.78
1994Price when new$12,400UK 1.3 XLi; GBP1≈USD1.54
1994Price when new$15,600UK 1.3 GLi; GBP1≈USD1.54
1995Price when new$13,300UK Jeans; GBP1≈USD1.58
1996Price when new$13,000UK Sportif; GBP1≈USD1.56
1996Price when new$17,900UK CD auto; GBP1≈USD1.56
2017Auction sale$4,0001981 1.3 5-speed, BaT
2023Auction sale$7,1001996 Glanza V, 64k km, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,0001998 Glanza V 5-speed, ~98k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$11,0001992 GT Turbo 6-speed, ~102k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$11,9671992 GT Turbo, Bring A Trailer
2024Auction sale$2,6001997 J 5-speed, 135k km, BaT
2025Auction sale$8581986 GL project, around 92k miles, Anglia Car Auctions
2025Auction sale$6,1001992 GT Turbo, 52k km, BaT
2025Auction sale$10,3191996 Glanza V Turbo, 129,199 km, Anglia Car Auctions
2026Auction sale$1,6901998 Starlet SOL, Mathewsons
2026Auction sale$6701998 Starlet, Humbert & Ellis
2026Value today$5,700–$7,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Under two years from design to production”
    • “Three titles with Keiichi Suzuki”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 30 sources
  1. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  2. TOYOTA INTRODUCES STARLET-TURBO | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  3. Toyota Starlet - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Starlet Kambing - Apa yang anda perlu tahu | Careta careta.com.my
  5. Motomobi News | Sejarah Toyota Starlet, Dari Varian Hingga Rebadge Baleno - Motomobi News motomobinews.id
  6. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  7. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  8. Tokyo Auto Salon: The championship-winning TOM’s KP47 Starlet was rebuilt around its original engine | Japanese Nostalgic Car japanesenostalgiccar.com
  9. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  10. FULL MODEL CHANGES FOR STARLET | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  11. History of the Toyota Starlet | Toyota UK mag.toyota.co.uk
  12. FULL MODEL CHANGE INTRODUCED FOR STARLET | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website global.toyota
  13. 【80's ボーイズレーサー伝 01】KP61スターレットは欧州で磨いたFRならではの素直なハンドリングで走り屋を魅了【新連載】 - Webモーターマガジン web.motormagazine.co.jp
  14. Toyota Starlet 1.3 Turbo, EP82, 4E-FTE, 12/89> 12/95 – Fensport Performance fensport.co.uk
  15. Toyota Starlet (1996-1999): Klassiker der Zu… - automobile.at new.automobile.at
  16. Toyota Publica - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  17. Gebrauchtwagentest Starlet, Micra, Colt - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  18. 1981 Toyota Starlet (KP61) - The Angry Duckling motortrend.com
  19. A JDM Legend - Petrolicious petrolicious.com
  20. Cote Toyota Starlet [KP60] : 6 200 €, 3 annonces — JDM Index jdmindex.com
  21. Gebrauchtwagen-Test: Toyota Starlet - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  22. 1981 Toyota Starlet for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,000 on September 7, 2017 (Lot #5,780) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. No Reserve: 1998 Toyota Starlet Glanza V 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,000 on March 24, 2024 (Lot #140,814) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  24. No Reserve: 1992 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,000 on April 10, 2024 (Lot #142,804) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  25. Toyota Starlet For Sale & Price Guide | The Classic Valuer theclassicvaluer.com
  26. 1986 TOYOTA STARLET GL | Sat 1st & Sun 2nd November | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  27. No Reserve: 1992 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,100 on August 20, 2025 (Lot #206,140) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 1996 TOYOTA STARLET GLANZA V TURBO | Sat 5th & Sun 6th April | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  29. No Reserve: Euro 1997 Toyota Starlet J 3-Door 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $2,600 on March 19, 2024 (Lot #140,178) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 64k-Kilometer 1996 Toyota Starlet Glanza V for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,100 on July 30, 2023 (Lot #115,166) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • toyota-global.com
  • global.toyota
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • careta.com.my
  • motomobinews.id
  • japanesenostalgiccar.com
  • mag.toyota.co.uk
  • web.motormagazine.co.jp
  • fensport.co.uk
  • new.automobile.at
  • autobild.de
  • motortrend.com
  • petrolicious.com
  • jdmindex.com

Photo credits

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