#ep82

How do you do 297kph in a EP82 Starlet GT?

With lots of duct tape and pika-power!

EP82 Toyota STARLET

[NEW model introduction]

With 3-part mesh grill

Evolving into "Super Spicy GT"!

Announced and released on May 9th

text: Yasuyuki Morino

There's a saying that seeing is believing, and the shock of the new Starlet GT's mask is certainly indicative of this.

Its appearance, consisting of four round projector lamps and a three-part mesh grille, is so striking that it could pass for a new compact car from BMW.

It would not be surprising if the moment you open this page you exclaim, "Wow, so this is a starlet!" or "Seriously? This is a minor!" and receive cold looks from those around you.

The previous GT was sporty enough, with a special grille and bumper, bonnet power bulge, and roof spoiler as standard equipment, but the new model's impact is on a whole different level.

For that reason alone, expectations are high for the evolution of the internals as well. However, the performance of the 1.3-liter high-mechanical twin-cam turbo remains unchanged at 135 horsepower/16.0 kgm (125 horsepower/15.50 kgm in L0 mode), and there are no changes to the chassis specifications.

You might be disappointed and think, "Oh, no!"

However, since the weight of the car remains the same at 860kg (MT), the power and torque weight ratio is 6.37kg/ps & 53.8kg/kgm. This is a figure that surpasses its big brother, the Corolla FX-GT, and rivals the Civic 3-door SiR-II (6.18kg/ps & 65.6kg/kgm), so there is no room for complaint. The chassis is also the same as the previous minor

55 tires are standard, and LSD and triangle performance rods are available as options. It's a suspension that can stand up to turbo power, so there's no problem. In other words, the looks have finally caught up with the extreme contents, making it a truly "super hot hatchback." For those who value cool over speed, here is the inside and outside of the GT.

The Gi version, which combines the same equipment and a naturally aspirated engine, is also available as before.

We won't allow March to run away with the lead!!

The normal type, centered on the Soleil, also had its headlights and grille redesigned at the same time, giving it a cuter look. This has made it possible to distinguish between the sports and normal types of characters.

The design of the car has become clearer, but to be honest, I was surprised at how much they made in a minor change after four years. They even changed the tailgate brace to achieve a cleaner rear view, so the cost was not cheap.

Having come this far, it is unlikely that the next-generation model will be released within a year or so. It can be thought of as a measure to extend the life of the model for another two years.

For that reason, the new model also appeals in terms of color, with four new body colors and new seat and trim materials being adopted. Improvements have also been made to some of the mechanisms, such as improved performance on low-mu roads for the 4WD and improved vibration resistance for the diesel engine.

Furthermore, the lineup and equipment have been strengthened with the introduction of the Soleil Extra Package and S Sports Selection, and air conditioning has been made standard on the Gi, S, etc. (however, the canvas top has been discontinued).

Moreover, the boasted low price remains unchanged. The Soleil Extra Package is priced at 974,000 yen (3-door AT), which is about 50,000 yen cheaper than the 1-liter March i Z-F with almost the same equipment!

PIC CAPTIONS

●The 4 round headlights and 3-part mesh grille create a GT look reminiscent of BMW compact cars.

●Let's take a look at the equipment of the GT. Upper left: No major changes to the instrument panel, which is based on gray and black. Upper right: The seats and door trim ornaments have been changed. The black base creates a Spartan image. Left: Optional 5.5JJ x 14 aluminum wheels. The standard is a new design full wheel cap.

●Left: 3-door with fog lamps embedded in the bumper

・Vehicle equipped with the Soleil Extra Package (photo on the right)

The instrument panel is equipped with one-touch power windows.