Japan

Toyota

60006941

2nd

Starlet

Released date : 1978/ 2/ 3

body type

Hatchback

HB

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  • Specification
  • Description
  • Plant
  • Name origin
Grade 3door_Standard_4-speed Floor Shift 3door_Deluxe_5-speed Floor Shift 5door_Deluxe_4-speed Floor Shift
Model type
&
weight
Model type E-KP61 PGKRS E-KP61 PGMDS E-KP61 PHKDS
Curb mass(kg) 695 700 710
Dimensions Length(mm) 3680 3680 3680
Width(mm) 1525 1525 1525
Height(mm) 1380 1380 1380
Wheelbase(mm) 2300 2300 2300
Engine Engine code 4K-U 4K-U 4K-U
Engine type Water-cooled, in-line, 4-cylinder, OHV Water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, OHV Water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, OHV
Displacement(cm3) 1290 1290 1290
Max. output kW(PS)/r.p.m. -/72/5600 -/72/5600 -/72/5600
* The specifications are those of representative model grades.
* Max. output represents a net rating. In the above table, digits separated by slashes ( / / ) stand for kW, PS, and r.p.m., respectively.
* The model numbers of these vehicles are KP61(1300).
In February 1978, the Publica and Publica Starlet lines were consolidated into the new Starlet line.

The second-generation Starlet was intended to be Toyota's entry-level compact car, and was recognized as such. As 2-box hatchbacks were the global standard for compact cars at the time, the Starlet followed this trend and adopted 3- and 5-door 2-box hatchback bodies. It did not follow the compact cars' trend of favoring a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, however, retaining the front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout instead. The engine was a 1,290 cc 4K-U unit that met the 1978 emission standards, coupled with a choice of transmissions including 4- and 5-speed manual and 2-speed automatic. The front suspension inherited the predecessor's MacPherson strut and coil spring system, while the rigid axle rear suspension was switched from a leaf spring system to a 4-link coil spring system. Front-wheel disc brakes became standard for all model grades, and the Starlet also became Toyota's first sedan-class passenger car to employ a highly responsive rack-and-pinion steering system. The Starlet proved popular for its reliability and fuel economy, and its agility resulting from the lightweight body and well-balanced chassis had a strong appeal to the so-called "boy racers."

A 4-door van version was added to the line in October 1978. The eco-run system, a mechanism to stop the engine when in idle, was introduced to selected models in August 1981.
Plant Toyota Industries Corporation, DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD.
This means a small star burning brightly.
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This page is part of TOYOTA A HISTORY OF THE FIRST 75 YEARS website. For information on currently marketed vehicles, please refer to the Toyota Motor Corporation website.