TOYOTA UNVEILS NEW PUBLICA "STARLET" SERIES

TOKYO―Starting April 11th, Toyota Motor Sales Co. launched nation-wide marketing of the all-new "STARLET" series, an extension of the popular "Publica" line.
(Publicas are exported and sold under the name of "TOYOTA 1000.")

The "STARLET" series, which features an entirely new body, was developed to expand the range of driving and style electives offered.

Much more important, however, is the fact that the new "STARLET" series is aimed at the growing demand among drivers―particularly young drivers―for a coupe-type passenger car which combines unique styling and high performance. The trend among drivers to prefer a more personal and "sporty" car is reflected across-the-board in Japan's passenger car sales, but is particularly evident in the compact economy car segment of the market.

Accordingly, creating a new type personal-use car image was one of the most important considerations for Toyota engineers and designers in the development of the "STARLET" series. Their efforts on the "STARLET" have resulted in unique styling, characterized by a sharp, dynamic silhouette, as well as in many anti-pollution and safety features.

A wide range of "free choice" combinations exists for the "STARLET" series, to include engines, transmissions and interior/exterior decorations. In other words, a customer can select the list of "STARLET" specifications which best match his or her personal taste.

1. A coupe with unique image and styling―an up-to-date long nose, fastback proportions and a bullet-wedge silhouette, together with a mid-line which is sharply recessed at the doors and which extends behind the rear window.
2. A wide range of interior/exterior options―3 exterior variations (XT, ST and SR) and 5 interior variations (D, L, S, G and R).
3. Collapsible rear seats: The two rear seats can be folded-down separately. When folded, the flat trunk space is automatically extended to provide a single large-luggage compartment.
4. The instrument panel is made of glass fiber-reinforced AS resin. It is covered by a safety pad and is positioned to provide the driver with a panoramic view. For easy viewing and handling, gauges are arranged in an upper line on the instrument panel, with switches in a lower line.

With the introduction of the "STARLET," Toyota Motor Sales Co. expects its monthly domestic sales of the Publica series to reach the 13,000 mark―8,000 units of the new "STARLET" and 5,000 units of the Publica sedans.
(The STARLET is not available for export at this time.)

1. "FREE CHOICE" COMBINATION OF "STARLET" COMPONENTS AND DECORATIONS