TOYOTA UNVEILS NEW MODEL OF STARLET

TOKYO―Toyota Motor Company, Ltd., and Toyota Motor Sales Company, Ltd., announced that a new model of the Toyota Starlet passenger car would be put on sale throughout Japan today.

The new Starlet, with an engine displacement of 1,290cc, was developed especially to meet the increased demand for high-economy cars with outstanding driving characteristics in the popular-size class (1,000-1,600cc). The basic thinking of Toyota engineers in planning and developing the new Starlet was to produce a car with emphasis on the features that customers expect in popular-size cars.

These features include close attention to safety and anti-pollution requirements, high economy through improved fuel efficiency and lighter weight, ease of driving, quick response, and a full range of standard equipment. The new Starlet's styling, moreover, allows for ample passenger and luggage space.

Two body types and five grades are available: a 3-door type and a 5-door type, both with wide back doors; and grades from the standard grade to the luxury SE grade. The new Starlet is mounted with the 4K-U type engine (1,290cc), an engine already well- known for its high performance and low fuel consumption. Three types of transmissions are available: a manual 4-speed floor shift, a manual 5-speed floor shift and an automatic 2-speed floor shift.

These body, engine and transmission combinations result in a total of 23 variations of the new Starlet, all of which meet Japan's 1978 emission standards. Initial domestic sales are expected to be 7,000 units monthly.

This new Starlet is scheduled to be exported in the near future to markets other than those in North America. Some exports will be fitted with headlamps made by Joseph Lucas Industries of the U.K.

Data is attached on emissions, fuel consumption and on the variations available.