TORQUE GT ● BLOG
Toyota is a brand renowned for reliability and in the past decade have produced models that you'd typically buy with your head rather than your heart. However the company is currently on a bit of a surge, with their relatively recent Gazoo Racing department and WRC presence with rally legend Tommi Makinen as Team Principal. There's a lot of excitement surrounding Toyota as a brand right now!
A few years ago the GT-86 was the first hint that Toyota were emerging from their dry spell of genuinely exciting performance cars... then the Yaris GRMN appeared and we finally got a new Supra! But what about that GR Yaris? There's few that will deny that this thing has all the ingredients to be an absolute belter!
So what was the company doing before the accountants stepped in during the noughties? Well, obviously the 90's A80 Supra can't be ignored and its likely you've heard of the Celica GT-Four... but there is another, the Toyota Starlet!
If you're familiar with the Starlet the most popular variant is the performance derived fifth gen EP91 Starlet Glanza V Turbo. We regularly get requests to source these through our Personal Import Service. But before the Glanza came along there was the fourth gen EP82 Toyota Starlet GT Turbo.
Launched in 1989 this JDM model used a 1.3, 130bhp, turbocharged 16V 4E-FTE engine which was an immediate hit. A 900kg kerb weight and great handling characteristics made for a potent and capable package that to this day still provides big smiles when taken on a spirited drive.
Already a rare sight on UK roads this particular example is rarer still because it's covered less than 20,000 miles since 1991! Finished in Red Mica Metallic it's an amazing find and due to the age these cars are now eligible for the US market.
The Starlet is a pure driving experience, it feels so light on its toes. Inside there's nothing to distract you from the job in hand, it really is back to basics!
Modern hot hatches are unbelievably capable nowadays, but all the tech adds weight. This starlet is ever so simple and light, no driving modes, just turn the key, plant your right foot and go!
Thanks to the turbo the little 1300cc unit is sprightly... think 'Japan's version' of the Renault 5 GT Turbo but more reliable and you have a pretty good idea of the package Toyota created!
Although a small and relatively discreet looking car it punches well above its weight class. It would be easy to look past this low key image if it wasn't for the bonnet scoop and several 'GT Turbo' badges dotted around the body.
The cabin is a real highlight! The stripe themed bucket seats, door cards and floor mats are a retro nod to the era from which it came... the steering wheel sporting a big 'GT' and a little boost gauge that says '2 mode turbo', great stuff!
Those in search of a reliable retro back-to-basics 'pocket rocket' with bags of charm and a penchant for embarrassing cars twice its size the Starlet GT is a worthy title contender!
Personal Import Service...