VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
77 kW
Torque
300 Nm
138 Nm
Fuel
7.0 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
—
1000 Kg
Engine
1494 cc
1462 cc
Choosing between the Changan UNI-S and the Toyota Starlet Cross is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Changan UNI-S delivers 138 kW while the Toyota Starlet Cross produces 77 kW. On fuel, the UNI-S returns 7.0 l/100km while the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R469 900 for the UNI-S and R366 400 for the Starlet Cross. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Changan UNI-S1.5t CE 2026 - From R469 900
Toyota Starlet Cross1.5xr 2024 - From R366 400
Performance
Power Output
138 kW
77 kW
Torque
300 Nm
138 Nm
Top Speed
190 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1494 cc
1462 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
7
5
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.0 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
37 l
CO2 Emissions
179 g/km
131 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4539 mm
3995 mm
Width
1865 mm
1765 mm
Height
1680 mm
1550 mm
Wheelbase
2656 mm
2520 mm
Ground Clearance
167 mm
170 mm
Kerb Weight
1505 Kg
1005 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
475 l
304-605-1009 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1000 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5yr
4 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
90000km
60000km
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Starlet Cross
3 / 4 categories
Performance
UNI-S
Fuel Economy
Starlet Cross
Value
Starlet Cross
Practicality
Starlet Cross
Pros & Cons
Changan UNI-S
More powerful engine (138 kW)
Higher fuel consumption (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Toyota Starlet Cross
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R366 400)
Less power than rival (77 kW vs 138 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the UNI-S or Starlet Cross?
The UNI-S uses 7.0 l/100km and the Starlet Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Starlet Cross is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the UNI-S or Starlet Cross?
The UNI-S produces 138 kW and 300 Nm of torque while the Starlet Cross delivers 77 kW and 138 Nm of torque. The UNI-S is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the UNI-S and Starlet Cross?
The UNI-S starts from R469 900 and the Starlet Cross from R366 400. The Starlet Cross is cheaper by R103 500 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the UNI-S or Starlet Cross?
The UNI-S has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Starlet Cross can tow 1000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the UNI-S or the Starlet Cross?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.