Toyota Starlet - 80 Series

The Starlet 80 series was introduced to the Japanese market in December 1989. It featured a more rounded body style and interior. Japanese models received new Twincam engines: 4E-F, 4E-FE, and turbocharged 4E-FTE. Export models retained the 1E and 2E engines, and the special version 4E-FE (only for UK and Hong Kong). The 1N 1.5-litre diesel engine was also available. The Starlet for Japan and Indonesia have a rear center garnish and therefore the license plate is mounted on the bumper. 80 Series Starlets exported to other destinations have their number plates mounted on the hatch centre panel.

In Japan, the 80 Series Starlet was again offered in wide range of variants: Soleil, the best selling Soleil L, S, X, X Limited, Si, Canvas Top, the sports model Gi and GT Turbo. The sports model have different bumpers, headlights, and tail lights from the regular models. Sports bucket front seats and a rear spoiler are also standard on the Gi and GT. The GT has a 2-mode (low and high) turbo. The Japanese only Full-time 4WD models (EP85) were offered in Soleil L, S, and X Limited grades.

The Starlet made its European debut at the 1990 Geneva Auto Show. The 1.3 XLi was sold in most European countries. The sporty 1.3 Si was offered in Switzerland. It comes with standard sports front seats, 3-spoke steering wheel, sunroof, and rear spoiler.

The UK model was the 1.0 GL, only offered as a three-door hatchback, replaced by the 1.3 GLi 3-door from 1993 onwards. For 1994, the UK models were 1.3 XLi 3-door and 1.3 GLi 5-door. All GLi models have a sunroof.

A minor facelift occurred in January 1992, with all Japanese models gaining fuel injection and the discontinuation of the X variant. A new front bumper and revised interior were installed, and the addition of a safety beam inside the doors were added for all models. The S, X Limited, Gi, and GT also gained a new rear center garnish. In Indonesia the new SE-G replaced the SE Limited. The SE-G has upmarket interior similar to Japanese X Limited, and shares the new tail lights with Gi and GT. The Starlet Canvas Top Si 1992 with special roof was offered in Hong Kong and Germany.

The Starlet EP81 participated in the WRC Acropolis Rally in Greece, and won the A5 class. The Starlet was also competed in Starlet One Make Race in Japan, the Indonesian Touring Car Championship, and Rallies in the Caribbean.

The second minor update was in May 1994 with new front end and tail lights. The full-wide rear garnish was deleted. The hatch trunk now has smooth panel with small garnishes. The Gi and GT featured twin round headlights and mesh grille, also known as quad headlights. These minor changes were only extended to Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and New Zealand. Hong Kong received Japanese market Soleil L. The 1.3 SE-G continued in Indonesia, and the 1.3 GS replaced 1.3 S in New Zealand. Production in Japan ended in December 1995, but in Indonesia continued until March 1998.