Toyota introduced the fourth generation of the Starlet in December 1989 in Japan and, in the following year, in the rest of the world.
The Japanese carmaker kept the third generation of the Starlet only four years before it changed it to the much successful fourth-generation model. Unlike its predecessor, the new version came prepared to face the tough European competitors such as the Renault 5, Peugeot 205, or the Volkswagen Polo. It gained its credits on the harsh Acropolis Rallye and proved to be successful on the market as well.

Like most of the small-segment vehicles, the Starlet featured a hatchback bodywork, and it was available with a three or five-door configuration. Its rounded edges made it more pleasant to a market that started to step away from the wedged shapes of the ’80s. Before the 1994 facelift, all versions featured squared headlights, and, after that, specific trim levels were granted with four round headlights.

Inside, Toyota offered minimum requirements for a 1990 vehicle, depending on the trim level. The base versions featured an instrument cluster with three dials, while the top trim levels were offered with a tachometer. The power-windows were on the options list.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a choice of engines ranged between 70 hp and 135 hp. Most of them were paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, but a 4-speed automatic was available for specific models and markets. An all-wheel-drive, turbocharged Starlet was produced to enhance the car’s image on the market.