Toyota Starlet 1.5 XI K15B Engine

Toyota Starlet 1.5 XI – K15B Engine Overview

Engine Specifications:

• Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder

• Engine Code: K15B

• Displacement: 1.5 liters (1,462 cc)

• Bore x Stroke: 75.0 mm x 84.0 mm

• Compression Ratio: 10.5:1

• Fuel System: Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)

• Valve Configuration: DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam), 16 valves

• Fuel Type: Petrol

• Cooling System: Water-cooled

Performance:

• Maximum Power Output: Around 105-110 horsepower (varies by market and specific model year)

• Torque: Approximately 138-145 Nm (around 102-107 lb-ft)

• Redline: Around 6,000 RPM (specific redline may vary depending on the model)

• Fuel Economy: On average, it delivers 14-17 km/l (kilometers per liter), which translates to about 33-40 mpg depending on driving conditions and maintenance.

Key Features:

• VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence): The K15B engine is equipped with Toyota’s VVT-i technology, which optimizes valve timing for improved fuel efficiency, performance, and lower emissions.

• DOHC Design: The dual overhead cam design enables better airflow and improves engine efficiency at higher RPMs.

• Lightweight Construction: The engine’s relatively compact and lightweight design contributes to the car’s overall efficiency and handling.

Reliability and Maintenance:

• Engine Durability: The K15B engine is known for its reliability, often running for several hundred thousand kilometers when maintained properly. Toyota’s reputation for engine longevity carries over with this engine.

• Service Intervals: Regular oil changes (every 5,000-10,000 km depending on the type of oil used) and monitoring of the timing chain/timing belt (if applicable) will keep the engine in good condition.

• Common Issues: Like any engine, it is important to keep an eye on things like coolant levels, belts, and hoses. However, the K15B is generally trouble-free, with minimal known issues when properly maintained.

Applications:

The K15B engine has been used in a variety of compact and subcompact Toyota models, including:

• Toyota Starlet (various versions)

• Toyota Vitz/Yaris (in some markets)

• Toyota Avanza (in some markets)

The Starlet 1.5 XI with the K15B engine was appreciated for offering a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a popular choice for people seeking an affordable and practical daily driver. With Toyota’s reputation for quality, the engine has also been regarded as durable and low-maintenance.

Overall Driving Experience:

• The Starlet with the K15B engine provides decent acceleration and a smooth driving experience, especially for city driving. It isn’t built for high-performance sports driving, but it delivers enough power for daily commuting and occasional highway driving. The fuel economy is one of its strongest points, and it’s a solid option for people looking for a reliable, efficient compact car.