Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched the Toyota Corolla Quest, a “no-nonsense, sensible, spacious and, above all, affordable family car.”
As we’ve seen with the likes of the Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo Vivo and much further back in Toyota’s history, the Tazz, the success of past models is not to be sniffed at. The 10th generation of the Toyota Corolla is a case in point, having been the most successful Corolla to date and prompting Toyota in South Africa to retain the popular sedan under a new ‘Quest’ nameplate.
Unlike the compact hatchbacks referenced above, the Corolla Quest holds a unique market position by virtue of its budget standing in the compact sedan segment. Starting from R174 900, the Quest is available in three derivatives and two specification levels: Quest and Quest Plus.
Standard equipment includes the obligatory immobiliser and alarm, remote central locking, Isofix anchor points, air-conditioning and rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel. The Plus model receives alloy wheels as opposed the standard Quest’s steel items, as well as body-coloured door handles and radio/CD-player with USB and Aux-In connections.
Toyota say the cost savings have not only come from a paired-down selection of equipment, but rather the “amortisation of the investment that was made in the 10th generation Corolla”, as well as new economies of scale brought about by shared componentry with the new Corolla; such as the front seats and engines.
Compared with the outgoing 10th generation Corolla upon which it is based, the Quest is differentiated by revised tail- and headlight units, side indicators that have been relocated from the door mirrors to the fenders and a radiator grille that is no longer colour-coded but finished in a simple black.
Beneath the bonnet lies the same 1.6-litre petrol engine with Toyota’s dual VVT-I variable valve timing system. Maximum power is rated at 90 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and maximum torque of 154 Nm is delivered at 5 200 r/min. The basic Corolla Quest is available with either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the Quest Plus is available only with a manual ‘box.
Acceleration figures for the manual are 10.4 seconds for the benchmark 0 – 100 km/h sprint, while top speed is 192 km/h. Toyota have yet to confirm final fuel consumption and emissions figures, but expect in the region of 6.9 l/100km and 160 g/km of CO2.
The Corolla Quest rides on a familiar combination of MacPherson strut suspension in front and rear coil springs with torsion beam at the rear. Expect a “pliant ride quality” say Toyota and the benefit of a 450-litre boot as a result of the compact rear configuration.
Safety equipment includes the all-important driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assist (EBA).
| Price (incl. VAT) | |
| Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 M/T | R174 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 A/T | R198 900 |
| Toyota Corolla Quest 1.6 Plus M/T | R197 900 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and 3-year/45 000 km service plan.
