It's a qualified success story – in combination with its Corolla sibling, the Corolla Quest has enabled Toyota to corner71% of the compact family car market in South Africa.And, for 2020, Toyota SA(TSAMM) has revealed a new iteration of its budget-oriented sedan, which is based on the outgoing (11th-generation) Corolla 4-door. The good news is that it will still be assembled in South Africa, at TSAM's facility in Durban and it will hitshowroom floors from March 2020.
By virtue of being based on a newer (albeit legacy) product,the new Corolla Quest brings with it modernised styling, improved specification levels and enhanced safety features compared with its predecessor. It's not simply a de-specced rehash of the outgoing Corolla, though. The newcomerwent through a detailed development programme, which aimed to maintain the Quality, Reliability and Durability (QDR) level, whilecost-saving measures were implemented. For example,the Corolla Quest makes use of the IMV (locally-built Hilux and Fortuner) colour palette, headliner material and seat fabric, while its floor silencers, seat cross-bracesand bracketry, have been sourced from local suppliers.
From launch, there are 3 grades of trim: standard, Prestige and Exclusive and all 6 derivatives are powered by a 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine.Compared with the previous model's 1.6-litre motor,the 103 kW 1.8-litre unit not only produces more torque (173 N.m) but 1 200 rpm earlier in the rev range (4 000 r/min), for improved drivability.
Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a continuously-variable (automatic) transmission.Toyota SA claims an average fuel consumption figureof 7.0 L/100 km for the manual and 6.3 L/100 km for the CVT.
A total of 3 trim levels are offered for the Corolla Quest.
Features matte-black grille/bumpers,daytime running lights (DRLs), rear fog lampsand 15-inch steel wheels. Thecabin is trimmed in black and blue combination fabric. The rear seatback is fixed.
Multifunction steering wheelElectric windowsRemote central lockingManual airconRadio/CD with4 speakers,USB+Aux+BluetoothHeadlamp levelling (manual)Follow-me-home lighting function
Features colour-coded exterior details,DRLs, rear fog lampsand 16-inch alloy wheels. Thecabin is trimmed in a combination of fabric and leather – in blue/black or grey with red accents. The rear seatback is fixed.
Leather-trimmedsteering wheel6-speaker audio systemTouchscreen infotainment system/DVD playerReverse-view cameraCruise control
Features chrome detailing, colour-coded front bumper treatment, LED headlamps and DRLs, rear fog lampsand 16-inch alloys. Thecabin is trimmed in black leather with silver contrast stitching. The rear seat splits 60/40.
Keyless entry and push-button startSpeedometer with TFT colour displayAutomatic aircon (climate control)Speedometer with TFT colour displayAuto-dipping (self-dimming)rear-view mirrorAuto wipers & headlamp levelling
All Quest derivatives now come equipped with driver-, front passenger- and driver-knee airbags – while the Prestige and Exclusive versions feature additional side airbags.
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Hill Assist Control (HAC), ABS withEBD, ISOfix child-seat anchors and a rear seatbelt buzzer/lamp are standard throughout the range.
The new Toyota Corolla Quest is sold with a 3-services/45 000 km service plan with intervals pegged at 12 months/15 000 km. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty is included.
1.8 Quest R249 900
1.8 Quest CVT R270 400
1.8 Quest Prestige R286 500
1.8 Quest Prestige CVT R296 800
1.8 Quest Exclusive R307 400
1.8 Quest Exclusive CVT R317 700
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