Toyota has taken the previous Corolla, removed a few things, added a few things and created this – the Toyota Corolla Quest. It’s essentially a C-segment car at B-segment pricing. And while it’s completely devoid of character, its budget appeal cannot be ignored.
STYLING
I really can’t say anything new about the styling. It looks almost exactly like its donor car save for a few details that set it apart. This includes freshly designed headlights, redesigned taillights, a black radiator grille and side indicator lights in the fenders instead of on the mirrors. Inside, it’s also pretty much the same as before with a no-fuss centre console, dark materials and chrome-look accents. Built on the same line as the current 11th-generation Corolla, the Quest is fitted with the same front seats so as to keep costs down.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
The quest makes use of Toyota’s 1,6 litre petrol unit that delivers 90 kW and 154 N.m of torque. It’s a proven engine and mated to a six-speed manual transmission (a four-speed automatic is also available), feels strong and hassle-free. Power delivery is smooth and constant and, while performance isn’t exactly blistering, it’s very easy to drive. The transmission is slick and gear changes are smooth, while a soft suspension set-up means that road imperfections are easily tackled. As a result of its Corolla roots, it doesn’t feel as though you’re driving a budget buy. It’s refined and feels well-composed. But yes, it lacks excitement and provides zero thrills.
STANDARD SPEC & PRICE
Perhaps more important to a buyer in this section is what you get for your money. At the launch, only the top-of-the-range Corolla Quest Plus was available. This model carries a price tag of R197 900. For this money you get alloy wheels (steel on the entry-level), body-coloured door handles and an audio system with USB and auxiliary inputs. The entry-level Quest comes pre-wired for an after-market audio system and costs R174 900 for the manual and R198 900 for the auto. All Quest models come fitted with an immobiliser and alarm, remote central locking, dual front airbags, Isofix anchor points, ABS brakes, air-conditioning and rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel. A three-year/100 000 km warranty and a three-year/45 000 km service plan comes as standard.
DIMENSIONS
Along with the specification levels, perhaps a trump card for the Quest is the size. With dimensions of 4 545 mm for the length, 1 470 mm for the height, a width of 1 760 mm, a wheelbase of 2 600 mm and a carrying capacity of 450 dm3, you get quite a bit of car for the money.
SUMMARY
Overall, the Corolla Quest is a straightforward budget buy. It’s aimed at those people who are looking for good value and practicality over style and driver enjoyment. You’re not going to turn any heads with this vehicle and it’s not going to get you anywhere really quickly. If you’re looking for space at a low price and you’re ok with flying under the radar in a car that- as the as the cliché goes, does what it says on the box – then the Quest should be a consideration.
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: 1,6 Plus
PRICE: R197 900
POWER: 90 kW @ 6 000 r/min
TORQUE: 154 N.m @ 5 200 r/min
0-100 KM/H: 10,4 seconds
TOP SPEED: 192 km/h
