Toyota revealed its new Corolla Quest yesterday – slating it as a replacement for the outgoing model with the 11th-generation’s platform – bringing with it a more modern style, improved standard specification and the new 1,8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Toyota South Africa intends to continue the Quest moniker as it has been a successful product for the brand. Contributing 63 966 units to the combined Corolla sales of 136 880, the Quest contributes to a 71% market share of C-segment sedan sales.
Toyota SA want to assure consumers that the new Quest is not a just de-specced Corolla. The new model went through a thorough development programme which aimed to maintain the “Quality”, “Reliability” and “Durability” (QDR) level while keeping costs in check. Additionally, the line-up implements a three-grade strategy which allows Toyota to offer a trio of variants, each with distinct specification levels, catering to different customer needs.
Examples of development cost reduction include the use of an IMV colour palette sourced from the Hilux and Fortuner to improve economies of scale. Other non-aesthetic componentry has also been homogenised between the two model ranges, with additional localisation further contributing to cost savings. These include components such as the headliner, seat fabric and cross braces, floor silencers and seat backs.
Toyota SA decided to go with a new 1,8-litre engine, pushing 103 kW and 173 N.m of torque, because it revs higher and delivers torque at a lower engine speeds compared with the previous model’s 1,6-litre unit. The newer engine also boasts an improved claimed fuel consumption of 6,3 L/100 km for the manual and 7,0 L/100 km for the CVT.
All units come standard with a three-services/45 000 km service plan and three-year/100 000 km warranty. The new model will be available from March 2020.
