New Toyota Quest added to Corolla range

Now, there’s a new Toyota Quest which promises to offer more space, comfort and value. I attended the media launch which took place in Johannesburg.

What is a Quest?

According to scholars, a quest is a long and arduous journey in the search for something. The new Toyota Quest, however, is a B-Segment car based on one of the worlds most popular cars, the Corolla. Toyota South Africa reworked the 11th generation Corolla, they added a few locally sourced items, changed some internationally sourced items and have ultimately been able to now offer what was once a C-Segment leader at B-Segment pricing.

The styling

The 11th generation Corolla was a good looking car and the Quest has retained some of that eye-catching appeal. The Quest also features a restyled front bumper which offers matte-black trim pieces extending into the headlights on the Standard and Prestige specification models but those who opt of the Exclusive trim will benefit from body colour items. Keen-eyed onlookers will also notice that the rear number plate garnish has been changed from chrome to body colour.

What’s changed inside?

At the launch event, Toyota South Africa handed me the keys to their Exclusive model derivative which I immediately noticed had keyless entry as well as a push-button start. The facia features soft-touch materials, leather seats, leather stocked padding on the dashboard and the touchscreen infotainment mounted in the centre of the dashboard offers Bluetooth and USB connectivity. A leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel also features as do rain-sensing wipers and LED headlamps. The Exclusive model also benefits from a 60/40 split rear bench. The Interior space is also noteworthy as is the ride comfort.

What powers the Quest?

Toyota has decided to make use of one engine option throughout the range, a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated 103 kW / 173 N.m motor. It can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. The reason why Toyota decided on the 1.8-litre and not the 1.6-litre is because the aforementioned unit is used more regularly on a global scale than the 1.6-litre which benefits in cost and parts sourcing.

The drive

Out on the road, the Corolla Quest does its job rather well. The manual derivative feels sportier, more alive but the CVT has its benefits in typical Johannesburg traffic. The CVT would, and I can’t believe I’m saying this as I don’t like CVT gearboxes, be my choice. Avoid driving like a maniac and the car offers a relatively relaxing drive. The Prestige and Exclusive models also benefit from 16-inch alloy wheels and all models get disc brakes at every corner as well as a full-sized spare wheel.

Safety items?

The Corolla Quest range benefits from a host of safety items such as driver, passenger and driver knee airbags. The Prestige and Exclusive models receive side airbags as well. The range also receives Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Hill Assist Control (HAC), ABS, EBD, Isofix, LED daytime running lights and rear fog lights as standard.

Is it worth considering?

The Corolla Quest is not going to thrill you out on the road, it will, however, offer you quality and reliability. It looks good both inside and outside and it does offer a comfortable driving experience. The Quest, however, forms part of a three product initiative. Toyota will be offering the Corolla hatchback, the soon to be launched Corolla sedans and this, the budget-friendly offering. So what can you expect to pay for the Quest? Well, prices range between R249 900 for the entry-level unit and R317 700 for the flagship Exclusive CVT. Want one? You will have to wait until March this year for the Locally built Quest to reach showroom floors. All Corolla Quests are sold with a three-services/45 000km service plan. A three-year/100 000 km warranty is included.

Model Line-up and Pricing

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