1. It's based on the current-generation Corolla
And it looks very similar to what the current (11th-generation) Corolla looks like, apart from the front fog lamps and a few other styling elements. The previous Quest was hardly known for its beguiling appearance, but as Toyota SA says, people need affordable sedans. The stylish new Quest allows those of us with beer income and champagne taste, the opportunity to own an upmarket, good-looking saloon that doesn't cost the earth. (Did you know that the brand new Toyota Corolla will be launching in SA before the end of the month?)
2. Toyota's trusted 1.8-litre unit is the engine of choice
Say goodbye to the somewhat sluggish 1.6-litre unit and say hello to 103kW and 173Nm at 4000 rpm! It also makes sense for Toyota to fit the 1.8-litre engine in the new Quest, since more models are fitted with this unit globally, and as such, it's cheaper and easier to source.
Related: Most reliable cars to suit your budget (2019)
3. You can look forward to improved fuel economy
Toyota says that one of the above-mentioned engine's advantages is that the torque figure of 173Nm is produced 1200 rpm earlier than the 1.6. This translates to lower fuel consumption for both manual and CVT models, even better than the outgoing Quest's numbers. Average fuel consumption in the manual model is 7.0 litres per 100 km while the CVT model's is rated at 6.3 litres per 100 km. Now that there's a bigger engine, you won't feel the need to drive the new Quest as hard as the previous one.
4. New safety features offer peace of mind
The Quest standard is issued with two frontal airbags as well as a knee bag for the driver, while the Quest Prestige and Exclusive models are fitted with side airbags as well. Other passive safety features include ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points, stability control, hill-assist control, daytime running lamps, and rear fog lamps.
5. The list of convenience features in all new Quests is impressive
The Quest standard is not just an empty shell. It is equipped with follow-me-home headlamps, electric windows, air-con, satellite buttons on the steering wheel, a 4-speaker audio/CD player with a USB port/AUX input.
Prestige models are fitted with a 6-speaker infotainment system touchscreen with DVD functionality, rearview camera, cruise control, a leather steering wheel, partial leather seats and 16-inch alloys.
Exclusive models have climate control, keyless entry and push-button start, full leather seats, a TFT colour instrument binnacle, LED headlamps and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
Pricing is as follows:
|
1.8 Quest |
R 249 900 |
|
1.8 Quest CVT |
R 270 400 |
|
1.8 Quest Prestige |
R 286 500 |
|
1.8 Quest Prestige CVT |
R 296 800 |
|
1.8 Quest Exclusive |
R 307 400 |
|
1.8 Quest Exclusive CVT |
R 317 700 |
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