You will be hard-pressed to find anyone that doesn't know what a Corolla is, locally or globally. However, if you were to ask them what type of vehicle the Corolla is, you might get varying responses. Now although for most the Corolla nomenclature is synonymous with a sedan, it did feature on a variety of vehicles in a variety of body styles. If you were two visit your local dealership, you will even find one on a hatchback.
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Make no mistake, you will still find a Corolla sedan model, in fact, you will find two Corolla sedan variants, one that is only named the Corolla and another the Corolla Quest. So how exactly do they all fit into the picture you might ask, well we will be explaining it a little further.
1. Corolla sedan
As alluded earlier in the article, most people recognize the Corolla name as a Toyota sedan model, and they are not wrong. The first Corolla model was introduced locally in 1975 and has since grown in popularity, so much so that the 1 millionth rendition rolled of the local production line during 2013. That, however, was the tenth generation and we are currently in the twelfth.
The current Corolla sedan can be had in two specification levels, XS and the higher-grade XR, the latter offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 5-step CVT transmission. The XS is motivated by a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol motor coupled to a 5-step CVT transmission producing 104 kW and 171 Nm of torque while the XR derivatives get a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, petrol engine producing 125 kW and 200 Nm of torque.
While some critics might have described the previous Corolla as a bit reserved in terms of styling, the same can not be said about the new model. With a large imposing grille up front, flanked by sharp and aggressively styled headlamps (Bi-LED on XR derivatives), the new Corolla sets itself apart from within its long lineage.
A similar theme takes place on the interior where customers are now treated with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay. Electronification also takes place inside the instrument binnacle with XS models fitted with a 4.2-inch driver info display while XR variants retain a 7.0-inch unit. Customers can also expect a digital climate control system as well as one-touch electric windows and a reverse camera.
2. Corolla hatch
Now, most people might look at the Corolla hatch and ask if it's not just an Auris with a new name, but it's really not. Previously the Auris hatch and Corolla sedan models were distinctly different in design even if they shared a few components here and there. The new Corolla hatch is near identical to the Corolla sedan except for the bit behind the C-pillar and under the bonnet.
Similarly to the sedan, the hatch is offered in three variants, however, two are in XS specification and one in XR. All three derivatives are powered by a 1.2-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, petrol motor and the XR grade, as well as one of the XS offerings, come fitted with a 5-step CVT transmission, the other XS model features a 6-speed manual transmission. All three produce 85 kW and 185 Nm of torque.
The boot space on the hatch model is rated 294-litres while the sedan model achieves 470-litres from the start. Although for some this a big difference, it might not be as big as the styling difference. The hatch sees the perky rear of the sedan disappear, and instead has a rounded tailgate with sharp and aggressive taillamps similar in design to the headlamps.
On both sedan and hatch models, customers can expect the XS derivatives to feature 16-inch alloy wheels and the new multi-function steering wheel. Occupants are kept safe by seven airbags, auto-lock/unlock doors, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, daytime running LEDs and Hill Start Assist.
Those who opt for the XR variants will find 18-inch alloys in each corner, as well as systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto High Beam Assist, Bi-LED headlights, folding electric mirrors, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. Occupant safety is further bolstered by Toyota Safety Sense that incorporates Pre-Crash Braking, Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Lane Departure Alert with Lane Tracing.
3. Corolla Quest
The Corolla Quest is more a recipe than it is a specific car. Utilising the previous or outgoing Corolla model, Toyota repackages this model into what we know as the Corolla Quest. By merely updating the model with modern exterior styling elements and adjusting the interior specification and upgrading the safety features, Toyota manages to sell the Quest a C-segment sedan at a B-segment price point.
By employing a single engine-configuration across the three specification levels as well as introducing more cost-effective solutions on the interior and exterior of the vehicle, Toyota manages to reduce the production costs and ultimately the retail price. The items in question are for example a more cost-effective, fixed rear bench for the lower specification models. Other areas include sharing paint palettes with other models on the production line and using the same interior materials.
Make no mistake, Toyota doesn't just remove items, they add in a few new ones too. Customers will be happy to know that even the entry-level model is fitted with driver, passenger and driver knee airbags. The higher-grade Prestige and Exclusive derivatives receive side airbags too. Also featuring in the Toyota Corolla Quest is Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Hill Assist Control (HAC), ABS, EBD, Isofix, LED daytime running lights and rear fog lights.
So where does the Corolla Quest fit in? Well, the three levels of the specification were created to appeal to a wider audience, from those looking to use the vehicle for their business or as a spacious first vehicle, to an affordable and stylish sedan if the new Corolla model is just out of reach.
The entry-level model features a matte-black grille and bumper finishes, with 15-inch steel wheels and basic specification features. The Prestige incorporates additional colour-coded exterior treatment, 16-inch alloy wheels and added interior specification such as the central touchscreen and cruise control. Customers opting for the Exclusive model gain chrome exterior elements, a painted front bumper and a high-standard interior specification which includes climate control TFT-colour instrument cluster and leather seats.
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