Toyota Corolla Quest

Toyota SA recently introduced the more advanced, larger and more expensive new Corolla.  Being such a popular car (a strong-selling nameplate across the world) the Corolla is expected to be affordable to most people, though this new Corolla puts itself out of reach of many, as pricing for the entry-level 1.3 Esteem derivative is R 214 900.

Remember the Toyota Conquest that became the Tazz and Volkswagen Golf 1 that became Citi Golf?  More recently we’ve seen Polo being reborn as Volkswagen Polo Vivo, and Ford Fiesta reappeared as Figo.

Using a recipe that has proven itself to become a firm family favourite, Toyota SA is re-issuing the previous Corolla as the Corolla Quest.  The same basic Corolla as before, with a minor facelifted look, at reduced prices, starting at R174 900.  Clever. 

Ah, but Toyota SA is even more clever – it spotted a gap in the market:  it actually presents its previous Conquest to Tazz recipe in a bigger box – where other similar cars were all compact cars, the Corolla Quest offers bigger, more spacious accommodation.  Toyota says it is creating a whole new sub-C segment.

The previous Corolla range was trimmed down to Corolla Quest as a simplified range of just a 1.6 engine consisting of 3 models, to make an easy choice.  The line-up is Corolla Quest 1.6 manual (R174 900) or auto (R198 900) and Quest 1.6 Plus manual, priced at R 197 900.

Rather than ripping out all the comfort and safety features from the South African production line, Toyota specs all Corolla Quest cars with remote central locking, dual front airbags, Isofix child-seat anchor points, air conditioning and tilt/depth steering adjustments.  The Plus level gets alloy wheels, and audio system with aux and USB.

Toyota ensures that the minor changes to the exterior and interior have not compromised quality, durability or reliability in the least.  All the new Corolla Quest cars run with a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 3-year / 45 000 km service plan – your Corolla Quest can be serviced at 192 franchised dealers.

If you or your company is in the market for a no-nonsense affordable car, the Corolla Quest offers more space for you and your family or your corporate fleet, compared to other re-hashed (smaller) rivals.