Sedans are becoming a trifle passé as buyers globally gravitate toward SUVs. But the Toyota Corolla and its more affordable Corolla Quest sibling remain hits on the domestic front.
The Toyota Corolla Quest is unique to South Africa and the latest generation comes with a bigger engine, beefed up specification level and an enticing price tag.
Manufactured at Toyota’s Durban Prospecton plant, the new Quest is based on the outgoing 11th-generation Corolla. That brings improved specifications, enhanced safety features, modernised styling and, when compared with the cost of the outgoing Corolla, hefty savings.
The Quest’s engine has also been upsized from a 1.6-litre to a 1.8-litre coupled to either a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. An expanded line-up now offers three trim grades (Standard, Prestige and Exclusive) and six models.
finweek took to the roads amid challenging weather conditions in the range-topping Toyota Corolla Quest Exclusive CVT.
Exterior facelift
External changes to the popular four-door sedan are mainly cosmetic, most noticeably when viewed head-on. It is arguably more handsome than its predecessor.
The front bumper has been updated, with the Standard and Prestige models utilising a continuous matte-black lower apron, while the Exclusive boasts partial colour coding. Headlight trim now matches the grille treatment, while at the rear the number plate garnish has been changed from chrome to body colour.
Inside story
This story is from the 7 May 2020 edition of Finweek English.
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This story is from the 7 May 2020 edition of Finweek English.
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