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Toyota’s budget sedan on old platform took the
market by surprise but makes buyers happy
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TOYOTA this week dispatched hundreds of Corolla Quest cars to 192
dealers across SA from its factory in Prospecton to meet orders for this budget
sedan, which officially launches next week.
Despite being a “re-invented” previous generation Corolla, local
dealers say demand for the budget Corolla is strong, especially as it uses the
cutting edge and very frugal 1,6 engine from the latest
Corolla. Only three models are available, with the entry-level manual selling for R174 900.
By comparison, the Corolla's old rival newly introduced, the entry level Nissan Sentra 1,6 Acenta manual costs R230 900 -- R56k more.
The manual Quest Plus, which adds alloy wheels, an audio system radio and body coloured door handles, costing R197 900. Toyota's automatic adds R24 000 to manual's price, about the same as Nissan wants for its CVT.
Corolla. Only three models are available, with the entry-level manual selling for R174 900.
By comparison, the Corolla's old rival newly introduced, the entry level Nissan Sentra 1,6 Acenta manual costs R230 900 -- R56k more.
The manual Quest Plus, which adds alloy wheels, an audio system radio and body coloured door handles, costing R197 900. Toyota's automatic adds R24 000 to manual's price, about the same as Nissan wants for its CVT.
This low prices for the Quest puts Toyota's budget sedan with that roomy booty in the same price range of small hatches
like the Fiat Punto 1,4 (R172k) and Ford Fiesta 1,5 (R176k) and pits the Corolla
against the likes of the Proton Saga 1,6 (R162k) and Geely MK 1,5 (R104k).
Glenn Crompton, vice president for sales and marketing, explains
the reasoning behind re-inventing an old model: “When a new model arrives, the
previous car is usually consigned to the history books. “Not so for the outgoing
Toyota Corolla. Launched in 2007, this model was the most successful Corolla to
date and helped this motoring icon achieve best-seller status as the world’s
most loved car — the nameplate amassed a record 40,72 million cumulative sales
by the end of February this year. “So, rather than phase the 10th generation out
completely, it’s been re-invented as the ultimate value proposition.”
Crompton assured that the Quest is not just a stripped-out Corolla
with new headlights.
“On the contrary, all cars in the range come standard with an
immobiliser and alarm, remote central locking, dual front airbags, Isofix anchor
points, air-conditioning and rake/reach adjustment for the steering wheel.
The rear seat is now however fixed as opposed to split, the
overhead console, reading map light and vanity lamp in the sun visor are left
out and the front and rear cloth door inserts have been replaced with a textured
vinyl material.
Most notable of the 1,6-litre’s features is a dual VVT-I system.
Under control of the engine’s ECU, the system varies the timing of the inlet and
exhaust camshafts to alter valve overlap at various engine load conditions.
Maximum power is rated at 90 kW of power at 6 000 r/min, and
maximum torque of 154 Nm delivered at 5 200 r/min, though much of the torque is
available from much lower down the rev-range.
A three-year/100 000 km warranty, three-year/45 000 km service plan
is part of the price.
