On an affordability quest

By sticking to the same proven recipe, Toyota has now made it possible (at least until the new 12th generation Corolla arrives) to purchase a nearly full spec Corolla 1.8 Exclusive for almost R54,000 less by procuring a new Corolla Quest 1.8 Exclusive.

All you’ll miss in your Quest is reverse camera guidelines, some steering switches, a footrest, automatic aircon, illuminated entry, an auto light control system, a power boot and power side mirrors, LED rear lights, intermittent wipers, a window antenna, front fog lamps and some undercover engine protection.

COST REDUCTION RECIPE

So, nothing of huge significance. Except, perhaps, for the lesser service plan offered with the Quest. But how was this cost reduction accomplished? According to Toyota, it is the result of more efficient production processes, finding commonality of components, using engine standardisation across many models globally and tweaking vehicle specification to match customer requirements.

For instance, the Quest uses the same colour palette of the IMV range (Hilux and Fortuner) to improve economies of scale and simplify production processes. The commonality of nonaesthetic componentry between the two model ranges – using the same headliner material and seat fabric as IMV and localising production of seat cross braces, floor silencers and seat bracketry – further contribute to cost savings.

Based on the outgoing Corolla, it obviously shares its styling, higher specification levels, enhanced safety features and the 1.8-litre engine available in the current Corolla Prestige and Exclusive models. Still, while underpinned by the outgoing model, the Quest, according to Toyota, is not just a de-specced Corolla but a thoroughly developed third derivative in the line-up.

THREE GRADES

As such, the nameplate is now expanded to a three-grade line-up – standard, Prestige and Exclusive, following the Corolla nomenclature – with six models