By Dave Abrahams
Prospecton, Durban - Scoff all you like, German car fans, the big deal with Toyota's Quest is that, like a McDonalds' meal, you know exactly what you're getting.
Based on the previous-generation Corolla, it's as rich in character, edgy design and futuristic features as a pop-up toaster - but Toyota isn't kidding with its sales pitch that the Quest offers C-segment sedan size, power and practicality at B-segment pricing.
It has a real boot, a no-nonsense, naturally-aspirated, 90kW/154Nm, 1.6 litre petrol four, and so what if it's a bit Plain Jane - the formula works. Slightly more than one in five (or 22 percent) C-segment sedans sold in South Africa are Quests.
From April 2016, all Quests across the range now have power-operated windows all round, with one-touch operation for the driver, along with colour-coded door handles and mirror housings.
The rest of the Quest spec-list is unchanged, including aircon, data display, tilt and reach-adjustable steering and auto locking.
The Quest comes in a choice of two grades - standard and Plus, which adds a four-speaker radio/CD player with USB port and, as part of this upgrade, Bluetooth connectivity for hands free phone calls and audio playback from your music device.
tandard issue is a six-speed manual box; in a reverse of the conventional line-up, a four-speed auto transmission is available in the base spec only.
PRICES
Quest 1.6 - R199 400
Quest 1.6 AT - R214 600
Quest 1.6 Plus - R215 100
These include a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 45 000km service plan.