By Flata Kavinga
Club Corolla Zimbabwe has successfully completed a 1 200-kilometre road trip aimed at testing the strength and endurance of vintage Corolla models, with the club reporting zero breakdowns throughout the journey.
Club president Denzel Peter Nyanungo said the trip was designed to demonstrate that older vehicles, when properly maintained and serviced, remain capable of travelling long distances, including through demanding terrain.
The two-day convoy began in Kwekwe, passing through Gweru, Mvuma, Chivhu, Gutu, and Bikita before stopping in Birchenough Bridge, covering approximately 537 kilometres on the first day.
On the second day, members travelled from Birchenough to Mutare via Nyanyadzi, then continued to Honde Valley through Watsomba, tackling steep and winding stretches between Hauna and the Nyanga highway.
“We did not experience any vehicle breakdowns, and we are pleased with how the cars performed,” Nyanungo said. “Most of the vehicles used were 1993 and 1994 models, mainly the Corolla AE100 and AE110 series. The trip allowed us to assess their endurance in challenging mountainous areas.”
After reaching Honde Valley, the convoy returned via Harare, with some members proceeding to their respective home areas. According to Nyanungo, the highest odometer reading recorded for the full journey was 1 533km for a vehicle that continued to Gokwe, while the shortest was 1 123km for a car that ended its trip in Harare.
Nyanungo said the successful road trip reinforced the importance of regular servicing and proper vehicle care.
Six members participated in the excursion, including Club Corolla Kwekwe chairperson Phineas Ndlovu and committee member Chris “Ludda” Masukuta.
