All-new Toyota Quantum hits the road

The all-new Toyota Quantum has gone on sale in SA, boasting improved practicality, comfort, performance and convenience features.

SA's favourite minibus also has new cargo-carrying ability and added safety systems.

The extra interior space is achieved through the changeover to a "semi-bonnet" design, the vehicle's biggest physical departure from the old.

With the engine positioned outside the cabin, the Quantum increases in overall length and passenger space, with improved leg room and seating comfort. The width of the sliding-door opening has been increased by 70mm, while the same unit on the super-long wheelbase (SLWB) panel van has been widened to enable easy loading of Euro-size pallets.

The more streamlined GL bus can be specified in one of three exterior colours: ivory white, quicksilver metallic or light blue metallic, while the utility-focused panel van and crew cab variants are offered in ivory white and quicksilver metallic.

Interesting new configurations for bespoke applications include new panel van and bus derivatives, with the option of three-seater panel vans in long wheelbase (LWB) and heightened-roof super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations, as well as a six-seater long wheelbase (LWB) crew cab.

The GL Bus range also offers 11-seater LWB and 14-seater super-long wheelbase (SLWB) versions.

A new 2.8l four-cylinder turbo diesel engine delivers maximum power of 130kW/420Nm on all panel vans and the 11-seater bus model. In the 14-seater bus, the same power unit delivers a lower 115kW/420Nm. All versions get a six-speed manual transmission.

A MacPherson strut suspension is adopted for the front axle and a leaf spring suspension for the rear, and Toyota claims improved straight-line stability and a quieter and more comfortable ride.

New active and passive safety technologies like ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC), hill-assist control (HAC) and trailer sway Control (TSC) are now fitted, in addition to driver and front-passenger airbags. The semi-bonnet configuration also absorbs impact energy in the event of a collision.

All Quantum models come with a nine-service/90,000km service plan, with service intervals set at 12-months/10,000km. Toyota's standard three-year/100,000km warranty is also provided

The previous 16-seater Quantum Ses’fikile continues to be built alongside the new vehicle and will be renamed Hiace. The Hiace Ses’fikile will retain the 2.7l petrol and 2.5l diesel engines.

QUANTUM MODEL LINE-UP AND PRICING

Quantum 2.8 LWB GL Bus 11-seater – R597,700

Quantum 2.8 SLWB GL Bus 14-seater – R613,500

Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater – R473,900

Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) – R481,400

Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater - R509,500

Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) – R517,000

Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater – R482,600

Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (AC) – R490,100

Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (Front & Rear AC) – R495,600

HIACE MODEL LINE-UP AND PRICING

Hiace Ses’fikile 2.7 16s – R419,100

Hiace Ses’fikile 2.5D 16s – R444,200