Toyota makes Quantum leap

Semi-bonneted design paved way for significant changes to SA’s popular minibus. RANGE UPDATED FOR FIRST TIME IN 15 YEARS

For the first time in 15 years, Toyota has revealed a new-generation Quantum van and bus range with advanced safety features, powerful new engines, enhanced ride comfort and increased specification.

A shift to a semi-bonneted design has enabled the development team to implement significant changes with a stiffer frame, stronger straight-line performance, greater stability and manoeuvrability, and more pliant suspensions.

Arriving in South Africa in Q2, the all-new Quantum van will be available with three-seat vans in long (LWB) and super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations and six-seat LWB crew cabs. The bus range will comprise of 11 (LWB) and 14-seater (SLWB) versions.

The sixth-generation Quantum range will be offered with a solitary engine on the domestic front – a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel. This will be combined with a six-speed manual transmission to promote excellent tractability and fuel efficiency.

Excellent cargo capacity – a hallmark of every Quantum – has been maintained at a maximum of 6.2 (LWB) and 9.3 cubic metres (SLWB) – due to longer wheelbases and clever packaging that increases internal width by 215mm, and height by 5mm without altering overall exterior width.

All-new Quantum features a raft of interior storage space, with clever packaging to maximise ease of use and versatility. LED lighting, console boxes, flip-up seats and netted seat-back pockets help create occupant comfort whilst up to 16 cup/bottle holders are provided.

The bottom edge of the front door is lower and comes with a wider step for easier access. Larger front-door glass and a lower belt line improve visibility. Towing capacity has been expanded to a maximum 2 000kg on key variants, an improvement of up to 600kg.

Newly developed MacPherson struts at the front provide excellent handling and stability, as well as ride comfort. In the rear, the new leaf spring suspension span has been increased by 200 mm, extending the bound stroke by an impressive 30 mm for a comfortable ride while enhancing handling and stability.

Customer use has been a priority with new locally developed Toyota Genuine accessories available from launch.

Numerous flat-mount surfaces and anchor points make it easy to alter the vehicle for specialised use. Toyota will also provide a guide to assist body builders.

Full model line-up, specification and pricing will be released closer to launch timing.