The Toyota Quantum, the vehicle that defined passenger and cargo transportation in South Africa, has been reinvented with a change from ‘cab-over’ to ‘semi-bonnet’ design, more power delivery thanks to a bigger turbodiesel engine, extra convenience, and cargo-carrying ability, added safety features, and an ultra-modern new look.
This design revision provides for a modern look and increases overall length and passenger space. The imported nine-model range comprises 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, plus a six-seater long wheelbase (LWB) crew cab. The GL Bus range offers an 11-seater long wheelbase (LWB) and 14-seater super-long wheelbase (SLWB) versions.
The GL Bus receives chrome treatment to the grille and vertical LED Daytime Running Lights, fog lamps, and colour-coded bumpers and door handles. The new four-cylinder 2.8-litre engine with turbo and intercooler used on all panel vans and 11-seater bus model develops 130 kW of power and 420 Nm torque. The engine in the 14-seater delivers 115 kW and 420 Nm of torque.
Inside, the seat material on the GL Bus models is beige, with a combination of synthetic leather and fabric, while the Panel Van range seats are fashioned in grey fabric. The 16-seater Ses’fikile Commuter, now renamed Hiace to pay homage to the iconic ‘Siyaya’ commuter buses, is still built here in 2.7-litre petrol and 2.5-litre diesel forms. Prices for the Quantum range from R473,900 to R597,700, with the Hiace Ses’fikile available from R419,100 to R444,200.
