Toyota has for the first time in 15 years revealed a new-generation HiAce (Quantum in our market) van and bus range with advanced safety features, powerful new engines, enhanced ride comfort, and increased specification.
A semi-bonneted design has enabled significant changes to the sixth-generation Quantum, including a stiffer frame, stronger straight-line performance, greater stability and manoeuvrability, and more pliant suspensions. Arriving in South Africa in about two months’ time, the Quantum will be available as three-seat van in long wheelbase (LWB) and super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations and six-seat LWB crew cabs. The bus-range will comprise of 11-seater (LWB) and 14-seater (SLWB) versions.
The Quantum range will be offered with a solitary engine – the 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel as used in the Hilux – combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Its huge cargo capacity has been maintained – 6.2- (LWB) and 9.3 cubic metres (SLWB) – thanks to longer wheelbases and clever packaging that increases internal width by 215 mm, and height by five mm.
LED lighting, console boxes, flip-up seats, and netted seat-back pockets help create occupant comfort and up to 16 cup/bottle holders are provided. The bottom edge of the front door is lower with a wider step for easier access and towing capacity has been expanded to a maximum of 2000 kg on key variants.
A newly developed suspension provides better handling, stability, and ride comfort, and the rear leaf spring suspension span has been increased by 200 mm. The full model line-up, specification, and pricing will be released closer to launch.
