New Quantum arrives, Ses’fikile becomes Hiace

Arguably the most popular commercial vehicle in South Africa by way of its dominance in the minibus-taxi market, the Toyota Quantum is a familiar face on local roads. Now, the all-new Quantum has landed – and it has a very different face indeed.

The new Quantum has moved away from a cab-over design to a “semi-bonnet” design, which creates a more spacious interior and enhanced aerodynamics.

The Quantum 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; as well as a six-seater long-wheelbase (LWB) crew cab. The GL Bus range offers 11-seater long-wheelbase (LWB) and 14-seater super-long wheelbase (SLWB) versions.

Overall length and passenger space have been increased. The width of the sliding-door opening has been increased by 70 mm, enhancing the ease of access in combination with a large step (with LED lamp on GL Bus). The sliding-door opening on the SLWB Panel Van has been widened, enabling Euro-size pallets to be loaded via the side and rear sliding doors.

Importantly, the 16-seater Ses’fikile Commuter will continue to be based on the same previous Quantum platform and built at Toyota South Africa’s Prospecton production facility. It also brings back the Hiace name. The Hiace Ses’fikile will retain the 2,7-litre petrol and 2,5-diesel engine and drivetrain.

The new Quantum, however, adopts a new 2,8-litre turbodiesel engine that delivers maximum power of 130 kW and peak torque of 420 Nm on all panel vans and the 11-seater bus model. The 14-seater bus makes do with power of 115 kW and peak torque of 420 Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted.

MacPherson strut front suspension combines with a leaf-spring suspension system at the rear. Toyota claims that the turning circle of the LWB version spans 5,5 m, and for the SLWB at 6,4 m.

Toyota has engineered in a high level of safety equipment. The new Quantum is equipped with an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), which combines with Hill-Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Trailer Sway Control (TSC).

The Quantum range starts at R473 900 for the 2.8 LWB Panel Van three-seater and rises to R613 500 for the 2.8 SLWB GL Bus 14-seater. The Hiace Ses’fikile 2.7 16-seater retails for R419 100 and R444 200 for the 2.5D 16-seater.

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