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Toyota has released its next-generation Quantum. Here's all you need to know about the van.
It features enhanced practicality and comfort levels with reinvented power delivery (and a larger turbodiesel engine), extra convenience and cargo carrying ability, added safety features and new design.
New design
The biggest departure from the previous Quantum model is undoubtedly the change from a 'cab-over' to 'semi-bonnet' design. The new design provides for a more spacious interior and modernised look with enhanced aerodynamics. This stylish revision to Quantum has increased the overall length and passenger space, with improved leg room and seating comfort.
The front design includes a united radiator grille and headlights. GL Bus models receive chrome treatment to the grille as well as vertical LED Daytime Running Lights, fog lamps and colour-coded bumpers and door handles. Other exterior features for the Quantum include newly- designed 16" steel wheels, as well as newly-designed large multi-functional side mirrors (power-retractable on GL models) to enhance visibility.
Image: Motorpress
The character line along the side design flows dynamically rearwards from the front extending to the rear. The rear design highlights the Quantum’s purposeful wide stance. Similarly, the generously-sized bumper, large combination tail lights and aerodynamically-designed chamfered corners create a simple and functional impression.
Imported new generation range
The Quantum range comprises new panel van and bus derivatives, with the option of 3-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 wheel base (LWB) and 14-seater super long wheelbase (SLWB) versions.
All models have evolved from the cab-over configuration and now feature the all-new semi-bonnet body type with excellent safety features, dynamic new engines and a more comfortable and quieter ride for a relaxed travelling experience.
Performance
The suspension and its peripheral parts of the undercarriage have been renewed, and the engine relocated in a semi-bonnet configuration. This helps provide a powerful, stable and quiet ride, for sustained comfort even on long commutes.
The Quantum’s new 2.8-litre engine adopts a turbocharger with intercooler, which helps produce powerful dynamic performance while enhancing fuel economy and quietness.
The four-cylinder, 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine delivers maximum power of 130kW/420Nm, on all panel vans and the 11-seater bus model. The 14-seater bus delivers power of 115W/420Nm.
Transmission and suspension
Its six-speed manual is tuned to simultaneously achieve top-class fuel economy and excellent dynamic performance, while gear shifting is smooth and has a high quality feel.
A MacPherson strut suspension is adopted for the front and a leaf spring suspension for the rear - conferring ample suspension stroke. The suspension helps achieve excellent straight-line stability as well as a quiet and comfortable ride.
The braking system – comprising front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes – was designed to deliver reliable stopping performance regardless of the road surface condition, loaded weight, or number of passengers.
The turning circle of the LWB version spans 5.5m and 6.4m for the SLWB.
Enhanced interior
Spacious seating measurements have been attained by increasing the cabin length and width for better legroom and headroom.
The seat material on the GL Bus models is presented in beige with a combination of synthetic leather and fabric. The Panel Van range seats are fashioned in grey fabric.
Image: Motorpress
The width of the sliding-door opening has been increased by 70mm, enhancing the ease of access in combination with a large step (with LEDs 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.
On the GL Bus models, the anterior of the front side mirrors has been lowered and a large quarter glass installed to help ensure excellent forward visibility. An auxiliary mirror has been added, enabling checking in the downward field of view.
A high-performance manual air-conditioning system (model specific) is adopted, which enables control of the air for the rear seat passengers (where applicable) from the AC controller on the instrument panel. Roof-mounted air vents (where provided), help create a comfortable space for all occupants.
Safety
The new Quantum is equipped with various active and passive safety technologies. The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) ensure that the maximum braking power is produced without locking the tyres and distributes optimal braking force to the left and right wheels.
Image: Motorpress
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) suppresses a sudden loss of vehicle stability during cornering; and when on an incline the Hill-Assist Control (HAC) system will temporarily keep the vehicle from rolling back.
The Quantum is also outfitted with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) that will automatically detect excessive movement of the trailer and uses the brakes and engine power to help reduce it, keeping you in control.
Other passive safety systems include driver and front passenger airbags, and with the adoption of the semi-bonnet configuration, impact energy in the event of a collision is absorbed. For security, a wireless door lock and an alarm and immobiliser are provided.
Hi-Ace Ses’fikile
The 16-seater Ses’fikile Commuter will be renamed Hi-Ace and continue to be built on the current platform (previous Quantum) at Toyota South Africa’s Prospecton production facility. The Hi-Ace name is well known and trusted in South Africa, and pays homage to the iconic ‘Siyaya’ commuter busses of the 90’s. The Hi-Ace Ses’fikile will retain the 2.7 litre petrol and 2.5 diesel engine and drivetrain.
Pricing
Quantum 2.8 LWB GL Bus 11-seater – R 597 700
Quantum 2.8 SLWB GL Bus 14-seater – R 613 500
Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater – R 473 900
Quantum 2.8 LWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) – R 481 400
Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater - R 509 500
Quantum 2.8 SLWB Panel Van 3-seater (AC) – R 517 000
Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater – R 482 600
Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (AC) – R 490 100
Quantum 2.8 LWB Crew Cab 6-seater (Front & Rear AC) – R 495 600
Hiace Ses’fikile 2.7 16s – R 419 100
Hiace Ses’fikile 2.5D 16s – R 444 200
All Quantum models come with a nine-year or 90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months/10 000km. Toyota’s standard three-year/100 000 km warranty is also provided.
