Toyota has extended its Quantum range by introducing a new 10-seater people carrier, and dollied up the existing models to fit in with new styling and specifications.
Why a 10-seater when there’s already a very popular 14-seater in the line-up?
That’s a matter of convenience. By law all minibuses with 12 or more seats may only be driven by a person who holds a Professional Driving Permit, or PDP, which has to be renewed annually.
Most non-professional drivers couldn’t be bothered with the schlep of complying with this, so Toyota responded to the demand for a vehicle that ordinary people with a code eight light motor-vehicle licence could drive.
The Quantum range is now made up of four distinct vehicles, 10- and 14-seater buses, and long- and short-wheelbase panel vans, each offering a choice between 2,7-litre petrol or 2,5-litre D-4D direct-injection turbodiesels.
The new 10-seater is both shorter and lower than the bigger versions, leaving passengers with the same legroom for fewer seats. The lower height, Toyota says, came about because of “problems some people experienced when entering basement parking lots.” Don’t ask!
Safety standards for the 2007 Quantums are high, with all passenger models coming standard with dual airbags, ABS brakes with brake-assist and three-point seatbelts all round.
There is remote central locking and a transponder immobiliser and alarm, and vehicle security has been enhanced by the ToyotaCare microdot system that is standard on all Quantums. This system involves the spraying of 10Â 000 microdots all over the vehicle, each bearing the vehicle’s VIN number.
Virtually invisible to the naked eye, these are almost impossible to remove, meaning that stolen cars or components stripped from them can be identified, even years down the line. This isn’t unique to Toyota, by the way, although they’ve tagged it with their name when used on their vehicles. Nissan started offering microdot security in South Africa last year, and various companies will apply the microdots to any existing car for under R1Â 000.
In the minibus versions, whether 10- or 14-seaters, air conditioning is standard, and the rear roof-lining incorporates ducting with independent outlets above the seats. An RDS radio/CD player is part of the package. Seating in the 10-seaters is arranged in a 2/2/3/3 configuration, with the larger version offering an additional row of four seats at the back. These can be folded away to provide luggage space.
In the panel vans, the backrest of the centre seat folds forward to provide a useful centre console, complete with additional cup-holders, a storage compartment large enough for an A4 folder, and a work-surface sturdy enough to support a laptop computer.
The panel vans also now come with PVC load mats, and a load-partition is available as an option. The commercial vehicles come with key-operated central locking, while the people-carriers lock and unlock via remote control. A tilt-adjustable steering column is standard, as are electric remote side mirrors, electric front windows, and ABS brakes with brake-assist.
Both engines fitted to the Quantum deliver plenty of urge when required. The 2TR-FE 2,7-litre petrol engine produces 111kW at 4Â 800 rpm, with peak torque of 241 Nm arriving at 3Â 800 rpm. The new KD-FTV four cylinder turbodiesel churns out 75kW at 3Â 600 rpm, and its torque spread of 260Nm between 1Â 600rpm and 2Â 400rpm is sure to attract lots of buyers to the oil-burning option.
Pricing
2,7-litre 10-Seater Bus — R239Â 000
2,5-litre D-4D 10-Seater Bus — R249Â 400
2,7-litre 14-Seater Bus — R239Â 750
2,5-litre D-4D 14-Seater Bus — R249Â 950
2,7-litre Panel Van — R176Â 750
2,5-litre D-4D Panel Van — R186Â 850
2,7-litre LWB Panel Van — R205Â 030
2,5-litre D-4D LWB Panel Van — R215Â 130