Coasting to a stop
South African commuters will see the Toyota Coaster for the first time as the new people mover slots into its space in the gap left between the LWB Quantum (16-seater) and Hino 300-based bus conversions.
Powering the Coaster is a 4,0-litre, inline-four N04C turbo-diesel engine - delivering 100 kW at 3 000 r/min and 353 Nm at 1 600 r/min. This Hino-sourced engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
A 23-seater layout has been adopted (including driver), with
six single-file seats on the passenger side, six double-seats on the driver
side and a four-seater bench in the rear – offering seating for 22 passengers.
The first-generation Coaster was introduced in 1969 as a single-deck mini-bus, seating 17. Various iterations of the Coaster have been offered, with seating capacity ranging from 17 to 26. The second and third generations followed in 1982 and 1993 respectively.
The current fourth-generation model went on sale in 2017 and featured an increase in length, width and window height - it was also the first model to be designed by Toyota's incorporated Commercial Vehicle (CV) company.
While the focus is on passenger comfort, the Coaster
features simple-to-use and robust switchgear around the driver. A tilt and
telescopic steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID), 12-volt power
outlet and Toyota audio system with Aux and USB functionality are included. The
Toyota Connect in-car telematics and Wi-Fi system (with complimentary 15GB) is part
of the product offering.
Safety specification includes anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as well as driver and passenger crash bags.
The model is available only in White, accompanied by the regulatory mini-bus stickers and chevron demarcation. The interior is finished in highly-durable PVC, for both seat and floor trim. Similarly, Urethane has been employed on the steering wheel and gear lever.
Pricing
Coaster 4.0D 5MT LWB - R899,900
Coaster models are sold with a 6-services/60 000 km service
plan (intervals set at 10 000 km) and 3-year/100 000 km warranty.
