Isuzu MVR Bus Chassis: The Ultimate in Passenger Comfort

Prioritising passenger comfort, the newly launched Isuzu MVR bus chassis features a soft ride bus suspension, delivering a smoother ride while maintaining optimal safety, handling, and stability compared to truck-based bus chassis used by many competitors.

The important consideration here is the chassis is equipped with multi-leaf springs, shock absorbers and stabiliser bars in the front and the rear.

The MVR chassis has a 6 050 mm wheelbase, making it ideal for commuter applications. Its extended front overhang allows for the installation of a standard size passenger entry door, ahead of the left front wheel. This allows for easy passenger entry complemented by the Marcopolo Torino body that is fitted.

The MVR chassis has an overall length of 11 594 mm and a width of 2 367 mm. This equates to 12 600 mm and 2 600 mm respectively with the bus body installed.

The MVR chassis is powered by Isuzu’s trusted 7,79-litre inline six-cylinder 6HK1-TCS diesel engine, delivering 221 kW (300 PS) of power at 2 400 r/min and 980 Nm of torque from 1 450 r/min. It is paired with an Eaton 6-speed manual transmission.

Air Foundation Brakes

Its braking system comprises full air foundation brakes, an exhaust brake, and a magnetic retarder mounted to the rear of the transmission, enhancing both braking performance and longevity.

Designed with a higher profile relative to comparable truck-based bus chassis’, the MVR offers superior approach and departure angles, enabling effective operation in urban and rural environments. The engine is positioned further forward and lower, increasing floor space and providing comfortable seating for up to 66 passengers, 7 standing passengers, and the driver.

The vehicle utilises 315/70R22.5 tyres with 9-inch wheels, favouring contemporary industry preferences over the traditional 11R22,5 tyres with 8,25-inch wheels.

Long-distance Journeys

A 400-litre fuel tank supports long-distance journeys, with noted fuel efficiency across operations. Additional standard features include LED headlamps and tail lamps as part of the Marcopolo Torino body. Standard safety features include automatic headlights-on and an anti-lock braking system.

Passenger amenities such as air-conditioning, USB charging ports, and a sound system are available as optional operator configurations.

Iemraan Brown (Senior Manager: Planning & Program) says:

“The introduction of the new Isuzu MVR bus chassis represents a significant advancement compared to previous Isuzu bus models and current competitor offerings, as it is engineered specifically as a dedicated commuter bus chassis. In contrast, many competitors continue to use truck-based platforms, which typically involve rigid suspensions, truck transmissions, and require substantial chassis modifications.

"Each aspect of the Isuzu MVR chassis—including wheelbase, overhangs, suspension systems, engine placement, transmission with retarder, driver position, braking system, fuel tank capacity, auxiliary air tanks, electrical components, exhaust configuration, and tyre specifications—has been meticulously optimised for bus applications. This comprehensive approach maximises passenger capacity and comfort, providing ample legroom.

Urban and Rural

"An increased chassis height offers enhanced approach and departure angles, making the MVR chassis suitable for both urban and rural environments.

"The gearing is carefully calibrated to deliver superior fuel efficiency in both stop-start city driving and open road driving conditions.

"Furthermore, the power and torque outputs surpass those of comparable competitors.

"In summary, the Isuzu MVR bus chassis is a robust solution requiring minimal modification during bus body installation.”

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 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.