For the first time in South Africa; Toyota’s medium-sized people mover, the Coaster, makes its market debut. The Coaster fills the gap in the line-up left between the LWB Quantum (16-seater) and Hino 300-based bus conversions, and provides South African bus and tour operators a unique mobility solution.
History of Coaster
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.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering the Coaster is the 4.0-litre, inline-four N04C turbodiesel engine – delivering 100kW at 3000 rpm and 353 Nm at 1600rpm. This Hino-sourced engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
Layout & Seating
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.
Spec & Features
While the focus is on passenger comfort, the Coaster features simple-to-use and robust switchgear around the driver. A tilt & 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 naturally part of the product offering.
Safety specification includes ABS, Brake Assist (BA) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) as well as driver and passenger airbags.
The model is only available 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.
Model Line-up and 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 000km warranty. Customers can also purchase a variety of service and/or warranty add-ons at their local dealership.
