Newly attired Toyota Quantum priced

Known internally as the H300, the Quantum, which bowed in the Philippine capital Manila as the sixth generation HiAce, breaks from tradition in that it adopts a semi-bonnet design for the first time in its 52 year production year history, which has been attributed to new crash test requirements and regulations deemed unsuitable for a cab-over layout .

Like with its Asian market cousin, the Quantum will be offered in four body configurations; a three-seat long and super long wheelbase panel van, a six-seat long wheelbase crew bus, an 11-seat long wheelbase minibus and the 14-seat super long wheelbase bus, the latter pair retaining the GL moniker.

Based on an all-new platform and equipped with a new MacPherson strut front suspension with the same leaf-spring setup at the rear as the HiAce that has been increased by 200 mm, the Quantum also comes with wider opening sliding doors and, in the case of the panel van, a cargo capacity of 6.2 cubic metres for the long wheelbase and 9.3 cubic metres for the super long.

Aside from boasting a brand new interior, the GL’s specification has been revised to include items such as daytime running LEDs, 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, electrically retractable mirrors, natural beige seat material in either fabric or synthetic leather and standard air-conditioning with rear vents.

On the safety front, Toyota has added tech such as Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, ABS with EBD and dual front airbags. A choice of three colours are available for the GL; Ivory White, Quicksilver and Light Blue Metallic, though the former pair are the only options for the crew bus and panel van.

In a departure from previous generations, the Quantum now comes powered by a single engine, the familiar 2.8 GD-6 turbodiesel used in the Hilux and Fortuner, though in two outputs with the panel vans and 11-seater producing 130 kW and the 14-seater 115 kW. Torque for both is pegged at 420 N.m with drive being routed to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Ruled out for South Africa though is the 3.5-litre V6 sourced from the Chinese market Land Cruiser Prado that produces 206 kW and 365 N.m, as well as the six-speed automatic gearbox.

Despite now being imported from Toyota’s Kariya Plant in Japan, the previous generation Quantum Ses’fikile has been retained with production still taking place at the Prospecton Plant outside Durban, though now with the HiAce moniker and still powered by the 111 kW 2.7-litre petrol or the 75 kW 2.5 D-4D turbodiesel engine and with 16-seats.

A three year/100 000 km warranty and nine year/90 000 km service plan is standard across the entire Quantum range.

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