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| TOURISM The stylish and plush Quantum bus should find a ready market in the tourism arena. |
New Quantum Panel Vans from Toyota
Toyota's bakkies and vans have always faired well in the LCV market and commercial vehicles play a large part in the company's overall marketing plan. Models from the Hilux ranges continue to hold the number one position from a volume sales perspective but the discontinuation of the Hi Ace range (bar one model, the "Siyaya", catering to the taxi/minibus industry), has opened the way for a host of competitor models (Mercedes Benz Sprinter and Vito, Iveco TurboDaily and others), to capitalise on this growing commercial transport sector. The launch of the new Quantum range of LCVs, however, looks set to put Toyota back at the upper rungs of the panel van ladder, writes
FleetWatch's Paul Collings.
With a choice of six models for both goods and people transport, the fully imported vehicles are designed to "make work enjoyable," says Kiyokatsu Miura, chief engineer at Toyota Development Centre 1, the division responsible for engineering the Quantum. "When the design objectives were laid down for this new vehicle, we set the bar at a very high level to achieve a design that would provide a vehicle platform that would feature advanced engineering and styling that would keep the vehicle contemporary throughout its lifespan."
Safety first
According to Miura excellent crash safety was an important target from the outset. Also important was the provision of the optimum amount of cargo space. "Our initial studies showed that if we used existing design criteria for crash absorbing structures, then load carrying capacity would be negatively impacted by the space taken up in the length of the vehicle to include effective impact absorbing zones. This was unacceptable so we had to rethink the whole impact absorbing process and come up with fresh ideas and a new structure," he says.
"We developed new, two-layered, side members that are designed to absorb and disperse crash impact energy. We used the most advanced CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) systems to optimise this structure and the door impact beams to limit intrusions. We also developed a mechanism that helps prevent the brake booster assembly from pushing into the steering column and the driver's footwell in the event of a severe frontal impact. In Toyota internal crash tests, the standard body Quantum panel van surpassed the crash impact performance targets. Our goal of achieving top ratings in the class for safety was achieved."
He adds that in order to achieve the requirement for a long cargo floor length, Quantum vans have the radiator and engine placed well forward. This achieves the common goal of optimum space and optimum safety.
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FUNCTIONAL The idea at the drawing board was to make a truly functional commercial vehicle, allowing for ease of loading and offloading. |
Power options
The panel vans and the 14-seater bus unveiled at a media test run, come in two sizes - a 1 ton standard option and a 1.3 ton long wheelbase, wide body, high roof derivative. Both vehicles have the option of either petrol or diesel engines. Explains Miura: "The petrol engine specified for the Quantum is a latest generation 2,7 litre four cylinder unit with advanced VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing - intelligent) technology. A feature of this engine is high torque spread over a wide range for excellent performance and economy. Maximum power is 111 kW @ 4800 r/min. Peak torque is 241 Nm @ 3800 r/min. Almost 80% of this torque is available from just 1400 r/min through to over 5000 r/min.
The diesel variant is powered by Toyota's latest generation common rail direct injection 2KD-FTV diesel engine with turbocharger. The high-pressure common rail direct fuel injection system has been adapted to suit local diesel standards (Euro 2), and a 'drive-by-wire' throttle system assists in optimising engine power output, fuel efficiency and emissions. The advanced controls also contribute to lower combustion noise and improved torque at low engine speeds.
The engine features an aluminium cylinder head with double overhead camshafts and 16-valves. Engine displacement is 2,5 litres and maximum power is 75 kW @ 3600 r/min. Maximum torque is 260 Nm delivered between 1600 and 2400 r/min. The excellent torque characteristics of this engine make at least 200 Nm of torque available from just 1200 r/min. through to 3500 r/min.
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NEW HEADSPACE - A diesel and a petrol high-roof, LWB, wide-body park alongside a zippy standard diesel Quantum. |
Loading ability
Designed to offer optimum load area, both the Quantum panel van options fare well against their rivals in this department. The standard wheelbase Quantum panel van load area measures 2 930mm in length, is 1 545mm wide and 1 335mm high with a cargo capacity of 6,0 m3. The long wheelbase Quantum panel van has a cargo floor length of 3 470mm and an interior width of 1 730mm. The load compartment height is 1 635mm with a total load volume of 9,8 m3. The long wheelbase model has sliding doors on both sides and a high-lifting rear door making for easy forklift loading.
Gutsy comfort
This writer drove the long W/B petrol-powered van and a diesel-powered standard model. Both vans, which only require a Code 8 licenced driver, pulled well through the 5-speed transmission with the dash-mounted gear lever proving a pleasure to operate. There's certainly a good mix of bottom-end torque and top-end speed available from both engine types.
Negotiating a cambered curve in 5th gear at 60km/h, the long W/B petrol Quantum soon pulled its way to 120 km/h without a gear change. This model comes fitted with a 3rd front seat, but make sure the 3rd man is a lightweight - the cushioning is somewhat lean. The driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and well suited to ache-free middle-distance hauls.
Service and security
The Quantum comes with a standard 5-year, 90 000km service plan with 10 000km service intervals. Also included in the price is a 3-year, 100 000km warranty, a tracking voucher for any of the leading satellite tracking companies and free 'roadside assist'.
Toyota is the first OEM to use 'microdot' technology, a method of identifying vehicle registration (VIN number) details via the spraying of thousands of tiny encoded microdots, invisible to the naked eye but visible to a special reader, throughout the vehicle to preserve the vehicle identity in the event that it is stolen. The system has been rated "Best deterrent to thieves" by UK magazine 'What Car' and should put a serious spanner in the works of local vehicle thieves. Nice one Toyota.
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| ENGINEER The man behind the smart-looking and safe design, Toyota engineer, Kiyokatsu Miura, out from Japan for the launch. |
Price and market projections
Brian Eades, general manager, marketing planning, Toyota LCVs, reckons the Quantum panel vans are ideal for courier, airport and rental operations, as well as ambulances and small business applications.
"We are looking to sell 140 Quantum panel vans a month," says Eades. "They're very competitively priced, starting at R175 000 for the standard petrol model and the LWB diesel option retailing for R213 000. This is considerably less than several similar competitor vehicles."
With its trusted pedigree and after sales service, Toyota has a strong new offering in the Quantum. Both derivatives look good and have the power and body specs to do the job. With around 300 panel vans being bought every month, a 50% market share might well be achievable. Time, as usual, will tell. Good luck Quantum.
