Toyota Quantums: the vehicles that carry South Africa's working class. They are a regular sight on our local roads as they zoom up and down to transport people across the nation. Known locally as a taxi, these vans are both controversial and attention-grabbing.
The Quantum is also known as the HiAce and Ses'fikile, although the latter is specifically designed and detailed for South African roads. It has colourful decals paying tribute to the South African flag along with the mandatory emergency exit and passenger load signs.
Toyota has dubbed the Quantum Ses'fikile the 'modern solution to everyday transport' and it's easy to see why it's a beloved minibus. From transporting commuters, to hauling building equipment, to serving as an ambulance, the Toyota Quantum takes many shapes and forms and is a cornerstone of South Africa's automotive market.
Unveiled at the Toyota Japanese production factory in 1967, the HiAce was built to be a camper van/minibus vehicle. Toyota looked to take on their rival, Nissan, whose Homy van was released two years prior to the HiAce.
Toyota added various upgrades to the HiAce until the second-generation model was unveiled in 1977. The updated model featured a redesigned face, most notably with the square headlights that are now characteristic of the Quantum line-up. It was also the first Toyota to have seating for up to 15 passengers.
The Quantum range continued to develop up until the current six-generation model, which is fitted with modern features such as aircon, central locking, and a CD-player.
Specifically designed to transport several people at a time, the Toyota Quantum has easy-access sliding doors, seating for 16 people, cup holders, anti-lock braking system (ABS), front and passenger airbags, and electric power steering.
The base Toyota Ses'fikile is available with a 2.7L four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC VVT-I engine producing 111kW and 241Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels through a five-speed gearbox.
Toyota offers their own financing options for Toyota Quantum and Ses'fikile models to structure a financing deal that their customers can afford. The Toyota South Africa website also has a financing calculator you can use to estimate how much a Toyota Quantum will cost.
The Toyota Quantum retails from R388,000.
The Toyota Ses'fikile retails from R419,100.
You can also rent a Toyota Quantum or Ses'fikile through a reliable car hire service if you need to transport multiple people for an event or occasion.
Toyota offers a standard warranty with the Quantum and Ses'fikile models, with unlimited cover for three years or up to 100,000 km, and a service plan covering six services or up to 60,000 km. For more Toyota Quantum information, visit your nearest Toyota dealership or browse its specs on the Toyota South Africa website.
The Quantum is supported by the Toyota Service Plan, giving owners access to maintenance at Toyota dealerships and their Genuine Parts Promise, and an option to extend the plan for up to 10 years or 195,000 km.
The MyToyota insurance policy is optional on all new Toyota vehicles. It gives owners access to insurance designed specifically for Toyota products and covers against accidental damage, hijacking and theft, hail damage, third-party liability, and windscreen damage.
It also includes home, road, medical, legal, and trauma assistance, along with storage and towing assist. There is also credit protection in the event of death, retrenchment, or permanent disability.
Many vehicle insurers offer affordable car insurance along with a range of assistance benefits. To learn more about them, simply enter your personal and vehicle's details in the hippo.co.za comparison tool and compare insurance quotes and benefits from multiple insurance companies.
Sources: Toyota South Africa, Wikipedia, NAAMSA
Information provided for informational purposes. Prices quoted correct at the time of publishing this article.
