News

Triple treat for Toyota Coaster (682)

** New model due in April
** 20,000 sales locally
** 40th anniversary in Australia

Toyota Australia has given local buyers of the perennial Coaster bus three special reasons to celebrate, headed by a complete styling and safety redesign due here within two months.

Coaster's extensive upgrade is focused on enhanced safety with the introduction of airbags for the driver and front-passenger seats, and a stronger frame that improves body structure and rigidity.

The upcoming Coaster also features new exterior and interior designs, a more spacious cabin, larger doorsteps for easier entry and exit, and an additional passenger seat - bringing the total to 22.

News of the latest Coaster comes as the long-running model passes a significant sales milestone with the 20,000th delivery in Australia.

Coaster is also marking its 40th anniversary since arriving in this market, making it one of the country's most enduring automotive nameplates.

Toyota Australia's executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the redesigned Coaster will enhance the vehicle's appeal as a capable transporter.

"Coaster's new frame, greater use of high-tensile steel, a revised suspension set-up and twin airbags all contribute to outstanding safety," Mr Cramb said.

"The new exterior design is simple and modern while offering the tough characteristics required for Coaster's use in a variety of conditions," he said.

"Inside, Coaster is quieter and more comfortable with a taller and wider cabin and a revamped cockpit that is more driver-focused while offering better visibility."

Coaster comes in two grades, Standard and Deluxe, equipped with reversing camera, satellite navigation, air-conditioning and a 95-litre fuel tank. Deluxe models gain a sliding central door instead of the Standard grade's folding door.

Coaster is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 4.0-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel engine that meets Euro 5 emissions regulations.

It delivers 110kW of power at 2700rpm and 397Nm of torque at 1800rpm. The Standard bus comes with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The Deluxe is auto only.

The Coaster was first launched in Japan as the 'Light Bus' in 1963. In 1969 the vehicle underwent a partial redesign and was later renamed Coaster - a name which it has continued to use for almost 50 years. It was launched in Australia in 1977.

Coaster supports the movement of people around the world, being sold in more than 110 countries and regions. Global sales have now exceeded 550,000 vehicles.

The Coaster bus range is covered by Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing at $360 a service^*.

More details of the redesigned Coaster bus, including pricing, will be announced closer to the launch.

CURRENT PRICES^#

STD manual $116,690
DLX manual $120,770
DLX auto $127,910