2017 Toyota Coaster Bus Seat Variation, Drive, Crash Test, Safety, Design – Video
The 2017 Coaster features a stronger and more rigid frame, the addition of driver and front-passenger airbags, and upgraded suspension hardware and tuning.
The Coaster’s new body is 70mm taller and 45mm wider with more upright sides for more interior space and more headroom when walking down the central aisle.
The roomier cabin has enabled Toyota to install an additional seat opposite the driver, lifting passenger capacity to 21 people (in addition to the driver).
The three-vehicle Coaster range has been realigned to meet shifting customer demand, adding an automatic version to the standard grade, while discontinuing the manual version of the higher Deluxe grade.
Exterior upgrades include new headlamps and taillights, twin rear doors with an emergency exit, a larger entry step, and rear fog and high-mounted stop lamps.
A modernised dashboard layout provides a more functional work space for the driver, including better visibility and additional storage options. A new 6.1-inch touchscreen incorporates satellite navigation and upgraded audio operations with a CD player, USB port, and the ability to use speech commands.
All Coaster models are equipped with reversing camera, air-conditioning, tilt-and-telescopic adjustment for the steering column, and a 95-litre fuel tank.
Toyota Australia sales and marketing executive director Tony Cramb says he is confident the new model will be well received.
“New features, improved safety, a stronger frame, larger body and greater interior space will enhance Coaster’s appeal as a capable and flexible transporter in a wide variety of conditions,” he says.
The Coaster’s new frame improves rigidity by utilising a circular structure that connects side pillars with roof reinforcements. An additional pillar has also been added near the front passenger seat for greater body stiffness.
The double-wishbone front suspension has been upgraded with a thicker stabiliser bar and new bushings to promote handling stability and ride comfort. Coaster’s rear leaf-spring set-up, chosen for its reliability, features a new stabiliser bar.
The Coaster’s 21 passenger seats are arranged into seven double seats behind the driver separated by an aisle from seven single seats (two forward and five behind the side door).
Passengers now benefit from an overhead luggage rack and curtains have been added to the Deluxe bus.
The power comes from a turbocharged and intercooled 4.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that meets Euro 5 emissions regulations. It delivers 110kW of power at 2700rpm and 397Nm of torque at 1800rpm.
Standard buyers have the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. The Deluxe is now automatic only.