Toyota rolls out Coaster revamp

Forty years after the Coaster bus was first introduced to Australia, Toyota has rolled out a significant update of the platform with a focus on safety, comfort and technology.

A new-look range comprises three Coaster models – two Standard variants with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission, and a single Deluxe variant with four-speed auto.

Toyota says it decided to drop the previous Deluxe manual variant to better realigned the range with existing customer demand.

Stronger, safer
The new Coaster now benefits from a stronger and more rigid frame, plus upgraded suspension and the addition of driver and front-passenger airbags.

The new frame utilises a circular structure to connect roof reinforcements with side pillars, while an extra side pillar is now found near the front-passenger seat. The extensive use of high-tensile steel sheets and high-precision laser welding also boost strength, says Toyota.

The Coaster's ride has been improved with the use a thicker stabiliser bar for the double-wishbone front suspension and new bushings, while the rear leaf-spring suspension also features a new stabiliser bar.

The Coaster's new body is now bigger, being 70mm taller and 45mm wider, giving extra headroom when walking down the centre aisle.

The seating arrangement sees seven double seats located behind the driver, with seven single seats (two ahead of and five behind the side door) separated by the aisle.

The entry door step is now 70mm deeper and passengers benefit from an overhead luggage ruck. Footrests have been added behind the driver's seat and the rear-wheel housings, while the Deluxe model is now fitted with window curtains.

The Deluxe model comes with cloth seating upholstery, while the Standard model seating is available in PVC and fabric upholstery.

Driver convenience
The driver has a new dash layout with extra storage options and improved technology. There's a new 6.1-inch touchscreen multimedia unit with satellite-navigation, CD player and USB input, along with voice commands.

Air-conditioning and a reversing camera are standard, while the driver's steering wheel is adjustable for tilt and reach.

The new Coaster continues to be powered by a 4.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. With Euro5 compliance, Toyota claims it produces 110kW at 2700rpm and 397Nm at 1800rpm. It's fed by a 95-litre fuel tank.

Externally, the Coaster receives new headlights and taillights, rear fog lights, rear high-mounted stop lights and twin rear doors.

Standard models are fitted with a folding side door while the Deluxe model receives an electric sliding door, The Deluxe can be easily differentiated from its Standard siblings by the black panel beneath its windscreen. The Standard models have a body-coloured panel instead.

The Coaster is offered in the sole colour option of French Vanilla.

Price hike
In line with the upgrades, Toyota has also revised its pricing for the Coaster range. The Standard manual model is now $119,500 plus on-roads (an increase of $2810), while the Deluxe auto is now $130,500 plus on-roads (an increase of $2590).

The Standard auto is a new variant, and is priced at $126,500 plus on-roads.

The Coaster range falls under the Toyota Service Advantage capped-price servicing scheme, which covers the first six services at $360 each.

Toyota says over 550,000 Coasters have been sold globally since the model's birth as the Toyota 'Light Bus' in Japan in 1963. Locally, over 20,000 Coasters have been sold since the model's entry to the Australian market in 1977.

Toyota Australia's executive director, sales and marketing, Tony Cramb, said the improvements would only add to the platform's enduring appeal for buyers as diverse as sporting groups, medical facilities, tourism operators and more.

"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 said.