TOYOTA SET TO CONTINUE TAXI DOMINANCE WITH SES'FIKILE

Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has launched a diesel powered Ses’fikile taxi with the promise of more power, lower fuel consumption and emissions and low noise levels.

The new derivative will be known as the Toyota Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D and is already available at Toyota dealers nationwide. The new model is powered by Toyota’s tried and trusted

2.5 turbo diesel engine, which utilises common rail injection and a turbo charger to deliver 75kW at 3600 rpm. More impressively the new addition to the Ses’fikile range offers 260Nm of torque in a wide band between 1600 rpm and 2400 rpm.

“Diesel power is highly popular amongst long range taxi operators thanks to the fuel consumption benefits of modern diesel engines. We believe that city bound taxi operators will also benefit from the option of a diesel engine in the Ses’fikile, not only for the fuel consumption benefit, but more importantly from this engine’s ample low down torque that will ease the hours of stop-start city driving,” says Andrew Kirby, Senior Vice President: Sales and Marketing at Toyota South Africa Motors.

According to Kirby the new Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D, with its low fuel consumption figure will make immediate business sense to taxi operators. He added that Toyota South Africa Motors will further support taxi operators by not only offering the standard 3 year / 100 000 km warranty, but also by reducing the cost of service parts and components by an average of 23% to further reduce taxi owners’ operational costs.

Toyota has combined the introduction of the new Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D with a range wide upgrade to the Ses’fikile range. The upgrade is most visible on the exterior, where the Ses’fikile’s lights, front bumper and grille have been changed to create a more modern look. Inside the vehicle, both the 2.7 litre petrol and new 2.5 D-4D versions now offers dual front airbags as standard equipment.

The Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D will offer the same level of specification as its petrol powered sibling. The comprehensive list of specifications include electric power steering, a tilt adjustable steering column, ABS with Brake Assist (BAS), a full complement of seat belts for all 15 occupants, central locking and an emergency escape roof hatch.

Other specifications include the compulsory reflective highlights, a fire extinguisher, driver guard and all legally required decals. As further benefit all Ses’fikile models are equipped with the ToyotaCare Microdot Anti-theft system, which allows authorities to identify the vehicle’s original engine number to better track down stolen vehicles or parts.

The Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D is equipped with an independent double wishbone front suspension, stabiliser bar and a rigid rear axle. The vehicle is 5 380 mm long and can tow a braked trailer weighing up to 1.4 tons.

Toyota Ses’fikile Pricing

2.5 D-4D (291 500)

STORY BY TOYOTA