Ses’fikile now available in diesel One of South Africa’s favourite pastimes is to bemoan the sorry state of our public transport system – or lack thereof. All efforts aside, the South African minibus taxi reigns supreme in terms of road ubiquity, much to the derision of fellow motorists but perhaps quiet gratitude of their patrons. There is little to be done about the human nature of a car’s driver, but that should not detract from the fact that, as a vehicle, the minibus taxi oils the gears of the South African workforce. Efforts have been made to raise the standard of the taxi fleet on our roads, through various initiatives and passing of laws, which seems to have made a slight improvement. A recent influx of taxi brands from the East and India have at least seen a more modern breed of machine on the roads as well, and are becoming increasingly popular.
However, the Toyota Ses’fikile (meaning “we have arrived” and based on the Quantum platform) is still regarded as the ultimate informal public transport machine, having proven itself in all the necessary departments since its launch 3 years ago, when the Taxi Recapitalisation Programme deemed the existing Toyota Hi-Ace Siyaya redundant. So with around 30 000 Ses’fikiles bumbling about on (and off) our roads, making them available in a diesel variant simply makes sense from and economic and ecological point of Toyota view, and that’s what’s just happened with the new Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D.
Toyota’s much loved and proven 2.5-litre diesel powerplant and the beloved D-4D branding looks set to offer taxi operators and owners improved reliability, fuel economy and running cost benefits. The common rail injection turbo-charged unit delivers 75kW at 3600r/min and 260Nm of torque, more than ample and very well suited towards (ahem) “heavier” loading. The power band has been tweaked and widened from 1600r/min and 2400r/min, suitable for the stop-start nature of public transport vehicles. The diesel variant also offers the ability to tow up to 1.4 tons, making it a viable prospect for longer distance passenger (and luggage) carrying. All this should make sense with taxi operators, who lately seem to be recognising the value of a premium investment in terms of longer term profitability. Additional to a 3 year/100 000km warranty, the cherry on top is Toyota SA’s stated commitment towards reducing the cost of service parts and components by an average of 23% to further reduce operational costs.
To distinguish the latest incarnation of the Ses’fikile, Toyota has thrown in some revised headlights, and a modernized front bumper and grille. If you’re one of the lucky passengers riding in the cabin, you will have the added comfort of dual airbags up front as standard equipment (although perhaps 3 or more would be even better). Power steering through an adjustable column, ABS with brake assist, reflective highlights, driver guard and the legally required decals are included and, should all this not prove sufficient and the need arise, an emergency escape roof hatch and fire extinguisher is also thrown in for good measure. ToyotaCare’s Microdot Anti-theft system, which is a form of intelligent “digitally coded” paint treatment, is also included in the Ses’fikile features list, which allows authorities to identify the vehicle’s original engine number to better track down stolen vehicles or parts. The interior specifications offer the same as the petrol version, including seatbelts and seating for 15 occupants, held comfortably on the road via an independent double wishbone front and rigid rear axle. So while we, nor Toyota, may not be able to similarly influence the driving habits of the person driving a Ses’fikile, we can take comfort in the fact that they are doing all they can to make sure at least the vehicles are as clean, safe and responsible as possible. The new Ses’fikile 2.5 D-4D is on sale now at dealerships nationwide at R291 500. - Kevin Willemse