The Toyota Qualis is no raving beauty but Toyota's formidable reputation for reliability and value will bring great joy to many who had to tolerate India's poor existing range of utility vehicles that were unreliable, uncomfortable, noisy and hard to drive. It is roughly the size of a Sumo with sensible clean lines and a big top-hinged rear hatch. The 175mm tyres are on smal 14 inch wheel rims that make city driving crisp and easy but have enough clearance for the rough roads.
The power plant a well proven diesel fired 75 bhp 2446 cc L2 engine that provides smooth acceleration without the harsh noisiness of most diesels. With a big torque of 15.4 kgm at 2400 rpm, it has a snappy pick-up and will match the speed of most cars upto 90 kmph but can hit a top speed of 130.
The engine speed sensing power steering provides such precise control that any teenaged girl can easily handle it. The tough suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs in front and leaf springs at the rear with stabaliser bars smooth out the bumps and potholes without losing it's balance. It has a slight tendency to roll but does not lose direction with repeated fast cornering. The big ventilated front disc and rear drum brakes with load sensing valves effectively control speed without any grab, skid or squeak.
The dashboard looks like a luxury car with imitation wood paneling on the deluxe GST version with big and well illuminated instruments. The seating arrangements of 8 or 10 seats are flexible in three rows. The AC is effective with a powerful 3-speed blower in the dash and the option of an extra roof-mounted blower unit. Apart from the usual blower unit it has hi and lo buttons for extra cooling.
The fuel consumption according to ARAI tests is 15.1 Kmpl with AC and 18.1 without AC under ideal test conditions. A 30% drop can be expected in real life. It should be good as it weighs 1500 Kgs empty, or about 200 kgs less than a Sumo
The Qualis may be new for India but it is built on a successful platform that Toyota has been marketing to about 3 million customers over the past 12 years. Other versions like the Kajang in Indonesia, Venture in South Africa, Zace in Taiwan, Tomaro in Philippines and similar models in Thailand and Malaysia are popular with those who want a comfortable multi purpose vehicle.
The present plant capacity is 50,000 units with 20,000 planned for the first year. There will be five variants at prices to be announced at the launch on January 11. in Indonesia.
TOYOTA QUALIS (6 seater)
(Air Conditioned)
By Toyota Japan offers best A/c and comfort in its class. Recommended for small groups or large family.
Passengers : 6 (Including Driver)
Luggage : 5 (Incl. roof top carrier)
