After several years on the market, it's time for an update. Most customers of the Toyota minibus are companies and those operating passenger transport services in nearby areas. The Toyota Coaster Diesel 2.8 6AT minibus continues the success of the original Coaster model. Besides seating over 20 passengers, this Toyota three-oval minibus is known for its durability, low maintenance costs, and suitability for long-distance passenger transport in neighboring provinces. The 2.8-liter diesel engine offers fuel efficiency and ease of use with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Toyota Coaster Diesel 2.8 6AT is fully imported as a CBU from Japan, priced at 2,175,000 baht.
The development concept of the Toyota COASTER Diesel 2.8 6AT builds on the philosophy of next-generation travel spaces, addressing modern commercial transport needs that go beyond mere passenger carrying. It offers improved driving comfort, economic value, international safety standards, and long-term durability. Operating a large commercial bus (minibus) should not burden the driver. The previous 5-speed manual transmission is replaced by a 6-speed automatic (6AT), reducing driver stress and fatigue in congested city traffic or long interprovincial journeys, ensuring smoother and safer operations.
Downsizing Powertrain: Smaller engine with higher torque and better fuel economy. The era of large, fuel-consuming engines is over. The adoption of a modern powertrain meeting strict emissions standards is the answer. The previous large 4.0-liter diesel engine (N04C) is replaced by the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV VN-Turbo diesel engine delivering 420 Nm of torque at a low 1,400–2,500 rpm, capable of handling a 20-seat passenger body on inclines. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards, is fuel-efficient, and shares parts with the GD engine family (Hilux, TRAVO, Fortuner, Commuter), making parts availability and maintenance the easiest in the market.
Toyota minibus safety standards align with trends and public transport laws requiring minibuses to replace vans with safer body structures. The body is designed for strength (Rigid Body Structure) and equipped with safety features including 3-point seat belts at every seat, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), electric passenger doors with anti-pinch systems, emergency exit doors, and safety hammers meeting standards.
Passenger comfort is elevated from rigid bus seating to premium-class service, featuring a high roof and boxy body for increased headroom and relaxed seating spacing. It includes an air conditioning system with evenly distributed cooling vents for every seat and adds six USB Type-C charging ports, supporting the digital lifestyle of modern passengers.
Long-term business value: minibuses generate good profit for operators by being durable, low-maintenance, easy to repair, and retaining value. Fully imported as a CBU from Japan, the vehicle's structural durability and assembly quality are assured, complemented by Toyota service centers nationwide, clearly lowering maintenance costs per kilometer. This meets the needs of tourism businesses, hotels, organizational welfare vehicles, and government agencies with high cost-effectiveness.
Vehicle dimensions and capacity
Overall length: 6,990 millimeters, width: 2,080 millimeters, height: 2,635 millimeters. Wheelbase: 3,935 millimeters. Track width: front 1,690 mm, rear 1,490 mm. Minimum turning radius approximately 6.5 meters. Fuel tank capacity (diesel): 95 liters. Seating capacity: up to 21 seats (1 driver + 20 passengers).
The engine has been upgraded to a new diesel powertrain, switching to the durable and fuel-efficient GD family engine. It is a 2.8-liter (2,755 cc) DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, with Variable Nozzle Turbo (VN-Turbo) and intercooler. Maximum power is 150 horsepower at 2,500 rpm, with peak torque of 420 Nm between 1,400 and 2,500 rpm. It complies with Euro 5 emissions standards.
The transmission is upgraded to a 6-speed automatic (6AT), an improvement over the previous manual gearbox, providing easier, smoother driving and reducing driver fatigue. The drivetrain is rear-wheel drive (RWD).
Suspension and brakes: Front suspension is independent double wishbone with stabilizer bar. Rear suspension uses leaf springs with stabilizer bar for good load support. Brakes: front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Steering uses a power-assisted ball bearing system.
Wheels and tires: High-strength steel wheels fitted with commercial-grade tires sized 215/70 R17.5, designed for durability, heavy loads, and long-distance travel.
Long-term value: The Toyota Coaster Diesel 2.8 6AT’s engine and transmission have lower maintenance costs, reducing repair expenses. The switch to the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine, shared with Hilux, TRAVO, Fortuner, and Commuter, ensures easy access to parts, affordable maintenance, and nationwide technician familiarity. The engine boasts CBU-level durability with Japanese assembly and a reinforced safety frame designed for heavy commercial use, capable of running hundreds of thousands of kilometers comfortably. The 6-speed automatic transmission reduces driver fatigue in city and congested traffic by providing smooth shifting and lowering accident risk due to tiredness.
Safety and transport regulations compliance: Features include 3-point seat belts at every seat, electric doors with anti-pinch system, VSC/TRC/ABS, safety hammer, and emergency exit doors, meeting Land Transport Department standards. Suitable for tour companies, hotels, educational institutions, and organizational welfare vehicles.
Resale value and corporate image: Toyota’s commercial vehicles have the strongest resale value in the market, supported by a nationwide Toyota service network ensuring maintenance throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.