There aren’t that many rugged 4×4
minibuses in the world capable of transporting up to 21 passengers in places
that can’t be reached by roads. Low demand for such vehicles may explain why
the offer is very limited at the moment, but that doesn’t seem to discourage a
Czech company called Torsus. The Prague-based specialist in heavy-duty off-road
buses is teasing a new model called Terrastorm, described as “the world’s most
capable 4×4 minibus.”
If the looks seem familiar, it’s because
the Terrastorm uses a Volkswagen Crafter / MAN TGE chassis as a basis. Due for
release later this month, the Torsus Terrastorm “is set to cause a stir in the
commercial vehicle sector” – at least that’s what the company is hoping.
Building on the VW Crafter 4Motion chassis, the Terrastorm features uprated
heavy-duty off-road suspension to reach places that other similar vehicles are
not able to get to.
Torsus will offer it in a variety of
configurations designed for private customers, businesses and organizations
that need a rugged and capable vehicle. The company says the vehicle is
engineered to transport people and cargo to and from some of the toughest jobs
such as mining and emergency aid, no matter the location.
The Terrastorm will be powered by advanced
Euro 6 engines and drivetrains, though Torsus does not provide details for now.
We do know, however, that the most powerful engine available on the VW Crafter
4Motion is a 2.0-liter TDI with 177 PS, mated to either a six-speed
manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.
The off-road van will be revealed later
this month, with sales following in the third quarter of this year.
