BAW South Africa has announced the introduction of its new 16-seater minibus taxi, which will be assembled in South Africa.

According to John Jessup, BAW SA’s Head of Sales in marketing and after sales, the brand’s three major objectives with the model are to provide Innovation, Passenger Orientation and Value. The minibus is known in China under the internal name of ‘009’ but will be locally known as ‘Sasuka’, which means “we are departing” in IsiZulu.

BAW Sasuka 009 – Features

The Sasuka will be equipped with a 2.7-litre petrol engine that delivers 110kW of power at 5200 rpm and 235Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.

Jessup added that the needs of passengers, drivers and operators seem to have been ignored within the taxi market when compared with the general market. With intent to give superior value, Jessup says their vehicles will be priced 15% below that of their main competitor but with many features and service plans catered for the customers.

The Sasuka taxi will be offered with a touch screen on the console which is not only a CD/radio but also a DVD player, a GPS navigation system built into the front console screen, and factory-fitted air-conditioning with units in both the front and forward ceiling area as standard. Further the vehicle will feature ABS brakes with EBD, retractable seat belts, remote (keyless) central unlocking, and integrated tracking hardware equipment.

Additional standard features include alloy wheels, wider white wall tyres, an additional 110 mm of space in the passenger seating area and ‘high back’ two tone UV resistant PVC seating with an 8 degree rear tilt capability.

BAW Sasuka 009 – Price

BAW Sasuka 009 – R275 990

BAW will include a two-year/200000 km service plan, which also covers maintenance of the entire braking system. Service intervals are every 10 000 km and will be undertaken via a one-hour express service concept. The warranty period is for two-years or 100 000km.