A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Toyota Coaster vs Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster: the short answer
SL Roadster has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Coaster remains close.
Coaster starts ZAR 2,740,650 cheaperCoaster from ZAR 1,207,600 · SL Roadster from ZAR 3,948,250
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Coaster
SL Roadster
Maximum Power
Coaster110 kW
SL Roadster430 kW
Maximum Torque
Coaster420 Nm
SL Roadster800 Nm
Engine Size
Coaster2755 cc
SL Roadster3982 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Coaster7.5 km/l
SL Roadster7.7 km/l
Ground Clearance
Coaster180 mm
SL Roadster115 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Coaster
2.8D GL 6AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Coaster
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
SL Roadster
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Performance
Which One's Right for You?
Coaster
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
SL Roadster
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2026
Generation
Current South African Coaster listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Current South African SL Roadster generation represented by derivative SL 63
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
Current South African model cycle
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Midibus
Convertible
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
-
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
Current South African retail range
Segment
Bus
Luxury convertible
Tare Mass Kg
3670 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Bus
Convertible
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Length
6990 mm
4705 mm
Width
2080 mm
1915 mm
Height
2635 mm
1359 mm
Wheelbase
3935 mm
2700 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
180 mm
115 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
120 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
95 l
70 l
Boot/Cargo Space
472 l
240 l
Kerb Weight
3670 kg
1970 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
5325 kg
2000 kg
Payload Capacity
1655 kg
420 kg
Towing Capacity
1400 kg
2000 kg
Seating Capacity
23 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Doors
2 doors
2 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
6.25 m
Front Headroom
981 mm
960 mm
Rear Headroom
953 mm
960 mm
Front Legroom
1045 mm
900 mm
Rear Legroom
896 mm
900 mm
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
Double wishbone
Independent multi-link suspension
Rear Suspension
Leaf spring
Independent multi-link suspension
Power Steering
Standard
-
Front Spring Type
Double wishbone
-
Rear Spring Type
Leaf spring
-
Front Suspension Type
Double wishbone
Independent multi-link suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Leaf spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf spring
Independent multi-link suspension
Suspension
Double wishbone
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Overhead vents for all seats
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
KEYLESS-GO
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
-
AC Type
Overhead vents for all seats
Automatic climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Overhead vents for all seats
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
Not Available
-
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Grey PVC or fabric depending on specification
-
Air Conditioning
Overhead vents for all seats
Automatic climate control
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Overhead vents for all seats
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Cabin Heating
Available above all seats
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Source Model Column
coaster
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trim Level
top
-
Variant Role
Core range derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Engine
Turbocharged Petrol
3982/V8
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
M177
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
48V Mild Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2755 cc
3982 cc
Cylinders
4
8
Cylinder Layout
Inline
V
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Twin Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Direct injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
8.6:1
Bore
82.0 mm
83.0 mm
Stroke
94.6 mm
92.0 mm
Maximum Power
110 kW
430 kW
Maximum Torque
420 Nm
800 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
430 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
800 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
48 V integrated starter-generator
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
1
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Drive Type
FWD
AWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
9-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
210 km/h
315 km/h
0-100 km/h
7.8 sec
3.6 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
12.0 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Launch Control
No
Yes
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
7000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
30 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.4 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
0
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
No
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Gearbox
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Drivetrain Layout
RWD/
AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Permanent AWD transfer system
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Number of Gears
6
9
Transmission Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain
RWD/
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
No
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
0
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
No
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Gearbox Type
Automatic
9G-TRONIC automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
0
Low Range
Not Applicable
0
Axle Layout
RWD/
Driven axle configuration: AWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
6
9
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Claimed Mileage
7.5 km/l
7.7 km/l
City Mileage
6.1 km/l
7.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.8 km/l
7.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
95 l
66 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
0 l
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
7.5 km/l
7.7 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
95
66
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
0
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
0
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
0 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
0 km
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Airbags
Driver and passenger airbags
7
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
AEB
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Not Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Not Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Cruise Control
Not Available
Adaptive cruise control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Ventilated disc brakes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Front and rear
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Seat Material
Grey PVC or fabric depending on specification
Nappa leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front heated seats
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Model/option dependent
Steering Type
Standard
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
64-colour ambient lighting
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear USB Ports
Standard
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Interior Colour Options
3
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Fabric Seats
Grey PVC or fabric depending on specification
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Electric adjustment with memory
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Coaster grade before assuming a feature is included.
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Grey PVC or fabric depending on specification
-
Floor Trim
Grey PVC
-
Interior Colours
3
-
Seat Trim
Grey PVC or fabric depending on specification
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Infotainment System
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Android Auto
Not Available
Wireless Android Auto
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
13
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
Standard
USB-C ports
AUX Input
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen Size
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Infotainment Display
Standard
-
Rear Usb
Standard
-
Display Audio
Standard
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
Standard
-
Infotainment Screen
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Connected Services
Toyota Connect
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Standard
-
Touchscreen
Standard
MBUX multimedia system
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
LED Headlamps
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
LED daytime running lights
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Exterior Colour Options
3
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Body Type
Bus
-
Exterior Colour Options
1
-
Headlights
Not Available
LED High Performance headlamps
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic glass roof / model-specific roof
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Applicable
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
No
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
No
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Applicable
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
185 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
185 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Tyre Size
Not Available
255/45 R20
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
20-inch alloy wheels
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
20
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Ventilated disc brakes
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Maintenance Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Service Plan Distance
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Service Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Years / 100000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
334 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Spec
Coaster
SL Roadster
Ownership Role
Top
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Price Zar
1207600 ZAR
3948250 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
1207600
4725000
Starting Price Zar
1207600
4725000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Coaster and SL Roadster comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Coaster 64 vs SL Roadster 100.
Efficiency index: Coaster 38 vs SL Roadster 38.
Safety-equipment index: Coaster 88 vs SL Roadster 95.
Practicality index: Coaster 76 vs SL Roadster 47.
Ownership-cover index: Coaster 43 vs SL Roadster not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Coaster and SL Roadster image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
SL Roadster leads by 9 points
SL Roadster has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Coaster remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
SL Roadster
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
47/100
Coaster
Performance
64/100
Efficiency
38/100
Safety
88/100
Practicality
76/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz SL Roadster
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 64 pts for Coaster
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, SL Roadster leads. However, Coaster may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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