New Torsus Terrastorm Is A VW-Based 4×4 Minibus For Serious Off-Roading

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 (174 HP), mated to either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

“In the all-new Terrastorm we signal our ambition to set new standards in the heavy-duty 4×4 minibus market across some of the toughest industries known to man,” says Vakhtang Dzhukashvili, founder and CEO of Torsus.

“We built Torsus to be a trailblazer and redefine the way people think about commercial vehicles, and the Torsus Terrastorm is the next step on our journey to make this reality,” the executive adds.

The off-road van will be revealed later this month, with sales following in the third quarter of this year.