When considering different vehicle types for overlanding, 4×4 vans do not fair as well in extreme terrain compared to their smaller counterparts such as Land Rovers, Toyotas and Jeeps. Overall length, rear overhang, wheelbase, ground clearance, height, width, turning circle, and breakover angle immediately spring to mind on the downside. On the upside however, substantial payload, a ceiling height to stand up in, along with a voluminous interior for several berths, bathroom, kitchen, and a garage are valid arguments for adventurers, explorers and sports enthusiasts in search of remote destinations.
A NEW INTERNATIONAL PLAYER
Founded in the Czech Republic in 2016, TORSUS makes a bold claim to build the world’s toughest heavy-duty off-road buses. Initially, the company’s focus was directed towards the mining industry: an inhospitable, harsh and punishing environment for man and machine. As far as any automotive manufacturer is concerned, the environmental and mechanical duress imposed upon vehicles in mines, above and below the earth’s crust, pose destructive and life-limiting challenges. Challenges the development team at TORSUS made their own when they set out to produce crew buses capable of reliably mastering their occupational circumstances and transporting passengers safely. Day in, day out.
Currently, TORSUS offers two models, Terrastorm and Praetorian, respectively based upon the MAN TGE and TGM. The partnership with MAN reassures customers with tried-and-tested technology and an extensive global service network.
Both platforms have solid credentials and offer potential for travel. So, when TORSUS called and invited us to put their latest developments to the test on a military proving ground near Prague with the promise of mud pits, corrugations, steep inclines, and cross-axle challenges, well…one word: absolutely!
PART 1: TERRASTORM
Walking around the Terrastorm, the rear and side views leave little doubt as to its heritage. The front, on the other hand, still bears the factory silhouette but with some facelift surgery setting it apart from its TGE brothers and Crafter cousins. Other than the TORSUS logo embellishing the grill, the brand’s signature manifests itself beneath the waistline with two offset pairs of additional driving lights integrated into the sculpted valance.
EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES
Depending upon Terrastorm’s intended employment—which can range from panel van to bus or ambulance—the exterior upgrades include:
- FRONT BUSH BAR Robust enough to clear a path through the undergrowth (and imposing enough to part urban traffic like an old man’s staff the Red Sea).
- PROTECTIVE GRILLES on the rear light clusters
- STURDY LADDER bolted to the left rear door provides easy access to the roof and doubles as the spare wheel carrier
- WINCH, mounted behind the front spoiler
- DELTA ALUMINIUM OFF-ROAD WHEELS shod with BF Goodrich 265/70 R17 AT tyres
- SIDE STEPS
- DURABLE LINE-X™ PROTECTION to the lower body panels
On the face of it, this could just be one of many cosmetically styled vans in the sense of more show, less go…if it weren’t for some significant improvements inside the wheel arches and beneath the chassis:
- RALLY-PROVEN SUSPENSION
- 110 MM LIFT
- FULL-LENGTH ALUMINIUM PLATE UNDERBODY ARMOUR Protecting the sump, drivetrain, and rear differential.
INTERIOR
We had two Terrastorms at our disposal: Ambulance and Coach. Both specified with the H3 roof offering an interior height of approx. 1.83 m.
The First Responder Ambulance is designed for emergency services working under extreme weather conditions and in difficult terrain. Fully equipped for surgery, complete with self-levelling gurney, the interior can be custom configured.
Opening the sliding door of the Coach, I am welcomed by an interior full of promise. It’s hard to overlook the passenger seating fitted with five-point harnesses. There is no doubt that this bus has been built to deploy mining crews or emergency teams into difficult terrain, potentially at speed.
TORSUS fits the interiors of all their passenger vehicles with insulation panels, over-seat storage with reading light consoles, and a multi-purpose floor system with integrated airline rails. The latter makes the interior as versatile as your imagination—quick release locks facilitate moving seats into different configurations. Add tables, increase/reduce the luggage bay volume, install equipment, workbenches or anything else you might need in the knowledge that, regardless of the route you have chosen, everything is going to stay exactly where you put it even in the event of a collision.
The interior is robust yet comfortable, aesthetically crafted and versatile. The leather and Alcantara upholstered seats lend an air of luxury.
What you don’t see are the integrated roll bars hidden behind the covering panels of the B and C pillars. A huge safety improvement for those shit-happens moments.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The powertrain comprises a four-cylinder 2.0-litre biturbo E6 diesel producing 177 BHP and 410 Nm at 1,500 – 2,000 RPM driving through an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox (as opposed to a DSG box with clutch) and smart all-wheel drive with an electronically activated mechanical central diff lock. A 6-speed manual gearbox is optional.
The MAN smart all-wheel drive permanently monitors driving conditions and can transfer the driving torque between the front and rear axles as required in 0.084 seconds. Torque distribution between the axles (without the central diff lock) ranges from 0 to 100%.
The TORSUS Terrastorm gives the overall impression of being smaller than it really is when driving off pavement. This is partially down to the electromechanical power steering which makes it “feel” more like a car than a 5.5 ton van. Just remember to keep an eye out for low hanging branches.
It had been raining for several days before we arrived, so there was plenty of water and soft glutenous clay-based mud to look forward to. After a brief drive to accustomise, the first hurdle was a series of deep cross-axle gullies. The increased ground clearance providing increased approach and departure angles was beneficial and, with the front right wheel pawing the air, the combination of central diff lock, ASR and some left-foot braking kept the vehicle moving forwards.
The mountain goat-like ability to overcome steep inclines and descents can be attributed to the blend of ample torque at low revs, automatic gearbox, all-wheel drive, and the diff lock. Under the premise of driving as slow as possible and as fast as necessary, the Terrastorm behaved predictably.
But Terrastorm really excels when pushed to the limits. The new suspension setup, increased ground clearance, extended wheel travel, and highly responsive steering equates to comfort and control at speeds I wasn’t expecting from a vehicle in this class. Fast cornering on muddy, corrugated surfaces led to controlled drifts without chatter in the steering or tramping of the wheels. Even when running across ruts and potholes, Terrastorm’s behaviour is impressive and a far cry from factory Crafters and TGEs.
OVERLANDING
TORSUS presented a camper conversion kit, including an awning, for the Terrastorm which, thanks to the floor consoles, turns a week-time workhorse into a recreation vehicle within minutes. As much as this may be useful for weekend getaways or an adventure vacation, I see a lot of merit in converting either a Cargo or Coach into a fully fledged overland truck.
CONCLUSION
With Terrastorm, TORSUS have successfully improved an already interesting platform. As far as spaciousness, comfort, drivetrain, off-road capability, a global service network and an ongoing programme of off-the-shelf accessories is concerned, all the boxes have been ticked. All modifications have been sanctioned by MAN so the factory warranty still applies.
Finally, the starting price of €59,500 for the Terrastorm Cargo 4×4 H3 including 8-speed automatic gearbox, underbody armour, side steps, integrated roll bars, ladder/spare wheel carrier, optimised suspension, winch, and Delta wheels fitted with A/T tyres, is a game changer.
Yes, the TORSUS Terrastorm is a strong contender for overlanding and van life.
Editor’s note: Watch out for Part 2: Praetorian
SPECIFICATIONS
TORSUS Terrastorm based on MAN TGE or TGM
Technical Data
Approach angle: 26°
Departure angle: 20°
Breakover angle: 11°
Fording depth: 820 mm
Side slope: 28°
Gradient slope: 65% | 33°
Overall length: 6400 mm
Height: 2880 mm
Width: 2440 mm
Ground clearance: 290 mm
Photography by Tristan Brailey
