Ukraine-designed all-terrain bus wins two prestigious international awards

Ukrainian entrepreneurs Vakhtang Dzhukashvili and Yulia Khomich call their Torsus Praetorian bus the first vehicle of its kind in history. One could argue that similar projects existed in the USSR and other countries, but there’s little denying that this one is special.

The people hauler has recently won the German Innovation Award and the Red Dot Design Award, which clearly indicates that it’s not just another hobbyist project gone wild. That said, it isn't exactly entirely Ukraine-made, because the company responsible for building it resides in the Czech Republic.

Furthermore, the Praetorian comes based on the chassis of the German-made MAN truck, as well as its huge 6.9-liter six-cylinder diesel engine worth 240 hp (179 kW) and 925 Nm (682 lb-ft) of torque. The semi-automatic gearbox, AWD system, diff locks and reduction gear also stem from the MAN truck.

It’s the off-road specs that truly astonish. With its formidable 389 mm (15.2 inches) of ground clearance, the bus can navigate water obstacles up to 700 mm (2.3 feet) deep. It accommodates up to 35 passengers and is 8,450 mm (27.72 ft.) long, 2,540 mm (8.33 ft.) wide and 3,720 mm (12.2 ft.) tall with 4,200 mm (13.8 ft.) between the axles. Its composite bodywork does much to reduce its weight, bringing it down to 13.5 metric tons (nearly 30,000 lbs). The top speed lies at 117 kilometers per hour (72.7 mph), and the standard fuel tank holds 100 liters of fuel (200l and 300l options available).

One of the most interesting features of the project is its high versatility and customizability. Torsus offers purpose-built versions of its Praetorian bus to clinics, rescue teams, firefighters, military organizations and more. Wilderness campers may opt for the Overlander spec fitted with a spacious bedroom, a shower cabin, a WC, a kitchen with a fridge, a leisure area, and a side tent.