This Torsus Praetorian 4x4 is not your average bus...

Taking the bus is usually a fairly routine, mundane activity – but that sentiment doesn't apply to this Torsus Praetorian 4x4.

Based in the Czech Republic, Torsus says this rugged vehicle is "the world's first heavy-duty off-road bus" – and it boasts plenty of specs to back up that claim.

Tough act

Torsus is owned by Pulsar Expo, a firm that specialises in vehicle conversions and fit-outs for niche, harsh and heavy-duty roles – it's vehicles are often supplied for use in developing nations.

Formerly charged with offering technical aid to organisations such as the United Nations, the US Department of State and the European Commission, among others, in 2016 Torsus was charged with coming up with a heavy-duty transport solution – and so the Praetorian 4x4 project was born.

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Unveiled at this year's Hillhead Mining Expo in Buxton, UK, the concept behind the Praetorian 4x4 is that it can replace a number of smaller vehicles – utilities, SUVs, 4WDs etcetera – when staff have to cover difficult terrain when enroute to their work site. Think mining, forestry, oil and gas – even 4x4 tourism and ski-field applications.

It's not just a concept, either. In fact Torsus says it's already delivered a number of examples to customers, and that it hopes to ramp up its production in Europe and then expand its operations to North America.

MAN base

While the Torsus name is clearly evident, underpinning the Praetorian 4x4 is an chassis and engine package from German commercial vehicle heavyweight, MAN.

The D0836LFL40 in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel can be tweaked for anywhere from Euro3 to Euro6 emissions compliance, and produces 240hp (176kW) and 925Nm. Drive is transmitted to all four wheels via a 12-speed MAN TipMatic automated manual transmission, while the entire plot rolls on MAN parabolic leaf-spring suspension.

Clambering over logs, boulders or insurgents should prove no problem thanks to 389mm of ground clearance, a dual-range transfer case, a differential lock and healthy approach and departure angles.

The vehicle's claimed fording depth of 700mm seems relatively modest in comparison, while the brute rolls on chunky Michelin XZL LT tyres (395/85 R20).

The standard-fitment DVD player, with front centre screen and speaker incorporated into the overhead luggage racks, will presumably drown out the zombie apocalypse being waged beyond the Praetorian's tinted windows (with stone protection).

Healthy payload

The Praetorian has seating for up to 35 people and room for a heap of gear. Torsus says the vehicle has a GVM of 13,500kg, with front and rear axle limits of 6300kg and 7800kg respectively, so even with a full complement of passengers there's plenty of payload in reserve for equipment.

The bus comes standard with a single 100-litre fuel tank, but the manufacturer says "with multiple configuration and customization options available, the Praetorian is adaptable to meet specific customer requirements".

To that end, the bus can be supplied in a right-hand drive format, in addition to its standard left-hand drive configuration.

While pricing isn't mentioned on the official Torsus website, a Dutch dealership lists new examples for sale for Euro 140,000 (approximately $A225,000).