Avis Budget UK added the first five of 13 Mercedes-Benz Sprinters with EVM Cityline low-entry bodywork to its fleet during late 2023. They are for use at Heathrow Airport and have been supplied by EVM and Dawsongroup Bus and Coach.
Each has 12 passenger seats that are trimmed in leather and have additional padding. USB charging points have been specified along with a large luggage rack. Entry is via a Masats double-leaf door that is 120cm wide, and the minibuses are each equipped with a fold-out lightweight ramp from the same supplier.
A 12kW Autoclima saloon air-conditioning unit is mounted on the roof and complemented by convector heaters in the saloon. Tarabus non-slip flooring is installed, while a set of Hanover destination displays are fitted at the front and to both sides.
Entertainment is from a Mercedes-Benz Pro unit including a communications module. Speakers are integrated into the saloon roof, while the minibuses are also equipped with a reversing camera and Provision CCTV.
Externally, the bumpers, side skirts and mouldings and grille are all colour coded. Power in each vehicle comes from an OM 654 four-cylinder engine coupled to a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
