EVM has delivered the first PSVAR compliant example of its AOS Grand Toro front-engined midicoach. The vehicle has gone to Fylde operator Coastal Coaches, which has a second on order.
The dealership previously confirmed that PSVAR versions of both the Grand Toro and the larger AOS Visigo were in hand. An initial compliant Visigo is expected to arrive from the factory before the end of April, with EVM Area Sales Manager Matt Thompson noting that it will initially be used for demonstration purposes once prepared for service.
Mr Thompson adds that most Grand Toro stock that is to be accessible will land from Turkey in PSVAR ready condition, with items including destination displays and the lift fitted in the UK. However, some others will be fully completed at the factory.
As delivered to Coastal Coaches, the accessible Grand Toro has a 35-passenger capacity when carriage of a wheelchair user is not required. A lift is mounted immediately ahead of the drive axle, meaning that rear boot space is not compromised. When stowed, the lift sits above the central chassis rails.
EVM Managing Director Danny McGee previously said that the Grand Toro had quickly made good market headway after introduction by the dealer and converter, noting that it fits the gap left vacant since the departure of Mercedes-Benz Vario-based midicoach models around a decade ago.
At 8.52m long and 2.35m wide, the Grand Toro is powered by a four-cylinder Cummins B4.5 engine that is coupled to a six-speed Allison automatic gearbox. It is equipped with USB charging points, a multimedia unit, double-glazed side windows and various other amenities.
