Irizar UK continues to see success with a roadshow across England, Scotland and Wales to display its new i6S Efficient integral. The seed coach will shortly restart that work after a brief break, with Sales Director Julie Hartley saying that the 12.9m, PSVAR compliant 55-seater has received good reviews from those operators that have seen it already.
The driving experience has also generated positive response, she adds. The demonstrator differs from the existing i6S by dint of its rear-view camera system. That package includes an additional view downwards from above the door, and to the lower front of the coach via a camera mounted within a small external bulge under the windscreen.
Dealership representatives have observed most drivers initially being cautious with the rear-view mirrors but quickly becoming familiar with them. Experience of the system by routeone on 5 September showed that it quickly becomes as self-intuitive to use as conventional mirrors, with coloured lines as part of the display units that mark positions in respect to the vehicle being useful when both manoeuvring and in motorway traffic.
Irizar has undertaken much work on the i6S Efficient to reduce weight and drag to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Use of rear-view cameras is part of that, but the front of the coach is now more rounded, and work has been undertaken at the rear for the same purpose.
The latter change has also seen space in window seats in the rearmost row improved, while other changes to the saloon see the cab extended by 145mm and the occupant of the courier seat gain 90mm. The aisle is widened by 20mm thanks to the use of higher-density steel as part of light weighting work, which Irizar previously claimed has delivered a like-for-like reduction in vehicle mass of 950kg.
Power in the i6S Efficient integral demonstrator is from a DAF MX-11 engine developing 408bhp and 2,100Nm of torque. That is harnessed by a latest-generation ZF EcoLife CoachLine automatic gearbox, with the axle ratio giving an engine speed of slightly less than 1,300rpm when at 62mph.
With the coach configured for fuel efficiency, Irizar UK says it has seen some excellent returns on long motorway journeys as part of its roadshow work. routeone achieved a figure of in the region of 12mpg on a mixed route, which included some idling.
Other changes on the new model are slight adjustments to the front and rear overhangs, with the former growing slightly at the expense of the latter. A Hispacold air-conditioning unit is lighter, more efficient and less bulbous, reducing drag, while a host of economy features configurable via the dash unit bid to further reduce fuel consumption.
Irizar UK already has orders in hand for around 10 i6S Efficient integrals. The new model supersedes the existing i6S and it will be available at the same lengths as its predecessor. The evergreen i6 remains in the dealership’s line-up and is now aimed at requirements for a cost-effective coach.
A second i6S Efficient integral for the UK is currently in build in Spain. It will be displayed on Irizar UK’s stand at Euro Bus Expo, to be held at the NEC Birmingham on 1-3 November. A comprehensive test drive report on the first coach will be published in the September issue of routeone on 14 September. Below is a selection of preview images. Click on each to enlarge or to scroll through the set.
