Comprehensive line-up shown at EBE as i6, i6S and i8 can satisfy all requirements, says the dealership
Irizar UK continues to promote the benefits of the new DAF/ZF driveline in its integral coaches, with the dealership saying that the establishment of the i8 integral at the top of the market gives it a “comprehensive line-up.”
Opportunities for customisation add further appeal, says Director Steve O’Neill, and he highlights the value for money delivered by the i6S integral. The premium over a comparable i6 is now £5,000. For that, the buyer gets a host of extras.
“But the i6 integral still plays a massive part of what we do,” he adds. “When combined with the i6S, the i8 and our low-height, high-capacity i4, it allows us to offer a very wide product range.”
In the premium segment, Irizar UK has now sold 26 i8 integrals, 10 of which are for Ellisons Travel Services. One of them, and the first with the new driveline, was present at EBE. it comes with a DAF MX-13 engine developing 530bhp coupled to a Traxon automated gearbox.
Potential for fuel savings is generating interest among operators in the latest-generation DAF engines and ZF gearboxes. Irizar UK believes that a 6% like-for-like reduction is a real-world figure, which has been partly facilitated by a reduction in vehicle weight.
Meanwhile, it has been revealed the Irizar is working on a hybrid option for its i6 and i6S integral coaches in conjunction with the Traxon gearbox. Full details are awaited, but an element of engine-off capability will be delivered. It will potentially be available to UK buyers in time for the 2020 season, says Mr O’Neill.
