After more than a decade of steady demand for midicoaches from Ferqui on Mercedes-Benz chassis-cowls, the Spanish coachbuilder has successfully tapped into demand for Iveco products.
Launched in the UK in 2007, the Sprinter-based Soroco has been developed progressively and has been sold by Connaught PSV since the Doncaster dealer took over the franchise six years ago.
Although an example of the third-generation Soroco (S3) was on the Connaught stand at Euro Bus Expo, it was flanked by a pair of similar looking vehicles on the lastest Iveco chassis-cowls.
Branded as SRs the Iveco option is proving increasing popular and is rapidly dispelling long-standing reluctance within the midi-coach sector to experience the Italian brand. However, according to Connaught Managing Director Steve Peach, it is the preferred replacement for the Mercedes-Benz Vario.
He says: “Drive it and you’ll buy it.” And the 25-seat SR on the stand in the 70th anniversary livery of Wilfreda Beehive is evidence of how a sceptic can be converted, according to Mr Peach.
The more-popular 33-seat SR, available for £116,500, was the third vehicle on the stand.
Meanwhile, Mr Peach is looking forward to the 2019 launch of the restyled and enlarged version of the Soroco (S4), which will seat up to 22 passengers. Production is expected to start in March.
