Technology in design and application was key for Irizar UK as it showed developments of its i4, i6S and i8 integral coach range at Euro Bus Expo. Those vehicles sat alongside the debut of the ie tram battery-electric bus in right-hand drive format for Go-Ahead London.
The i6S Efficient on display followed the model’s presentation to operators via a recent roadshow. After Euro Bus Expo, the coach shown will be registered as a demonstrator. Irizar UK Sales Director Julie Hartley says that around 20 i6S Efficient integrals have already been sold by the dealership. Among those are six for a single customer. Four others are for Bayliss Executive Travel of Kent.
Alongside was the first i8 integral with rear-view cameras for the UK. It is to join the Ellisons Travel fleet of St Helens. At 14m long, it has 50 seats ahead of conversion to sports team specification for use by a Premier League football club. The camera system generated a largely positive response from visitors, Mrs Hartley adds.
A further UK debut was the i4 integral on two axles with 71 passenger seats and PSVAR compliance.
Mrs Hartley says that a weight removal exercise has allowed Irizar to develop a two-axle, accessible i4 integral with 70 seats or more for the first time. The show vehicle has been sold to Goldline Executive Travel of London.
In introducing the i6S Efficient earlier this year, Irizar highlighted weight reduction as one example of what it has done to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Irizar UK expects the product to quickly become its best seller, but Mrs Hartley adds that the dealership still has the standard i6 available and that it continues to attract orders.
“The i6 has the same body that it has always had, but the DAF/ZF driveline is the same as that fitted to the i6S Efficient,” she explains. “We have retained the i6 to allow us to be competitive on price in the market for vehicles purchased for contract work. It is still a modern looking coach.” A deal for two i6 integrals was completed at Euro Bus Expo.
