Plus and Ultra versions increase seats to 23 and 27 respectively on new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter base
Mellor unveiled extended Plus and Ultra versions of its Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based Strata low-floor minibus at EBE as it continues to target stage carriage demand for small vehicles.
Both will be built solely on the new Sprinter. They grow the Strata range and both deliver an increase in capacity.
The Plus variant is 8.1m long and carries up to 26 passengers, 23 seated. The Ultra model is further extended to 8.8m. Thanks to an uprated GVW of 6,000kg, it seats 27 with three standees.
“We have learned a lot from the standard Strata and our production methods have become smarter, allowing weight to be removed without any compromise of structural integrity,” says MD John Randerson.
“The Plus and Ultra versions of the Strata continue our expansion into a new segment of the market while doing things differently to other models. Both models continue the Strata’s excellent fuel consumption and purchase price.”
The Plus will be available for delivery from January 2019 and the Ultra from April. Both have a wheelbase that is extended by 100mm, increasing the low-floor area. The remainder of the increase in length is in the rear overhang.
Low Emission Bus certification has already been achieved for the Plus, and Mellor is confident that it will follow in the the Ultra soon.
Up to two wheelchair users can be carried in both models and they are also highly customisable, with high-specification seats and floor coverings available along with next-stop announcements, climate control, USB charging points and wi-fi among options.