Chassis has ‘improved greatly’ from original form, but rear-engined option is now back in focus
UNVI Bus and Coach reports that buyer interest in the six-cylinder engine option added to its Mercedes-Benz Atego-based Voyager GT midicoach has been strong.
Previously available only with the 5.1-litre OM 934, the UK and Ireland supplier recently added the six-cylinder, 7.7-litre OM 936 as an option.
MD David McKinless says that while more enquiries are being received for vehicles with the larger engine, the OM 934 will remain available.
It’s planned that higher-specification Voyager GTs will come with the OM 936 rated at 238bhp coupled to a six-speed Powershift automated manual transmission.
Others will retain the OM 934 developing 211bhp driving through a six-speed manual gearbox. Torque outputs are 1,000Nm and 850Nm respectively.
“The Atego has improved greatly from when it was launched at Euro 6 and the six-cylinder engine is superb,” says Mr McKinless.
He adds that the 15,000kg GVW Atego-based Touring GT is seeing significant interest in its 270bhp option. At that rating, the OM 936 develops 1,100Nm of torque and it also comes as standard with an eight-speed Powershift gearbox.
UNVI Bus and Coach is also looking once again at offering an MAN-based rear-engined variant of the Touring GT. “Pursuing a rear-engined option is back on the roadmap. That vehicle will replicate the Atego-based Touring GT in every area except for the engine location,” says Mr McKinless. “Our ambition is for it to have the same glazing and panels.”
The rear-engined coach will be available in mid-sized form only and be based on the MAN RR2 chassis. No date has yet been given for its debut.
