Ilesbus UK has received the first right-hand drive example of the I-City low-floor minibus. It is built on the 5,500kg GVW Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis and comes with a maximum capacity of 27 passengers.
A lowered ‘box’ section behind the front axle permits the carriage of one wheelchair user, while in what is thought to be a first for this class of vehicle, a minicoach-style rear boot is fitted with a top-hinged lid.
Ilesbus says it has maintained as much of the look of its existing Sprinter-based conversions in the I-City as possible. That extends to a front bumper spoiler and the side glazing arrangement. Standard is a roof-mounted 12kW saloon air-conditioning unit, double glazing, USB charging points at every seat and provision for a ticket machine. Three years’ warranty is included.
In a revision upward from what was first expected, the 27-passenger I-City comes with 20 seats and room for seven standees. The model is alternatively available with 17 seats and room for nine standees.
Ilesbus UK Director Gary Johns says that the Pyle, South Wales-based dealership expects to see a good market for the I-City. The model will also be available in Ireland and Northern Ireland thanks to Ilesbus’s recent agreement with JJ Kavanagh and Sons Bus and Coach Sales of Urlingford, Co Kilkenny to sell all its products.
“We have conducted market research over the past three months that suggests that there will be strong demand for the I-City,” says Mr Johns.
Separately, Ilesbus UK has completed a deal to supply a further six small coaches to London operator Anderson Travel. The order is made up of three Sprinter-based minicoaches and three PSVAR compliant midis built on the Iveco Daily chassis.
Ilesbus UK first announced the I-City and the PSVAR compliant Daily-based midicoach as part of a wider update on its product range in September 2020.
