Three examples of new model displayed: Two integral coaches and one on Scania K 450 EB chassis
Irizar’s i6S was one of the stars of last week’s FIAA show, with two integral coaches on the Spanish builder’s own stand complemented by a further body-on-chassis example displayed by Scania.
Both Irizar UK and Scania Great Britain have already revealed early details of their plans to introduce the i6S [routeone/news/24 May].
The new model is a development of the established i6, which Irizar has confirmed will remain in production.
The three in Madrid gave an indication of what UK buyers may be able to enjoy when both variants arrive here.
In two-axle integral form at 12.9m, the left-hand drive i6S shown is powered by a DAF MX-11 engine rated at 440bhp driving through a ZF AS-Tronic gearbox.
Irizar’s literature promises that DAF engines at Euro 6c have reduced internal friction, which coupled with a modified fuel injection system and other improvements, “provides a significant reduction in fuel consumption.”
Irizar makes the bold claim that when combined with a lower drag coefficient than the ‘classic’ i6, that will make the i6S integral “the most efficient coach in the luxury sector.”
The two-axle show coach has 57 i6 Plus seats and it is accessible to wheelchair users via a door towards the rear. Adjacent was a 15m integral that seats 65; it is powered by the MX-13 engine rated at 460bhp.
Scania’s contribution towards promotion of the i6S was a 14.1m example built on a tri-axle K 450 EB chassis. It seats 59 and is for a Spanish operator.
Close examination of the i6S shows that it exhibits a number of differences to the ‘classic’ i6.
Internally the most noticeable is in the cab, where a more modern dash and switch layout akin to the i8 is used.
Passengers also benefit from improvements, which Irizar says include increased legroom, enhanced air-conditioning performance and higher-resolution monitors.
Although both the front and rear aspects of the i6S are similar to the range-topping i8, closer examination shows that they are far from identical, furthering both Irizar and Scania’s claims that the i6S is not simply a derivative of either the i6 or i8.
Front fog light surrounds are different and the i6S lacks the i8’s chroming on the ‘smile’ beneath the windscreen.
At the rear, the i8 has a completely different window, pillar and bumper arrangement while the engine bay ventilation slats are to an alternative design.
The i6S in both integral and Scania-mounted form is due in the UK in the autumn.
