Right-hand drive HD16 to make UK debut soon with many improvements over existing product
MAN has revealed more details of the all-new Neoplan Tourliner HD16 range, expected to make its right-hand drive debut at the UK Coach Rally in Blackpool on 6-7 May.
The coach is complete at Neoplan’s Ankara plant in Turkey and is a 13.9m tri-axle model. Also part of the line-up will be a 13.4m tri-axle and a 12.2m two-axle variant.
Completed to a high specification, the demonstrator will be used to illustrate what is possible with the new model.
Bus and Coach General Manager Wayne Ulph says that “the sky is the limit” for Tourliners built to order, but there will also be a single level of stock specification available.
First order placed
“The first customer order for the HD16 has been placed and we expect that coach to arrive by September,” says Mr Ulph.
MAN’s Euro 6c D26 engine powers the HD16, with ratings of 420 and 460bhp complemented by an optional 500bhp setting in tri-axle coaches.
The demonstrator has a wheelchair lift above the drive axle that costs no luggage space. In two-axle HD16s, the lift when specified will be above the steer axle.
“This is exciting for us as we have never been able to offer an accessible coach,” adds Mr Ulph. Unlike the current Tourliner, the HD16 will have a flat gangway and will also come with USB charging points and automatic headlights and windscreen wipers.
Enhanced specification
Also standard on the HD16 range are the Efficient Cruise and Efficient Roll programmes. The former uses GPS to track topography and optimise gearshift points and power delivery, while the latter allows the coach to coast on minor downgrades.
Combined with reduced weight and improved aerodynamics, Mr Ulph says the new Tourliner will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
