After its global reveal in September 2016, the new Neoplan Tourliner made its UK debut last weekend. MAN is already in a bullish mood about its prospects here thanks to positive customer response
The new Neoplan Tourliner made its right-hand drive debut at the UK Coach Rally in Blackpool last weekend and MAN Truck and Bus says that operators delivered a positive verdict.
A development of the existing model, the new Tourliner utilises the same Euro 6c driveline as already in production. But it is also noticeably different inside and out.
“The demonstrator enters service with its first operator – a very prestigious one – this week and it is busy for the rest of the year,” says Head of Bus and Coach Wayne Ulph.
“We have ordered 16 stock coaches in a mixture of two- and three-axle configuration for delivery from September.
“The demonstrator is very highly-specified to give operators an idea of what is possible with the new Tourliner.
“Besides stock examples, we can also offer customised models. If a vehicle ordered for stock is not past the ‘point of no return’ at the factory we can use it as the base, or alternatively we can do the work at our Bus Modification Plant in Plauen.”
Like its predecessor, the new Tourliner is available at three lengths: 12.1m on two axles and 13.4m and 13.9m on three.
What’s new?
The new Tourliner’s most obvious change is in styling. Perhaps a little overdue, the rework gives a more rounded look to the front and rear and several operators voiced their approval, with the rear receiving particular praise.
Internal changes are also significant. There is now a flat floor, which permits access for wheelchair users.
The demonstrator has a wide nearside door over the drive axle, and a lift is present where a ski locker would otherwise be. It is thus the first accessible coach to be built for MAN for the UK market.
Overhead luggage racks have been redesigned and they are very wide. On the underside of them, a new passenger service unit is introduced, with more functionality than before, and underfloor luggage storage space is increased.
At 13.9m the new Tourliner can carry a maximum of 63 passengers. The shorter variants take up to 57 and 53 respectively.
Crunch the numbers
Engine choice was rationalised by MAN at Euro 6c and all models use the 12.4-litre D26. In two-axle coaches it develops 420bhp as standard, with a 460bhp option; in three-axle models 460bhp is standard with a 500bhp option.
The latter is intriguing. A test drive of a Tourliner with the Euro 6c D26 showed that at 460bhp it pulls incredibly well, and an additional 40bhp looks set to give a power unit that will hold its own against anything.
MAN’s automated manual TipMatic gearbox – a rebadged ZF AS-Tronic – is standard, but Mr Ulph says that addition of the ZF EcoLife option is being considered for 2018.
Power and efficiency
MAN promises that the new Tourliner will be more fuel efficient than the coach that it replaces by at least 10%.
That improvement has been achieved by three means. Around 65kg of unladen weight is removed, and the revised styling contributes to lower wind resistance. MAN claims that the new Tourliner has a drag coefficient equivalent to that of a mid-sized van.
The driveline also plays a significant part. A very tall axle ratio is fitted, and when the Euro 6c D26 and TipMatic combination was driven earlier this year, the engine recorded just 1,150rpm at 62mph.
“The D26 produces its peak torque from the very low speed of 930rpm, and the driveline makes the most efficient use of that via a stretched rear axle ratio,” says Mr Ulph.
Additionally, EfficientCruise is standard along with EfficientRoll. EfficientCruise is a GPS-supported cruise control that can predict approaching topography, allowing gear selection and power delivery to be optimised.
EfficientRoll engages neutral on modest downhill stretches where the coach has sufficient momentum to retain the set speed and doing so is judged to be in the best interests of economy.
Scores on the doors
MAN has seen strong numbers for the outgoing Tourliner in recent years, and Mr Ulph expects that to continue with the new model despite there being what is describes as a modest increase in price.
“We are hoping to deliver around 80 units of the new Tourliner per annum, and operator response at the rally tells me that that is an achievable figure.
“It is a true all-rounder and we are confident that the new coach has what it takes to make its mark in the premium segment.”
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Unveiling of the new Tourliner in right-hand drive has been keenly anticipated. While the outgoing coach at Euro 6c has very little wrong with it, the existing design has been around for some time and memories of its issues at Euro 5 linger.
Among other things, the new Tourliner reintroduces a hint of the flair that characterised the Neoplans of old.It will not be mistaken for any other model and operators at the UK Coach Rally were positive about the new coach’s looks. Promises of significant improvements to what is already impressive fuel economy will also be welcomed.
Perhaps, if the new Tourliner is successful, MAN will be convinced to expand the Neoplan range in right-hand drive. We will see.
