Two midicoaches from Anadolu Isuzu will debut under the AOS brand at Euro Bus Expo: The Visigo and the smaller Turquoise. They’re supplied by Harris Auto, which says they will change the existing market
A new name at Euro Bus Expo (EBE) is AOS. Two mid-sized coaches will be displayed that are from the Turkish-built Anadolu Isuzu stable: The 9.3m Visigo and the smaller Turquoise, both imported by Harris Auto.
Development of the Visigo for the UK and Irish market is at a more advanced stage than the Turquoise. The first right-hand drive Visigo will be shown, and 20 are on order to be available for delivery by March. They will seat a maximum of 39 or 41.
The Turquoise on show is a left-hand drive model. Right-hand drive examples will be “significantly facelifted” and slightly longer, says Harris. Up to 33 seats will be possible, although VIP variants of both models with 2+1 seating will be available.
Harris is keen to hear feedback on the coaches as it puts the finishing touches to their interior specifications.
There are a handful of elements of the Visigo that require minor alteration. After EBE and November’s CTTC show in Dublin, the seed vehicle will return to Turkey for that work.
But while the vehicles are the ‘big ticket’ items, Harris is working hard behind the scenes to ensure that AOS products are well supported, alongside its Higer and LDV ranges.
It has invested significantly in parts stockholding at its Dublin base, and it has a network of representatives in the UK: Albion Coach Sales, based in Scotland; John Hill Coach Sales; RWT Commercial Services; and in Northern Ireland, HAJ Group. “This is not a get rich quick scheme. We have invested a huge amount of money in coaches and we are sure that they will shake up the market,” says General Manager Chris Haughton.
The Visigo
The Visigo is an attractive midi. It has a rear-mounted Cummins ISB6.7 engine rated at 320bhp coupled to a ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox. The radiator is on the UK offside.
Unladen weight is 9,750kg and GVW is 13,500kg. A continental door behind the rear axle is fitted to the show Visigo, but the production batch of 20 will come with a mixture of that layout or with an emergency door in the same location.
Double-glazing and wood-effect flooring are standard and the gangway is flat, giving the option for a luggage locker-mounted wheelchair lift.
Sege seats are fitted. Harris will offer four colour combinations of real leather from stock, and it will be able to source a number of other schemes to order. USB charging points are fitted throughout along with a smaller number of 240v points.
The pre-production model has a rear floor-level toilet, and the cubicle includes a small area of storage. Roof-mounted air-conditioning is accompanied by perimeter radiator heaters and the locker doors are powered.
Complementing the windscreen is a glazed roof dome. It admits a large amount of additional light to the platform, but it is fitted with a powered cover that can be extended when required. And it is a true cover, not a blind; when closed, there is no indication that any glazing is present.
As a further glazing option, the Visigo can be specified with a glass roof on coaches that are built to order.
The Turqoise
Turquoise models in right-hand drive will come in at just over 8m in length, partially to satisfy the Irish VAT rule. “The coach that we are showing at EBE is to give an indication of what is available, but it is not the production model,” says Chris.
The first right-hand drive Turqoises will be available from June 2019 and the importer believes that there will be a useful market as a replacement for Mercedes-Benz Vario-based vehicles.
Power is from an Isuzu four-cylinder engine mounted behind the front axle. It develops 210bhp. The show vehicle has a six-speed manual gearbox, but examples in right-hand drive will come with the same number of ratios in an automated ‘box.
“Anadolu Isuzu will launch the facelifted Turquoise in right-hand drive. That gives an indication of the potential that it sees here,” says Chris. Harris has already ordered 20.
“The Turqoise starts life as a coach, not as a truck. That aside, there are 38 Isuzu dealers in the UK, and at Harris Auto we will also hold every part in stock.”
On the road
Last week routeone was able to drive both of the AOS models, although the Turqoise was restricted to Harris’s large yard.
The Visigo is an impressive performer. Its Cummins engine is more than adequate for the job and it accelerates quickly, but fuel consumption should be helped by the relatively tall gearing; at 62mph the ISB6.7 is turning at around 1,500rpm.
Manoeuvrability of both coaches is excellent, and the Visigo has a commanding driving position for its class. The standard-fit reversing camera is also useful, while noise levels in the cab are low.
The Turqoise as driven is different to those that will be built in right-hand drive form, but it is a pleasant enough vehicle to pilot nonetheless. Despite the engine being close to the driver, it is well insulated and does not intrude unduly.
Of the two, the Visigo particularly stands out. It is a composed and well-equipped midicoach, and when the small number of interior modifications have been made, it will be a near-certain challenger in its sector.
In addition, the Visigo arguably has a ‘wow factor’ from a passenger’s perspective. Combine that with a pleasant driving experience and backup that the supplier promises will be first-rate, and all that remains is for Harris to prove that the AOS products are built well if it is to prosper.
Why Anadolu Isuzu?
Although the two AOS products are completely separate models, they share a loose family appearance. There are some other common aspects, too; for example, in what is believed to be unique in the smaller coach sector, each is able to carry a ski box.
While retail prices have not yet been decided, Harris says both vehicles will be competitive in that regard. As is usually the case with coaches from lower-wage economies, a lot comes as standard, and the Visigo also benefits from a European-made driveline.
A good variety of options are available on both models, and possible trim levels extend from relatively simple ‘bums on seats’ versions to VIP variants. Additionally, accessible configurations will be available.
Harris has placed a combined order with Anadolu Isuzu for 40 vehicles, and the cost of starting production in right-hand drive is significant.
Additionally, the Turqouise and the Visigo will be certified under the Whole Vehicle Type Approval process, and Harris has invested heavily in a showroom in Dublin that is dedicated to coaches and minibuses.
Chris says that the AOS range will dovetail with Harris’ Higer offering. In the latter case, the first Super 9 for a UK buyer will soon enter service, and plans are well in hand for at least one additional model to join it.
“Our major focus is on the midicoach market. We are going to increase the choice for buyers. Offering both the AOS and Higer products in this sector is the right thing to do as they are different vehicles,” he adds.
“The Visigo is narrower than the Super 9 and it is slightly shorter. It meets a different demand and will be of particular interest where coaches spend time on narrower roads. We were very clear that the right-hand drive Visigo must be available for at EBE. That came at a significant cost to Harris Auto. We have also spent money on putting service and support infrastructure in place.
“Now, we have the right products, too.”
