Group test

Although Covid-19 was still prevalent in early Autumn, the staging of Coach Euro Test 2021 (CET) in Slovenia was never really in doubt. Last year, a similar group test event was due to be held in Limerick, hosted by Fleet Bus & Coach, but unfortunately the International Bus & Coach Jury had to cancel the Bus Euro Test 2020, due to the global pandemic. This year, even with the cloud of Covid 19 overhead, eighteen of the twenty-two jury members from all around Europe made their way to Bled, Slovenia for the event. Four manufacturers were represented, Volvo Buses, Setra, Neoplan and VDL Bus & Coach.

On this occasion, two new sponsors, Goodyear and DKV came on board to join regular main supporters, Busworld and ZF.

Tourism and Coach Operators were among the worst effected by Covid-19, and nobody can yet be sure what the long term consequences of the global crisis will be. Initially most people have been concerned about their health and that of their loved ones, but as we ease out of the crisis, business people, especially bus and coach operators are now looking at how their companies can be brought out of their slumber, back to life and profitability. From a manufacturer’s point of view they will need to be ready for what trends will emerge. Most coaches will have had a year off the road at least. Will this lead to a slow down in sales for the coming future? Who knows. At the CET, four manufacturers put their best foot forward, two with double-decker models, namely the VDL Futura FDD2 and Volvo with its 9700 DD. The other two were high-floor tourist buses: the Neoplan Cityliner C and compact Setra S 511 HD.

The Neoplan Cityliner is steeped in heritage and tradition. Originally it was created as a coach to tour Berlin. Its background is interesting – it was designed to allow tourists see over the Berlin Wall, and its reputation is such that it is often described as a legend, as the Porsche of the bus industry. In all, 8,500 units have been manufactured. The most recent Cityliner generation has been on the market for 15 years, however the new model has retained the original identity in terms of drivetrain, passenger comfort and the driver’s area, while additional hi-tech safety systems has been developed. In fact, this new edition coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the original version.

The powertrain is impressive, as the 12-litre diesel engine is combined with the ZF EcoLife2 automatic transmission with torque converter, which provides excellent responsiveness and comfort for the driver and passengers. Despite having only six gears, it is ideal for touring, even on more challenging steeper roads and equally in city traffic. Interestingly, it was the second quietest of all entrants, and its low fuel consumption was also noteworthy.

For the passengers there are spacious luggage racks, and the test bus also had a large kitchen with a coffee machine, microwave, storage drawers and an additional refrigerator. For the driver, the well known Neoplan cockpit has been improved. The addition of digital camera mirrors is a feature that some drivers are slow to embrace; my own view is they are welcome enhancements. Another positive note and an example that manufacturers are listening to feedback: some comments were made in the past about the lack of a front facing mirror. Well, this Neoplan is now fitted with just such a front facing mirror. The latest Cityliner is a far cry from the bus it was fifty years ago, but the foundations of the new variant have been built on a proud heritage, and no doubt will continue to evolve and improve.

The tourist transport segment has seen some changes in recent years. Noticeably the size of groups coming to Ireland on extended tours has decreased and the legacy of Covid-19 is that people may prefer to travel in smaller groups. This Setra S 511 HD is therefore the ideal choice, as it offers all the comforts of a classic high-floor tourist bus.

The S 511 HD was the only one presented with traditional mirrors, but hasten to add, they offer good visibility. And remember, Setra, through Daimler AG ownership, is a leader in developing safety and assistance systems.

As expected highly comfortable seats are fitted with excellent visibility, as are quality fittings for the passengers. Depending on the operator it can be specified with 32 to 41 seats.

Powered with the Mercedes-Benz 10.7-litre OM470 Euro6 engine with 470hp and mated to the PowerShift GO 250-auto box, the Setra S 511 HD felt sluggish at times when on the move. A slight electronic adjustment is needed as the match between the engine and gearbox was not what is expected from a Setra. A digital camera mirror system is coming very soon, and this will be an important step, as almost all other manufacturers have made this latest technology available.

A revival in the Double Decker market is underway with the change in the legal framework surrounding intercity travel in Europe by bus, giving fresh impetus to manufacturers seeking to gain additional market share. On the downside, COVID-19 has presented new challenges as some commuters and long distance travellers may continue to be nervous about being in close proximity to others.

Manufacturers will be the first to say that building a Double Decker is always going to involve some compromises, yet these two entrants, VDL and Volvo have demonstrated their ability to manage these compromises very well.

VDL’s Double Decker is no stranger to Irish operators or passengers. A variant of the bus on this group test is operated by Bus Éireann on some of its commuter routes into Dublin. This year, the manufacturer arrived with a really upgraded version with an updated powertrain and cameras installed instead of rear-view mirrors. The PACCAR DAF 11-litre MX engine is well matched to the ZF TraXon automated transmission, so the driving characteristics are surprisingly good. On the road, we found that there is always enough power on tap. When it comes to operating costs, VDL is the champion. Low fuel consumption and low maintenance costs from the Dutch brand continues to please operators. Incidentally it has a 900-litre fuel tank capacity. Due to aerodynamic tweaks and other developments such as the removal of conventional mirrors, the overall fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 3 percent.

The bright interior of the bus and the well designed and engineered division of the height between the upper deck

and the lower deck improves the comfort for passengers as well. At 14.1m in length, the Futura FDD2 has capacity of 74 + 2 passengers. There is 9.3 cu.m of luggage space is available, and despite the height restrictions, there is reasonable space for luggage overhead. There are three options for the centre door and the entrances, both the front and centre doors have grab handles, allowing passengers to enter and exit safely. Five wheelchairs can be accommodated, although this will be at the expense of some seats.

One of the best features of the bus from the driver’s point of view is the sloping roof on the upper deck. This additional vision provides an important extra dimension to the driver’s view, and a practical example of this is when approaching traffic lights. The Futura FDD2 can also be run on HVO alternative fuel and service intervals have been pushed out to 100,000 to 150,000kms, depending on the application.

VDL Bus & Coach is confident about its new bus and recent reports and reaction reveals that it is more fuel efficient and offers more headroom on both decks. Also of significance is the fitting of an elaborate filtration air system, which should give passengers, post-Covid-19, more confidence while commuting.

As the Volvo Buses team proudly announced when introducing their new bus: “Our bus is influenced by Swedish Heritage”. Volvo offers its double-decker with two external heights - in addition to the standard four-metre bus, there is also a 4.2-metre bus for countries with higher vehicle heights, to which is added the largest selection of lengths for a double-decker bus, which is unique. Coming with five lengths, ranging from 13 to 14.8 metres, the rear section always features the same dimensions, which means that the volume of the luggage compartment is similar, regardless of the total length of the bus.

The Volvo 9700 DD can accommodate up to 96 passengers and is available in commuter or tourist spec. There is no doubt that from its design elements it is a Volvo Bus, as the family’s distinctive design features are all there. Clever design lines on the side panels somehow camouflage its overall height. Entering and exiting the bus is easy although the steps seem a little high. The bus at the test was dark inside, but this was down to the specification and could be brightened up with different interior options. Traveling inside the Volvo is almost totally silent and certainly delivers a comfortable journey.

The powertrain consists of the Volvo Group’s tried and tested and highly acclaimed I-Shift 12-speed automated transmission, while the engine, similar in capacity to the VDL, is 11-litre and offers 460 horsepower. In my opinion, there is no transmission to match the Volvo I-Shift. It also can run on HVO or bio-diesel. The Volvo Group incorporates many safety features across its range of trucks and buses, one noteworthy feature is the geo-fencing option. This allows an operator to isolate a particular geographical area, (near a school) and automatically limits the bus to a pre-arranged speed while in that area.

The driver’s seat is well positioned and swivels to allow easy access and exit. Two options are available with the size of the steering wheel and while the driving area may be a little cramped for taller drivers, the aforementioned swivel seat more than reduces any difficulties experienced.

With the 9700 DD, Volvo Buses has created another quality product for the Double Decker market and will get more than its fair share of the market place in due course.

BUS EURO TEST 2022 VENUE: LIMERICK – MAY 2022