Irizar coaches have been rolling out this summer, with operators reporting value, reliability and fuel economy as reasons for selection.
Glamorgan-based Watts Coaches, for example, has taken delivery of two i6 Integrals to bring its fleet to 42 vehicles.
Director James Watts says the i6's DAF engines deliver trouble-free operation – important as the vehicles cover high mileage on tour contract work. A '14-plate vehicle acquired in May has already clocked up 79,000km.
"I'm an engineer by trade, so I watch the performance of my vehicles carefully," says Watts. "In my view, the DAF engine range is currently the best out there."
He adds: "One of the attractions of the i6 Integral is 57 seats on two axles, which for us, gives great value for money."
Elsewhere, Rochester-based Farleigh Coaches says its latest acquisition, an i4 Integral, has been a boon for business.
The 12.9m, 59-seater is part of a mixed fleet of 16 vehicles on a variety of work including local private hire and school runs.
"It's performed very well and the drivers have been impressed with it," says Farleigh's Neil Crowhurst. Though the i4 is mostly used for local work, longer journeys have boosted the fuel performance to almost 14mpg, he adds.
