The Southampton-based operator has traditionally favoured the 13.9m tri-axle, but on this occasion has selected the 12.2m i6 body, which is fitted to a Scania K 400 EB4x2 chassis. It has also specified Scania’s 400bhp engine and fully automated Opticruise gear selection system.
The vehicle has 49 passenger seats, three-point belts, reversing camera, powered entrances and main locker doors, and Bosch AV with two monitors.
“The Scania Irizar product works well for us,” says Pete Brown, managing director. “We have a proven chassis product, with superb dealer back up and the Irizar i-6 body is stylish and well appointed.”
The coach will be supported by Scania Southwest, of Fareham, and comes with a two-year R&M, extra driveline warranty and weekly fleet management report.
Separately, Astons Coaches has taken delivery of two former demo Scania vehicles, to add to its 56-strong fleet, almost half of which is Scania.
One of the additions is a Scania Touring fitted to Scania’s Euro 6 K 410 EB6x2*4 chassis; the other is a Scania OmniExpress on a Euro 6 K 360 EB4x2 chassis. Both vehicles have the fully automated Opticruise gear selection system.
The Scania Touring seats 57, while the OmniExpress can accommodate 53 passengers. Both come with Scania’s two-year R&M offer, which will be supported by dealer Keltruck, of Droitwich.
Richard Conway, managing director of Astons Coaches, says the Scania brand is “an all-round winner”.