Adrian Morton reviews the Ilesbus i-City Max and discovers that small isn’t just beautiful, it can be highly practical and accommodating too
I’ve been meaning to do a review of the highly regarded Ilesbus i-City Max since seeing Pats Coaches’ vehicle on the Ilesbus stand at the 2023 UK Coach Rally in Blackpool. Rather fittingly, Pats’ example is probably the closest one in operation in proximity to where I live. So, after waking to a nice bright autumnal day in mid-October, I set off for the rather pleasant market town of Whitchurch in Shropshire, to catch it on its regular haunt, the cross border and rather scenic service 146 from Whitchurch to Pats’ home town in North Wales, Wrexham.
Shortly before the scheduled departure time a gleaming i-City Max entered the bus station. I had to do a double take though, as the memory of my previous encounters of the vehicle was that it was in the full livery of this esteemed operator. After speaking with the very friendly driver, it transpired that Pats’ example was at Iveco for some warranty repairs and Ilesbus had very kindly lent them a near identical demonstrator, the vehicle in question being a few months older and registered RJ73 FXT.
Specification
The Ilesbus i-City Max is based on the rear wheel drive, front engine Iveco Daily 70c21 chassis, uprated to 8,000kg GVW and driving through a fully automated eight speed Hi-Matic gearbox with electronic Telma retarder. The retarder is an Iveco option specified on all Ilesbus products, the low-floor section permitting the space, despite the need to route the propshaft beneath it. Power comes from a three-litre engine delivering 210bhp and fuelled from a 115-litre capacity steel fuel tank. The i-City Max benefits from rear air-suspension and an electronic handbrake, cruise control, and LED headlights come as standard. An uprated alternator is supplied to better match the vehicle’s use.
Ilesbus’ body conversion is a stylish affair, displaying much elegance and a very distinct flare. Both the exterior and interior are attractive and inviting for the customers who will be travelling on the product. Large double-glazed panoramic side windows complement the feel and are advertised to be ‘Vegas style’! An LED destination screen, supplied by Mobitec, is housed behind the top of the front windscreen, much more aesthetically pleasing when compared with some of its counterparts. 1,400mm electric plug doors provide for a desirable and spacious entrance; the front section is lowered to comply with PSVAR, the rear section raised.
Ilesbus fits a longer and wider low-floor box within the chassis area to accommodate the step-free means of entry. A fold out manual ramp provides access for wheelchairs. Colour-coded bumpers and a coach-style back end with boot complete the exterior look. With space for luggage at the rear and the option for seatbelts to be fitted, the i-City Max makes for a very acceptable dual-purpose vehicle for short and medium distance private hire work.
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