A jury of specialists from 22 European countries has awarded the Irizar i8 Best Coach of the Year in Europe.
The award, which recognises the strategic leap taking by Irizar in recent years to position itself against the “best independent European manufacturers,” was given to the vehicle for both its attributes and the high added value it offers.
In an announcement at Busworld Europe, Irizar said: “The exceptional performance and response of the vehicle during the Euro Coach braking and acceleration tests and the open road driving tests on a mixed 30km route between dual carriageway and secondary road has given Irizar i8 a victory. It should be mentioned that this first position is even more meritorious given that the vehicle submitted was a three-axle, 14-metre version and was competing with three other 12m, two-axle vehicles – which are significantly lighter.
“There are some reasons that must be highlighted that have led it to the podium – its exterior and interior design, and its unbeatable breaking behaviour and turning circle. The environmental considerations are very positive in relation to the maximum vehicle capacity, reduced energy consumption and minimal levels of vibration and noise, even on sharp bends. Regarding technology, the dashboard is a benchmark, multiplexing keys and offering a HMI for the first time as standard. With regards to safety: full LED headlights, pioneering systems such as AEBS, LDW, TPTMS, ACC and DFT as options. In addition, it meets R 66.02. In the section on total costs, taking into account the purchase price, depreciation and residual value, consumption and repair and maintenance costs make the i8 a benchmark.”
The city of Linköping – 240km south of Stockholm – played host to the Coach Euro Test trials – the first time in history the tests have been held in Sweden. Six participating vehicles were invited to the test, including the Mercedes-Benz Tourismo and Neoplan Tourliner.
