The new eight-litre entry-level MCV option represents a diversification of Volvo’s coach product ranges
Volvo is to offer the MCV EvoTor on its B8R chassis for the UK and Irish markets, giving buyers what it says will be an attractive alternative to operators looking for cost efficiency and reliability. The new model is being introduced to offer an economical alternative to the forthcoming Sunsundegui SC7 on Volvo’s new B13R chassis; both models had previously been based on the B11R. The EvoTor has been produced on the B11R chassis since its introduction in 2018, but following the end of production of that chassis, the B8R was deemed more suited to the MCV model than the more powerful 13-litre B13R.
Built on the proven B8R eight-litre chassis for the first time, the ‘entry-level’ addition to Volvo’s portfolio has been developed to keep costs down and uptime up, Volvo says, to further extend its reach within the UK and Irish coach markets. The MCV body has also been given a subtle facelift.
Volvo’s Retail Sales Director Josef Gisslow explained: “Our focus when developing the new B8R MCV EvoTor was to provide a reliable and cost-efficient workhorse that is suitable for an array of different applications. We’ve listened to feedback from our coach customers and worked to bridge gaps in the wider domestic coach market, which is why we’ve already seen strong interest and orders for this model.”
The B8R features Volvo’s D8K engine, producing up to 350hp and a peak torque of 1,585Nm and driving through a 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission. All vehicles will be PSVAR-compliant and designed to accommodate 53 high quality seats and a toilet, which can be demounted to allow 55 seats, and Volvo promises ‘generous on-board luggage racks.’ A Bosch audiovisual system also comes as standard, as do individual USB charging points.
Josef added: “Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a smaller model, this is a full-size coach that we’re able to offer at a very competitive price. The new model retains that superior level of passenger comfort and safety you’d expect from a Volvo coach, and the eight-litre platform caters to operators looking for something that’s more versatile.”
The B8R MCV EvoTor is one of two new models from Volvo Bus UK & Ireland confirmed to enter the marketplace in early 2024, with a third said to be on the horizon. Opening orders have also been placed for the second confirmed model, Volvo says, which will be the facelifted Sunsundegui SC7 on the B13R chassis.
