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 With
32 seats, an Optare Toro midi-coach is proving a
very flexible size for leading Leicestershire
operator Roberts Coaches Limited.
Jonathan
Hunt, who started the 30-vehicle business just
12 years ago, said that this seating capacity
and its high standard of luxury made the Toro
suitable for a variety of jobs.
“I
think we’ll find a lot of work for a coach of
this size and quality,” he says. “For
smaller parties it’s more fuel-efficient
compared to the larger coaches we have
previously had to use. We will also be able to
use it on feeder work for our own holiday tours,
bringing customers in from outlying areas to our
pre-tour receptions. And it’s got a level of
comfort that would make it suitable for our
programme of shopping, seaside and theatre day
trips.
“It’s
also a good looking and well-designed coach
offering a high level of luxury, which will
appeal to the corporate market. The overall
specification is very good, with air
conditioning, comfortable reclining seats, and
extensive use of high-quality soft trim
throughout the saloon. And with air suspension
on the back axle, passengers are assured of a
comfortable ride.
”Our
drivers like it for its compact size and ease of
driving. The steering is light yet positive and
the exhaust brake and retarder help to reduce
the braking effort. They find that it’s got
ample power and that it’s a very quiet
vehicle. And I’m sure they’ll appreciate the
low-loading height of the boot, especially when
on tour feeder work.”
The
Optare Toro is coachbuilt on the Mercedes-Benz
0816D Vario chassis by its Spanish partner,
Ferqui and is just 8.74 metres long and 2.44
metres wide. It is powered by a 4.25 litre
four-cylinder engine delivering 156 bhp, which
is matched to a ZF 6-speed synchromesh gearbox.
All-round disc brakes and ABS are standard
features.
The
seats are
Kiel
recliners (except for the rear seats) and each
has a grab handle, gangway arm rest and
three-point seat belt. A radio/CD player
combines with a PA system with speakers
throughout the saloon. Full-draw curtains ensure
passenger privacy and a full-length parcel rack
on each side provides storage for small items of
luggage.
Roberts
Coaches is based in purpose-built premises in
the
village
of
Hugglecote
near Coalville. It operates a mixed fleet of
buses – including some Optare Solos – and
coaches from 16 to 78 seats on school contracts,
corporate travel and private hire. The company
runs a year-round programme of Continental and
UK
tours of up to seven days, short breaks and day
trips. The Toro will be maintained in the
company’s own well-equipped workshop.
For
further information please contact:
David
Rowlands, Automotive PR, 020 7494 8050, drowlands@automotivepr.com
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