The Optare design team behind the new Versa midibus unveiled today at Euro Bus Expo, set out to produce a new vehicle with strong appeal for passengers and operators alike.

The Versa’s striking external appearance – with its stylish and sculpted look – ensures that the bus will certainly attract passengers while for operators a host of design features will ensure operators find this a productive and proven choice of vehicle. The design team has consciously contained proven technology from both the smaller Solo and larger Tempo models within the curvaceous styling of the body.

For operators, the principal attraction of Optare products has traditionally been their low unladen weight class leading fuel economy.

The Versa has a capacity of 40 seats on the 11.0 metre model and, with a width of 2.5 metres the new bus allows for a generous gangway.

The structure of the new vehicles is unashamedly based on an evolved version of the existing Solo integral frame which has proven to be both strong and durable during its 10 years in service.

Manufactured in stainless steel, corrosion protection is provided for the life of the bus and the enhanced strength assists in achieving class leading unladen weight.

The exterior design features a stylish swept back front profile and shaped quarter windows to provide a low aerodynamic drag. The front bumper is positioned to assist the bus wash systems and the corners are pulled in to minimize accident damage. Curved side glass together with shaped side paneling provides a stylish high quality design with a modern feel.

The rear of the bus also makes a design statement, a stylish and practical execution featuring LED lighting which will be standard not just at the back but throughout the exterior vehicle lighting equipment.

The new range will include two and three-door, and left hand drive versions in due course.

Glenn Saint, Optare’s Group Technical Director, explains just why operators can buy Versa safe in the knowledge that, underneath its striking external appearance, lie proven units they know and understand: "Most components are common with our successful Solo range, some are related to the Tempo and some are new".

Optare is offering Versa with a choice of SCR or EGR engines, exploiting its unique ability in the British bus industry to make both technologies available for customers to choose form.

The standard offer will be the Mercedes Benz, 4 cylinder OM904 at 115 kw with SCR. This engine has a reputation for reliability and low cost operation.

However, as with Solo and Tempo, for operators doubtful about SCR, the Versa will also be offered with the 4 cylinder MAN DO834 at 132 kw using the EGR system. There is the option of a six-cylinder Cummins ISBe with an SCR system at 150 kw for those requiring still more power.

All of these options will feature the Allison 2100 series gearbox with the latest Generation 4 controls. Optare can point to its great success with this transmission when combined with the variable KLAM proportional control retarder in providing a robust and reliable transmission system.

As with all Optare products, the Versa’s mechanical package is mounted together as a removable power pack carrying the cooling system, exhaust, and all ancillaries to aid major servicing. Indeed the power pack is completely common with the Euro 4 Solo product and continues to benefit from removal in less than one hour and the no loss couplings assisting workshop cleanliness and costs.

The design team utilised heavy duty bus axles for durability and reliability. At the front is the same Dana NDS 41 currently fitted to the Solo but with some modifications. This is rated at 4000kg and the axle features unitised bearings for maintenance free operation and 8 stud spigot hubs. The axle width has been specially adapted to allow the maximum lock angle of 56 degrees to be utilised. This is then mounted on the familiar Solo layout of leading leaf suspension for excellent roll control and two air bags widely spaced.

Steering is handled by the respected ZF 8090 steering box the same as the Solo but on the new Versa this is placed horizontally and driven through a steering shaft bevel box. Driver comfort is ensured by use of the tilt and reach adjustable steering column from the Tempo.

The rear axle is the Dana 08.18 axle rated at 8000kg. This features ground differential gears for low noise and again unitised bearings for maintenance free operation. This is suspended on four widely spaced air bags and parallel suspension rods.

Glenn Saint revealed an important new concept in passenger comfort which comes as standard on the Versa - the Optare "SmoothRide" system.

"By careful choice of suspension components and design we aim to provide class leading ride comfort. At the front axle we have increased the air volume for a softer more compliant ride. At the rear we have used the four air bag suspension with greater air capacity a feature unique in its class and usually associated with full size buses. To enhance the ride characteristic further we have combined the suspension with Frequency Selective Dampers from Koni. We expect great things of this new system which we will be optimising during the development process."

The braking system features Wabco full air disc brakes to each wheel for low maintenance costs and this is integrated with the KLAM proportional control retarder system further extending brake life. The braking system, retarder and ABS systems are integrated utilising CAN bus technology and providing a safe, reliable and low maintenance cost installation.

The axles are fitted with 19.5 inch wheels and tyres, industry standard in this class, allowing for a wide choice of tyres. A high load capacity is provided by the 12,000kg gross vehicle weight which will easily accommodate the most demanding passenger loads.

The electrical system has been developed together with Optare’s long term partner, Actia, to be modular and essentially common with both the Solo and Tempo products. Major use is made of the SAE J1939 CAN system linking engine, transmission ABS and retarder, simplifying the wiring system for reliability and reduced diagnostic times. Integrated diagnostic equipment from Actia will enable fast effective maintenance of the engine, gearbox retarder and vehicle systems from a single laptop.

The Versa is designed to be ‘future proof’ amidst growing environmental concerns and can be offered with alternative power options in the future. With the Optare standard removable power pack it is relatively easy to install alternative power systems with potentially even greener credentials than the latest diesel engines.

Glenn Saint sums up the Versa: "We believe the Optare Versa is the best choice in its sector. It is a new bus for 2007 and beyond. A stylish, modern design with great passenger appeal. Low unladen weight for class leading fuel economy, enhanced passenger comfort with low noise levels and a smooth ride. For the driver and operator, powerful controlled performance to meet passengers’ expectations and of course wide ranging customer options to ensure the best choice available".

For further information please contact:
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor, +44 (0) 207 494 8050