A 28-seat Optare Toro executive minicoach new into service with Lincolnshire operator Hodson Coaches Limited replaces a similar sized Nouvelle that has been the best earner in the fleet.

“We’ve found that this is just the right size of coach,” says John Carter, who runs the third generation, family-run firm founded in 1919. “The Toro is a natural successor to the 814 Vario based Nouvelle, which has given us reliable service since 2002 and which, out of a fleet of 15, has consistently earned the most money.

“We’re looking for a similar performance from the Toro, which was bought specifically to meet a contract that takes it up to Hull and back each weekday. But it’s versatile enough and of such a high spec that we will also use it on tours, including the occasional overseas trip, day trip excursions and private hires.”

Hodson Coaches specified full-width Esteban Irati seats for the new Toro. All are recliners and come with leather headrests, aisle armrests, grab handles, and integral three-point seat belts. Although John Carter acknowledges that these seats reduce the aisle width slightly, he believes that passengers appreciate the extra comfort that they provide.

“We’ve had a very positive response from passengers to the Toro, particularly those who are making the 90 mile round trip on it to Hull and back every day. It’s also going to make the coach more comfortable on the longer trips that it will make, such as tours. And the luggage space is quite good for touring too, with a high capacity boot and side lockers.”

John Westney is the driver of the Toro and he’s said to be very impressed by its overall performance. “He finds the internal noise level to be lower,” says John Carter. “And at 150 horsepower he’s got plenty of power to maintain good average speeds and cope with all conditions. The engine and the ZF five-speed gearbox are well matched to provide optimum performance in all conditions and contribute to good fuel consumption, which, in these days of high fuel costs, is important for a coach that will cover up to 80,000 kilometres a year.”

At 8.74 metres in length and 2.44 metres wide, the Toro is a compact vehicle. Optare’s coachbuilder partner, Ferqui, builds it in Spain on the proven Mercedes-Benz 0.815 Vario chassis. The all-welded, steel box section structure is very strong and fully meets R66 rollover standards. Other safety features include all-round disc brakes with ABS, an exhaust brake, a Telma retarder and seat belt mountings that meet the M3 standard.

Standard interior features include double glazed side windows with full-draw curtains and deep, full-length parcel racks with air vents. Extensive use of soft trim contributes to the low internal noise level and a stereo radio/CD sound system is fitted. Passenger comfort is further enhanced by air conditioning, a dvd player and a drinks machine.

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