Optare’s ability to provide its midi coach customers with an outstanding range of products – substantially renewed in 2006 – is amply demonstrated at a special media event in Northampton today. Key members of the specialist media have the opportunity to drive several of the new models.

Introducing the event, Optare CoachSales Director Jonathan Prime said: “Our organisation is a similar size to some of our competitors but as part of the Optare Group we can call on a full range of support capabilities – including design, engineering, manufacturing and aftersales”.

He added: “Customers for Optare midi coaches have come to rely on the long term and stable relationship this provides and on our continuing investment in products and facilities. We believe this commitment and level of expenditure is unusual in the mini / midi coach sector”.

Some of the improvements introduced during 2006 were driven by the move to Euro 4 engines which led Mercedes Benz, the supplier of most of Optare’s coach chassis, to make some big changes to their products. “But we and Ferqui – the exclusive builder of our coach range – made far more fundamental changes than those, changes aimed at further enhancing the passenger appeal of our range”, said Mr Prime. “Our overall objective – and it’s a key Optare attribute across all of our buses and coaches – is to make the passenger experience better and more enjoyable”.

Mr Prime pointed to the use of improved materials, lower noise levels and better ride characteristics, all features which he said were aimed at bringing big coach comfort to Optare’s specialist midi coach products. In addition to these passenger-appealing features, the company had also enhanced its Unitec after sales offering which was totally dedicated to ensuring maximum support to keep Optare vehicles on the road.

Mr Prime gave details of each of the new models available:

Soroco
Launched in 1999, the Soroco was initially a 16-seat, van-based product. The new the third generation Soroco has a comprehensive specification, a high residual value expectation and with a peace of mind set of safety features which is unusual in this sector.

The redesigned and fully coach built body is a composite and galvanised steel structure giving a corrosion-free body which is integrated with the refined Mercedes Benz 515 chassis to produce a very stylish, fuel efficient and passenger friendly package which is continuing to dominate the quality end of the sector.

The New Soroco is available in two variants with 16 or 19 luxury coach seats with three point belts, The overall length of the vehicle has increased by 380mm of which 300mm is in the wheelbase, which – with 2.5 cu m - gives an even larger luggage capacity than on the previous 16 seat model.

The emphasis is very much on quality with a completely redesigned interior featuring reclining seats, new luggage racks and individual passenger control units. Air conditioning and double glazing add to the interior refinement being standard on all models.

The 515 Sprinter chassis has been refined over previous offerings and uses a 150bhp EGR Euro 4 engine. A new fully automatic gearbox option is also now available. The test vehicle has 19 Kiel seats with leather headrest inserts and is finished in metallic silver.

Toro
The Optare Nouvelle dominated the market for more than 10 years and the Toro which replaced it in 2006 has established itself as a worthy successor. Customer feedback resulted in a number of minor enhancements since it’s launch.

The vehicle combines the Spanish flare of the Ferqui body with the new 816 Mercedes Benz Vario chassis which uses SCR technology at Euro 4. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard with an automatic option if required.

Available with 28 or 32 luxury coach seats with three point belts, the Toro gives flexibility as well as luxury.

As with all new Optare/Ferqui products, the Toro too has the same composite and galvanised steel structure to give a corrosion free body, which offers a considerably better power to weight ratio improving performance, fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. The test model features 28 Kiel seats plus courier, with air conditioning and double glazing.

Solera
In 1997 Optare introduced the Solera into the UK market, the model which began its partnership with Ferqui. Using the 11190 Mercedes Benz chassis and a high quality, well equipped competitively priced body, it re-established a dormant sector for 35-40 seat coaches.

The latest addition to the range is the Solera HD, a new high deck version of the current model. At 3.4 metres it gains 300mm over the current model and an additional 1.5 cu metres of luggage space, giving a substantial and class leading capacity of 6.5 cu metres. Easy access to the luggage is provided by the upswing side locker doors rather than a top hinged design.

The HD has an entrance forward of the axle which will provide an advantage for some customers, particularly for trips which involve numerous set downs and pick ups. The design of the HD model gives the flexibility to offer this new front entrance or the normal Solera entrance to the rear of the front axle.

An upgraded Mercedes Benz 1324 L chassis with a Euro 4 engine using SCR technology will be standard on this version, the current model will remain on the 1224 L chassis. Extra seating capacity is available, up from 35 on the standard model to 42 seats on the new HD.

The test model is a 37 seat version plus courier and featuring air conditioning, double glazing and the standard R66 compliance.

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