TESTERS' CHOICE: DUPLE 425 • Van Hool's T 815 Alizee,
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Leyland's Royal Tiger Doyen, Dennis's Javelin Duple 320 and the Duple 425 are four very good long-distance coaches.
The two products from the Hestair Vehicle Division impressed our testers most. The Denis Javelin coach proved to be very economical, giving the best fuel return of any 12m coach we have tested.
Powered by the Darlington-dressed but American-built, Cummins C Series turbocharged and charge-cooled engine, it also proved to be a lively performer. Maximum power of 179kW was developed at a relatively high 2,400rpm, while maximum torque was obtained at 1,51w-h—pin.
On the open road the only perceptible noise was a whistle coming from the turbocharger, while the standard of ride and handling with air-bag suspension front and rear was on a par with much more expensive rivals.
Considering the position of the engine — upright and forward of the drive axle — access was reasonable. The injectors, gearbox and batteries were reached through the floor, while hatches in the luggage lockers were used to reach the fanbelt and fuel pump.
Our testers' choice, however, is the Duple Integral 425.
Aerodynamics, styling and interior layout gave unbeatable fuel economy and high load potential, while its integral build, using high-chrome-content, corrosionresistant steel, promised long life while promoting safety through roll resistance strength. Duple's own air suspension also gave an impressive ride, resisting pitch and roll.
Coupled to a seven-speed ZF gearbox with crawler, power is provided by the now-proven 10-litre Cummins engine. The Duple proved to be fast and quiet, while further improving upon the consumption by the Javelin by giving a fuel return of 21.2lit/100km over our Scottish route.