On tour with Delta city bus
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• Operator response to the new Optare Delta/Daf SB220 single-deck city bus, launched at last month's Birmingham Motor Show, has been "outstanding" according to the Leeds-based bodybuilder. It is currently exhibiting the stylish Daf-engined Delta to potential buyers in a series of road shows.
Optare managing director Russell Richardson says that the streamlined Delta is "pushing on technology; we've had no negative comments".
Although neither Optare nor Daf Bus is giving away any firm figures, the first Deltas have already been sold, with Northern Bus Company having taken two. Optare is selling directly to operators, as well as to Hughes Daf of Cleckheaton, which has taken an unspecified number as stock.
The Delta is based on the 163kW (218hp) 11.6-litre turbocharged Daf SB220 LC bus underframe and is now fully certified. Optare is touring with a demonstrator, stopping off at Leeds, Bristol, Birmingham and Falkirk.
During the first road show stop over in the South East, Commercial Motor had the opportunity to sample the Delta, both as a passenger and behind the wheel in a brief trip around the Hatfield area.
The Delta interior is very attractive with no gimmicks. Optare's road show demonstrator it fitted with an attractive, optional soft headlining and trim round the driving compartment which complements the otherwise functional rubber flooring.
For hard-working inner-city operations, however, the Delta can be ordered with a plastic roof lining with the same coloured striping as the soft trim to liven up the overall grey finish.
The Optare demonstrator is fitted with 43 seats, although the 11.8m-long single-decker has a maximum capacity of up to 53 seated with 24 standees. As the seating and stanchions are mounted on tracking, operators can alter seating layouts at will.
The Delta comes with a fully-automatic, four-speed ZF 4HP500 Ecomat gearbox, with an integral retarder, as standard. A five-speed ZF5HP500 is available as an option. The four-speed ZF box provides for a maximum geared speed of 85km/h (55mph), while maximum geared speed with the five-speed transmission is around 100kmih (62mph). Drive, neutral or reverse are selected via a push-button console on the right of the driver.
Interior noise levels in the Delta are particularly impressive. Daf quotes maximum readings of 70dB(A) inside, while exterior drive-by levels peak at around 77dB(A).
Running on varying road surfaces the air-suspended Delta gave a very easy ride with little body roll. The ZF Power steering is light, yet precise: the overall driving position is above average wit all controls within reach.
The Delta's deep front screen allows good forward visibility, despite the large space between the screen an front of the dashboard.
The Ecomat box changes smoothly at around 2,000rprn well within the green econotr band marked between 1,5002,00Orpm on the rev counter On our vehicle the integral retarder was not working am the first 25nun of brake peda travel — when the retarder normally cuts in — had no effect whatsoever. With no active retarder, extra pedal effort was needed to bring th single-decker to a smooth hal There was also an irritatini whistle around the front right hand pillar which suggested a ill-fitting side window, althoui Optare assured us that it waE more likely air spilling off the rear view mirrors.
These are minor criticisms however, and operators are unlikely to be disappointed wi the Delta which is very smoo and responsive.
Passengers will also like th 1,045mm-wide front door, am the low step height — by deflating the front axle air bags can be reduced to just 208mn The Delta body is based or the Alusuisse aluminium modi lar body panel system which Optare claims is easy to repai and offers a smoother body ft ish. Basic price for the Delta starts at around £72,000 depending on specification.
Optare will be launching a new double-deck body next year which, according to the company, will have a "high visual impact".