Impressive midi, unimpressive price
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'HE 25 to 29-seat sector of the oath market is one that is often eglected by manufacturers. It is ominated by midi coaches built n adapted goods vehicle chasis and Bedford's now aging 'AS or PJK range.
There is, however, an upmaret alternative now available lat offers many of the advanages of bigger coaches includ1g integral construction cornlete with underfloor luggage pace and full air-suspension — le Neoplan N907.
I recently visited Neoplan's ritish dealer, Carlton PSV Sales f Worksop to inspect and have brief test drive of the latest ersion of this German midioach before it joined the NeoIan exhibition at the Motor how.
Marketed in Germany as Unius, it becomes Uniliner for the ritish market as the Unibus ame is used and registered by ricentrol PSV Sales for its linibus range.
The Show exhibit features a ew window line and a separate river's door in addition to the lain plug-type power-operated ntrance door.
It is an impressive little coach y any standards and has a great eal to offer passengers, albeit t a price. This particular Uniliner vehicle was the first UK specification example to be fitted with a turbocharged Mercedes-Benz 0M352 engine rated to develop 125kW (1 613bhp). The previous examples supplied to British operators all have MAN engines, and this unit is still available.
The Neoplan's interior is well appointed but lacks the subtlety of many of its European contemporaries. The coach is finished inside with bright moquettes
and carpet trim but also features its fair share of the woodgrain laminates that are more traditional on British coaches.
As I first entered the coach, I very nearly bumped my head on the lighting and heating unit which runs the length of the interior of the coach. However, in side, the vehicle offers as high a standard of comfort as anything in its class. The engine noise from the front-mounted Mercedes-Benz unit is not intrusive although it is noticeable. The body seemed draught and rattlefree and the ride from the full air suspension is particularly good.
I found the coach comfortable to drive and I was particularly impressed by the power-steering which provided positive feel with just enough pressure. The suspension driver's seat was comfortable and visibility was excellent.
Although I had only a brief test drive I felt that the little coach was spritely and easy to handle. The long gear lever to the ZF five-speed gearbox looked awkward to use although it gave me no problems in practice.
The braking system on the coach is full air with disc brakes at the front. A foot-operated exhaust brake is also fitted. I found no fault in the brake system and the exhauster seemed particularly effective.
Although the engine does intrude into the passenger compartment, the bonnet is well insulated and is removed by using a tee key. On the latest N907, a separate driver's door is fitted although access is also easy enough for the driver from the passenger saloon.
The instrument panel is well designed with all controls within easy reach of the driver. The panel angled to allow the instruments to be monitored without the need to look away from the road.
A courier or crew seat is fitted in the front area opposite the driver's seat. This has little leg room and the temptation to use the front panel as a foot rest would be difficult to resist. The coach was fitted with seat belts on seats not protected by the seat in front.
Outside, the front and rear panels of the Berlin-built coach are made from grp. The front sections seem particularly easy to repair and the corner panels are hinged to allow access to the lights and other electrical equipment. The centre grill panel is also quickly removable if necesSa