ANADOLU ISUZU
Presenting a slew of ecofriendly buses in the form of the Citiport 12 CNG, Novociti Life, Novociti Volt (Electric), and Novo Lux, Anadolu Isuzu highlighted a shift towards electrification and alternate fuels. Pointing at the bus and coach builder’s presence in respective bus segments in Turkey with EuroVI Phase D in force, the buses underlined the company’s position as a leading exporter of midi-buses for the last 15 years as well.
Claimed to develop vehicles for European municipalities with a local content of 70 per cent, Anadolu Isuzu displayed the NovoCiti Life, which is said to be the most sought after diesel bus in Europe. It measures eightmetres and is the winner of three awards in Turkey, Poland and Italy each, according to Anadolu Isuzu sources. A low-floor design, the bus is positioned such that it falls between the 9.5 m Citibus and the 7.5 m Novociti. It is targeted at cities with narrow streets and is designed to support the integration of people with disabilities and the elderly. Creating a new segment thus, with a smaller dimension to boast of, the bus is powered by a 186 hp FPT 4.5-litre NEF4 engine. Using non-EGR technology that enables it to be highly efficient and consume less fuel. Equipped with the pneumatic suspension at the front and rear, it can accommodate up to 60 commuters (21 seated and 39 standing).
As an electric version of NovoCiti Life, the NovoCiti Volt (shown last year at Busworld Europa) is electric in nature.
It is equipped with a 240 kW electric motor situated at the rear and supports the near-silent operation. Available with two different battery packs (the 140 kWh version delivers a range of up to 210 km and the 268 kWh version offers a range of upto 400 km) that are placed on the roof, the bus is fitted with an AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System). AVAS generates an artificial engine sound for pedestrian safety. Charged from a single charging socket (AC at 22 kW or DC at 140 kW), the battery life of the bus is guaranteed to not decrease below 70 per cent for five years or 250,000 km. Capable of quick charging in two hours with 600-Volt operating voltage, the batteries could be charged via a home charge (AC in eight hours) either.
With a focus on curbing emissions, the CNG-powered Citiport 12 is powered by a 300 hp Cummins engine mated to a ZF Ecolife auto transmission. Measuring 12 m in length, the low-floor bus offers a smooth driving experience. The interior layout is spacious, and the vehicle comes with a kneeling system for disabled-friendly operation. Offering a barrier-free journey for all passengers, the bus is equipped with EBS, ABS, ASR, integrated retarder, hill holder, independent air suspension and an integrated CCTV system. The dashboard is ergonomically designed, and the driver seat is heated. There’s a digital air-con as well as a passenger counting system. Delivering a comfortable ride, the 7.3 m long Novo Lux is a mid-size coach for an application like a personnel shuttle or as a bus that ferries tourists. Could be had with a 2x1 seating layout, it is powered by a 190 hp 5.1-litre diesel engine mated to a sixspeed gearbox. The suspension is made up of parabolic leaf springs at the front and rear. There is a choice of pneumatic suspension at the rear.