The 13.2-metre, 43-seat tri-axle mirrorless Irizar Integral i8 will serve Johnsons’ own Luxury Traveller programme, which includes stays at four-star hotels, and focuses on ‘better’ for the ultimate in relaxation.
“Since February 2020 we’ve bought 10 new Irizar coaches. Six of these have been a mixture of 53 and 63 seat i6S’s and i6S Efficient with no mirrors. These are for our busy private hire fleet, and all have been liveried in our well-known blue, yellow and white colours. 4 of the 10 are top of the range i8 coaches, fitted with just 43 seats which have helped us to create a very successful ‘Luxury Traveller’ programme within our well-established coach holiday programme. Our customers just love the huge legroom on these coaches, plus the flat passenger deck and the high floor level. All 10 have DAF drivelines, which is always our preference and Irizar UK have always looked after us well with aftercare service.”
John Johnson, Commercial Director
Passenger amenities include a centre toilet with an electric hand dryer and Bosch Smart Series audio visual system with front and centre monitors. The seating is equipped with a lateral displacement system, magazine-holders, multi-position footrests, USB charging, and aircraft-style tables.
Built-in vacuum cleaners will help to maintain the coach in immaculate condition on tour, while leather steering wheels provide a touch of luxury for the driver.
The i8 Integral features a powerful DAF MX-13 355 483 hp engine, driving through the sophisticated ZF Traxon automated manual gearbox.
Safety features include road and reversing cameras, and active cruise control.
With the recent Irizar i8 Integral, Johnsons Coaches have opted for the digital camera vision system in lieu of traditional mirrors, resemblant of the two Irizar Integral i6S Efficient coaches which joined the Johnsons fleet back in March of this year,
As a result of the mirrorless technology efficiency is enhanced, whilst providing the added benefit of wide-angle vision in any weather condition, improving the driver’s direct and indirect field of vision.
The vehicle has been supplied with extra seats and PSUs for the coach to be upseated to 53 seats in later life. Johnsons Coaches also requested that the vehicle be built to include the provision for PSVAR, further enhancing its residual value.
The vehicle will be used on the Luxury Traveller programme for 3 years and will be maintained in-house by the engineering team at Johnsons Coaches.
The mirrorless i8 joins the two Integral i6S Efficient coaches along with another Integral i6S to Whittles Coaches, Kidderminster, also part of the Johnsons group, delivered this year continuing with the company’s significant investment in quality and efficient coaches.
Learn more about the Irizar Integral i8