Jury president Tom Terjesen handed over the trophy to José Manuel Orcasitas, CEO of the Spanish manufacturer. Terjesen explained: ‘The winner has a design that is for the future, as well as for today. It not only looks like a premium coach, it also feels like it especially for the passengers, and also for the driver.’ The front of the Irizar i8 is ten centimetres narrower than the rest of the coach. That results in lower wind resistance and fuel consumption. The integral body is build lighter without compromising safety and comfort. Well, the Irizar i8 has everything that a real coach should have.
The Coach Euro Test this year took place in Mantorp Park, Sweden, early September during four days. Six coaches have participated and were tested by 20 professional journalists from all over Europe. Scania came to Sweden with the Interlink HD, Iveco with the Evadys, Irizar with the i8, Mercedes-Benz with the new Tourismo, VDL with the double decker FDD2 and Neoplan with the Tourliner.Test criteria were amongst others noise, drivability, handling, passenger comfort, capacity, luggage space, driver’s area – cockpit – positioning of the mirrors, drivetrain and accessibility. The six coaches were tested on a long test drive by the various jury members – they did the same route several times to get a good and honest comparison.
After more than four days of hard work and long discussions – the final of the Coach Euro Test – the jury agreed to a worthy winner. A winner who is characterized by high comfort level, luxurious interior, good work environment and high safety level.
The International Bus and Coach jury, which selects alternately every year the Bus of the Year and the Coach of the Year, and also every two years the Minibus of the Year, exists now for over 25 years. Over the years it has grown from a few participating countries to 21 members. Recently the Czech Republic (Transport a Logistika) became part of the jury. Per country only the most important bus and coach magazine with specialized trade and technical journalists is invited to be member of the International Bus and Coach Jury.
