Show Stoppers - 5

See Show Stoppers 1 | 2 | 3 and 4 | Show Oddities 50 Years ago at the Show

The somewhat conventional and conservative-looking MAN/East Lancs single deck Kinetics and the far-from-ordinary Optare Versa were not the only new or newish single deck service bus product at Euro Bus Expo 2006. Oh no.

In less than 30 years (of bus body manufacturing), Wrightbus has built up the highest reputation for both design flair and build quality. Continuing that theme, Wright used Euro Bus Expo 2006 to launch a replacement for its long-serving Commander. Recycling the Pulsar name, at 11.9m it is a lower-entry body for the VDL SB200, to seat up to 44 passengers. It was perhaps of little surprise that Pulsar's semi-circular front bears a strong family resemblance to the full length Eclipse/Solar single and Pulsar Gemini double decks. The Arriva livery is an adaptation of that displayed on its Bus of the Future.

Then there was another “first” at Euro Bus Expo 2006. Well, almost. Better known for its midibus length as the vehicle that marked Plaxton’s recent re-entry into the bus market, this is actually the first ever full-length Plaxton Centro, something intended to improve the versatility of the range. The longer length suits the design and transforms it into a particularly handsome body, enhanced on the demonstrator by the swooping decals and under cab window effect. Underpinning the body is a Volvo B7RLE.

There was even more new single deck tackle on show with the first appearance – in Arriva livery – of an 8.9m Alexander Dennis Enviro200. The longer E200 (at 10.8m) was only launched in June.

And then there was the restyled Mercedes Benz Citaro. Direct experience of the previous body shape means the author rates the Citaro most highly. Evobus/Mercedes continues to impress with this redesign. It’s still a touch Germanic or continental in feel but this adds to its imposing character.