Ayats will offer three high-capacity models in the UK, with the Horizon double-deck and Spirit overdeck coaches on Scania chassis complemented by the Horizon Intercity interurban double-deck bus built on the Spanish manufacturer’s own underframe.
A Horizon for Turners Coachways of Bristol was on hand at Euro Bus Expo. Sales Manager Ferran Stoka Vila says that while Ayats partners with Scania UK to sell the Horizon and Spirit here, he will be very close to each deal. Ayats has arrangements with third parties for spares and service.
The Horizon and Spirit are available at various lengths and give what Mr Vila says is high scope for customisation. Including the Turners example – which is PSVAR compliant – six Horizons will be delivered in the UK by June 2025.
Meanwhile, the Horizon Intercity is available at 11.5m on two axles and at 13.4m or 14.4m in tri-axle format. In the latter configuration it will offer up to 105 seats and be powered by the Daimler OM 470 10.7-litre engine.
Two-axle examples will have the 7.7-litre OM 936, with the ZF EcoLife automatic gearbox and ZF axles standard across the Horizon Intercity range. PSVAR compliance will be available.
Two Horizon Intercitys are already on order for one UK buyer. Mr Vila says the model comes at a cost-effective price. No luggage space is provided at the rear, although he adds that the Horizon and Horizon Intercity share the same basic framework, panels and glazing.
