The International Bus & Coach (IB&CA) jury has elected the Neoplan Cityliner as Coach of the Year 2022. The Cityliner was in a close competition with the Setra S 511 HD, VDL Futura FDD2 and Volvo 9700 DD.
The International Bus & Coach jury consists of 22 members, representing leading passenger transport publications, from all over Europe. Since 1989, the jury has been closely involved in the global bus and coach industry. The organisation undertakes an annual test programme hosted in different countries around Europe, with the objective to find the best bus, coach or minibus that year.
According to Tom Terjesen, President of the IC&BA, the work that the jury is important for the bus and coach industry and also for bus and coach users. The tests take a deep look into the comfort and safety for drivers, the passengers and of course, business aspect for owners and operators.”
In September, the jury organised the Coach Euro Test in Bled, organised by the Slovenian magazine Transport & Logistika, with jury member Goran Kekic as the host. This year four candidates were shortlisted: two double-decker models; the VDL Futura FDD2 and Volvo 9700 DD and two high-deck coaches; the Neoplan Cityliner C and the Setra S 511 HD.
The first day of a four-day Coach Euro Test exercise was reserved for acceleration, brake and noise measurements, followed the next two days with a long test drive on Slovenian highways and national roads, covering total distance of almost 900 kilometres. Jury members tested all four participating coaches in different driving situations and in the role as a driver and as a passenger. On the final day, after detailed discussions and voting, the winner was announced – the Neoplan Cityliner as Coach of the Year 2022.
“The current generation of Cityliner has been on the market for 15 years, but it has been completely updated recently, both in terms of powertrain and passenger compartment, cockpit, assistance systems and equipment. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the model, Neoplan also prepared a special series called Platin. The powertrain impresses with performance and smooth operation – this time the MAN 12-litre diesel engine D26 was combined with an automated transmission ZF EcoLife 2, which provides excellent responsiveness and a very comfortable ride, despite having only six gears. It is ideal for demanding journeys on steeper roads and in city traffic, and it also easily copes with the motorway,” added Tom Terjesen.
In 2006, the latest generation was launched on the basis of the design icon, the Neoplan Starliner, using the unmistakable ‘sharp cut’ design. Available in three lengths, the Cityliner soon established itself as a popular coach throughout Europe, offering unique quality.
“The design was certainly one of many points that made it clear to us that the Neoplan Cityliner was fully deserving of the ‘Coach of the Year’ award,” concluded Tom.
