MAN Force unveils inter-city Airobus

MAN has unveiled their first ever product in the bus segment for India. Called the MAN Airo Bus, it is a 45 seater and is designed for inter-city applications. The Airo is air-conditioned, with full air suspension and like AMW's bus that was revealed yesterday, this too is a front-engined bus. However, this is a single axle bus and is front wheel driven.

The Airo is powered by a MAN D-0836 6.9-litre turbocharged direct injection engine that produces 220 bhp. It is a BS3 compliant diesel motor and is mater to a 6-speed ZF gearbox. Of course, this doesn't sound like a very highly-specced powerplant but it will definitely benefit the economy-minded and the Airo's manufacturing will be highly localised to keep the pricing competitive. To give you some more technical details, the Airo employs a MAN heavy duty front axle and a Meritor hypoid rear axle.

The interiors have large overhead storage racks the underbody luggage compartment is spacious too. The passengers get individual reading lights, reclining seats and isle seats that can move sideways. MAN has stated that the Airo has been developed over the last two years and the finished product definitely, on paper at least, sounds very competitive.