Dimensionless miracle bus. City semi-low-floor bus MAN LION'S City A78 Dimensional and weight parameters of the city man bus

05.11.2019

Manufacturer: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG (Ankara, Türkiye). Model: MAN Lion "s City A78 EL283. Start of sales: 2010. The bus for the test was provided by MAN Automobiles Russia LLC

End of the school day. The students storm my Ikarus 260 to drive two stops to the subway. Requests not to squeeze into the bus and the MAZ-105 rolling up behind are perceived only by a dozen people. It is they who leave for the coveted metro, and the rest watch how my liner, into which they are so well packed, slowly sags on air springs. "The bus won't go any further!" - and the whole crowd reluctantly falls back. This is how the large passenger capacity, for which the Hungarian cars were famous, played a cruel joke with them more than once.

I don't recognize you in makeup

You can walk past this bus and not stop - you never know around MAN A74? And then look back and see that his face is like that of a low-floor MAN A21. And when, having thought about it, you nevertheless return and look into the salon ... This is how this semi-low-floor vehicle came to us for a test.

Inside the bus is strictly divided into two parts - one for those who ride sitting, the second for those who have to stand. No, of course, no one put up a wall, but the division is very clear: there is only one seat in the front of the bus, and there are no horizontal handrails under the ceiling in the back. However, everything looks great in the photo. I will only note that it is comfortable to sit there. Nothing hangs over your head, and the noise of the engine does not press on your ears.

Those wishing to leave just press the button on the handrail and the driver will be notified by sound and light signal. That's just the buttons themselves, installed in accordance with the regulations, constantly fall "at hand", even when you are not going to press them at all. Maybe it's time to rethink the rules?

Given that the folding ladder is located only at the 2nd door, there is a separate notification button at the wheelchair attachment point, the signaling of which is a priority. By the way, a loop is provided on the lid for unfolding the ladder, and the driver does not have to fiddle with a removable hook, as with domestic counterparts.

The door drive is different: the 1st one is a rolling type, and the 2nd one is a sliding type on a swivel hinge. Of course, the sashes are protected against pinching, both for closing and opening - having encountered an obstacle on the way, it automatically returns to its original position. But the resistance must be very strong - the door can "ignore" the child.

Naturally, like any decent city car, the A78 can "squat" - in the area of the 1st door by 100 mm, and at the 2nd door - by 70 mm. It should only be remembered that this must be done before opening the doors, otherwise the "trick" will not work.

There is not much to say about the cabin. The interior is similar to the MAN A21, except that the exotic foot button for turning on the microphone has been replaced by the familiar button on the panel, and the excellent interior mirror has disappeared. To say that the driver's workplace has become worse in terms of comfort, the tongue does not turn - rather, "some" baubles disappeared. "So the wall behind him became deaf, and the door narrowed, although it still has a pocket. About the size of the glove box above your head says the fact that the driver can put gloves in it without taking them out of the pockets of his sheepskin coat... Oh, and the cabin, fenced off from the cabin ...

virgin snow

It was for her that we had a chance to test the bus. Three days ago we successfully skated the Mercedes-Benz Atego, and now snow whirlwinds are spinning around the snow-white MAN. Oh well, stoves to the maximum, heated mirrors to "on." - and forward. We must pay tribute, the snow came off the mirrors quickly, and the air from the deflectors on the panel went so hot that the autonomous heater had to be turned off almost immediately, and the fan switched from 2nd speed to 1st. Yes, and a huge salon warmed up pretty quickly. But at first I had doubts that in the absence of "heat guns" standard on-board heaters would cope with this task.

We didn’t manage to ride on the “dynamka” - in the snow it is closed so that an ice pillow is not created from the rolled snow. I didn’t dare to accelerate more than 75 km / h on ordinary roads of the landfill - the snow fell without ceasing, and I was not used to fully relying on ESP and “maybe”. So the declared "maximum speed" of 85 km / h and the operation of the limiter at this mark remained on the conscience of the MAN designers. But I can say with confidence that on a 10-centimeter virgin snow, an empty bus at speeds of 70-75 km / h behaves no worse than on asphalt. Handling on snow is also "on top", and with a full load, when the weight of the bus is even greater, it will only improve.

In general, I liked the bus, but there is one nuance that I would like to talk about, it will suddenly come in handy. The fact is that various maneuvering and movement at high speeds on the snow cover did not pass without a trace - the inscription "ABS is faulty" lit up, and at some point I felt that the bus began to pull to the right. Moreover, this process was not accompanied by any extraneous sounds and inclinations characteristic of a flat tire. Stop and inspection showed that all the wheels are inflated. I tried to continue driving, but MAN was definitely striving for the side of the road, and we moved to the parking lot. And only with a large "eversion" to the right, I saw in the mirror that the right front wheel was wedged. Moreover, everything is in order on the pavement, and a little rolled snow glides like a ski. In order not to paint the whole saga of identifying the causes of the problem, I will immediately move on to the method of its treatment. You just need to ... turn off the engine and stand still for a bit. The snow melts, the inscription on the panel goes out - the bus is ready for further work.

And the conclusion of this whole story is quite simple - the roads must be cleaned BEFORE public transport enters the line. And if the authorities nevertheless forced you to "sled the way", do it carefully. The destiny of the MAN A78 is not to pretend to be a snowmobile, but to comfortably carry people, although the absence of dangling hoses and wires under the bottom allows the first option.

I note that the A78 is well prepared for the STO and current repairs. All major necks and controls are within reach. The battery and a bright toggle switch for turning off the "mass" are located along the side in the rear overhang. There is also a fairly large compartment for tools. And how do you grouped for diagnostics conclusions of pneumatic systems with signatures in Russian? I also remember that the engine compartment is not girded with belts - which means that if one breaks, you won’t have to remove a couple more. And the number of technological hatches in the cabin floor is impressive. Convenient access to electrical equipment. If something happens to the tachograph, radio or ventilation control unit, you do not have to pick the panel - open the cover of the switching unit and you can dismantle them without unnecessary difficulties. Clearly, it was made for people.

Dimensionless?

The appearance of a bus with a similar layout in Russia has remained a mystery to us - it is too highly specialized car, we are not ready for this yet. There is a real suspicion that our customs duties are to blame, which quite recently were somewhat softer for buses with a large passenger capacity, but these are just guesses.

It is clear that there are those who will say: "Why guess? We must use the size to the fullest!" I do not recommend. Large storage areas are no reason to use the MAN Lion's City A78 to replace articulated or 15-meter buses when taking fans out of football matches. It will be good during off-peak times, when mothers with prams take their children for a walk, and people with disabilities go to shops or clinics. Or on weekends, when young people go skiing, and parents finally find time to take their children on a sled. They will also appreciate it at the service of some construction hypermarket, from where you need to bring things that are not so heavy, but quite voluminous and oversized (cornices, plinths, blinds, etc.). Just in case, it is worth taking a look at this bus and the orchestras of law enforcement and other structures performing at ceremonial events - there is enough space for the musicians and for a large number of instruments with full dress. And for small airports, this machine can generally become universal.

It would be nice to use it for suburban transportation. Young parents also live in villages and small towns, who need to go to the regional center, and the stroller is not included in every bus. This is especially noticeable in the summer, when pensioners, trying to somehow improve their financial situation, carry huge baskets, buckets and bags with the grown crop to the city markets. For them, such a bus will be just a treasure. But two questions arise. Will our regional ATPs pull the purchase and maintenance of this far from cheap car? And will they be able to find drivers who are ready to forcibly abort the landing and thereby save the suspension and roads from premature destruction?

And you should also take into account the emerging fashion to celebrate weddings and birthdays in rented buses, trolleybuses and even trams. For this, the MAN A78 is ideal. I have never met such a "dance floor" in public transport, and a separate place for the toastmaster is provided.

By the way, the end of the story about Ikarus 260 is not at all sad. After 200 meters, the compressor had already pumped enough air into the suspension so that I could continue on the route. Passengers at the next stop rejoiced, entering a completely empty cabin.

Technical characteristics of the bus MAN Lions City LE A78LE283

Gross weight, kg	17800
Passenger capacity, pers. including sitting
1st axle, kg 2nd axis, kg	6300 11500
Engine: type working volume, cm3 power, hp torque, Nm	MAN D 0836 LOH 55 (Euro4) 6-cylinder, turbodiesel with air intercooler 6871 280 at 2300 min -1 1100 at 1200-1800 min -1
Transmission type number of steps back and forth	ZF GHP504 Automatic
Suspension	Front dependent, pneumatic with two shock absorbers, stabilizer and body position regulator Bridge MAN VOK-07-B Rear dependent, pneumatic with four shock absorbers and two body position regulators MAN HY-1336-B, hypoid with final drive ratio - 5.571
Brake system	Disc with EBS (ABS / ASR)
Wheel formula	4x2
Minimum turning radius, m	10,9 8
Fuel tank capacity, l	125+175 The MAN Lions City LE A78 bus came to us for a test back in December 2009, just after the completion of certification tests. It is a 12-meter city car with a variable floor level, and ... a very peculiar interior. The thing is that this model appeared in Russia when customs duties were more loyal to buses with a high passenger capacity. And it is very likely that this interior layout was the result of a desire to maximize the number of passengers and, thereby, reduce the price of the bus. But, this is just an assumption, and the actual state of affairs is best seen in the photographs. The salon is quite clearly divided into two zones. In the first one, you can comfortably ride standing up or with overall things. The entire front end is completely free from seats - the only place on the wheel arch behind the driver does not count. There is a lot of free space, handrails are everywhere at hand. There are belts for wheelchair users, as well as a folding ramp in the 2nd door. For those who travel far, the second part of the bus is intended, completely filled with seats. There, the steps are quite high, and the ceiling handrails, on the contrary, are absent. But on each vertical handrail there is a button "demand to stop". So separation in action. The bus has a passenger door scheme quite common for imported vehicles of this class: 2-2-0. Moreover, the leaf drives are made in completely different ways - in the 1st door it is classic, rolling, and in the 2nd door it is of a reclining-sliding type. I don’t know what the German designers were guided by, but as a result, the opening of the 2nd door turned out to be 100 mm wider, which makes it easier to move with a pram and simplifies the landing of wheelchair users. Yes, and in winter, when the snow begins to "compact" on the platforms near the doors, limiting their course, such a drive is more convenient. In addition, both doors have built-in pressure sensors that work both for closing and opening and to prevent the passenger from being pinched. A kneeling system is also available. The only caveat: the system works only when the doors are closed, and after opening it is no longer possible to change the initial position. The mechanical component in German is pedantic and well thought out. The engine is placed longitudinally in the stern. Everything in the compartment is smart and compact. There are two technological cutouts in the metal protection of the engine compartment to facilitate maintenance. And the availability of all auxiliary systems, including access to lighting equipment, is well thought out. In the front overhang on the left there are control pneumatic outlets of the system with signatures in Russian. The switching units are hidden in the wall of the driver's cab. In general, MAN is MAN. After long trips to exhibitions and presentations in 2010, this car finally arrived to the customer - MPV "VPOPAT No. 1" in Vladivostok. Then another 32 buses of this model arrived, differing from the car we tested only in the absence of air vents, the presence of an air conditioner and a one and a half seat for passengers with children and the disabled, located immediately behind the 2nd door. Before leaving, buses must be equipped with GLONAS satellite navigators, video recorders, wireless Internet and voice informants. In October and November, 20 cars were also delivered to TOO "Autopark No. 3" of Karaganda. Thus, 53 brand new MAN Lions City LE A78 are already traveling in our open spaces, which means that transport workers liked the model.

]City (low-floor) Intercity (low-floor)

Type design system [ edit ]

The type designs were used to define all models prior to 2004. With the introduction of the model names in 2004, the system is still in use on all vehicles, but is more for internal use. In most cases it can be found on the plate inside the bus where one find the VIN.

floor height

N: Low floor bus ( German : Niederflur)
E: Low-entry bus (Some low-entry versions have letter N instead when they are built technically similar to the low-floor version.)

adaptation

DD: Double decker bus (German: Doppeldeckerbus)
G: Articulated bus (German: Gelenkbus)
L: Rigid bus (no special adaption) Linienbus)
M: midibus
Ü : Intercity bus Uberlandbus)

power code

xx: First two digits of power output in hp (nearest ten)
3 : third generation
F: Denotes that it is built as a chassis for external bodywork (German: Fahrgestell)

This means that a ND363F has a power output of 360 hp.

Chassis variants (for external bodywork)[ edit ]

MAN ND313F / ND363F (A34) MAN ND243F / ND283F (A48) MAN ND323F / ND363F (A95)

Overview
manufacturer	MAN
Production	2003-2006 (A34) 2006-2010 (A48) 2014-present (A95)
body and chassis
class	Bus chassis
body style	double decker bus
Doors	1 or 2 doors
floor type	low floor
related	MAN NDxx3 Lion's City DD (A39)
powertrain
engine
power output	240–360 hp (180–270 kW)
transmission	Voith DIWA ZF EcoLife
Dimensions
Length	10.85m (2-Axle) 12m, 12.8m (3-Axle)
Width	2.55m
Height	4.1m, 4.2m, 4.3m, 4.4m

MAN ND243F / ND283F (A48) [ edit ]

In 2006, a 10.85-metre two-axle version was launched as the MAN ND243F and MAN ND283F, with chassis code A48.

In late 2017, under a negotiated tender, the Land Transport Authority ordered 250 MAN buses, which comprised of 150 MAN NL323Fs and 100 MAN ND323Fs, equipped with Euro VI engines and minor differences to the bodywork in the previous batch; these buses were equipped with two wheelchair bays as compared to one in previous batches. An option was excised in 2018 to procure an additional 150 MAN ND323Fs in this batch; these buses entered revenue service in May 2018 and are currently assigned to SBS Transit, SMRT Buses and Go-Ahead Singapore for fleet additions and replacement of retiring buses.

In July 2018, a tender was awarded by LTA to ST Kinetics for the procurement of 111 MAN ND323Fs, which were expected to be delivered with similar specifications to the earlier batch; these buses were expected to enter revenue service in 2019, with the final bus delivered in 2020. Similar to the previous batch, these buses will be assigned to various bus operators for fleet additions and replacement of retiring buses.

Following the successful trial of the three door MAN ND323F, the Land Transport Authority announced that 50 production batch 3-door ND323Fs will be procured along with 50 3-door Alexander Dennis Enviro500s; these buses will be released on the roads in 2020.

Hong Kong [ edit ]

In August 2014, Kwoon Chung Motors Company (KCM) ordered 9 ND323Fs replacing 8 Dennis Tridents and 1 MAN 24.310. Also, KCM's subsidiary company New Lantau Bus(NLB) purchased 10 ND323Fs, they were delivered to Hong Kong in June and August 2015 respectively. Moreover, in 2017, NLB purchased 16 ND363Fs with Gemilang Lion's city DD facelift body, they were delivered to Hong Kong since November 2017 and registered since February 2018; the order has been increased to add another 13 vehicles and registered since June 2018. In 2018, NLB purchased 5 ND363Fs with Gemilang"s Lion"s city DD facelift body which is equivalent to the previous order and equipped with a Euro 6 engine, they are being delivered to Hong Kong since February 2019.

Gallery [ edit ]

NL 263 (A21) in Oslo

NG 313 (A23) in Mülheim an der Ruhr

ORN Lion's City G at Mainz main station.

Lion's City DD in Berlin

References [ edit ]

"Linienbusse" (in German). MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. Archived from the original on April 13, 1997.
"MAN: Fuel Cell City Bus (2000)" the original on 19 July 2011.
"MAN: low floor bus with FC and LH2 (2001)". netinform - Wasserstoff und Brennstoffzellen. Archived from the original on July 7, 2010.
"Premiere in Helsinki: MAN Lion"s City Hybrid-Stadtbus der neuesten Generation" (PDF) (in German). Neoman Bus Gruppe. 22 May 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2008.
"Hybrid drive" . MAN Truck & Bus. Archived from the original on August 25, 2011.
^ AG, MAN Truck & Bus. "MAN Lion"s City model series | MAN Bus Germany" . www.bus.man.eu. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
^ "MAN Bus Program" the original (PDF) on 23 December 2005.
"IAA 2002 - MAN Bus Highlights" (PDF) (in German). MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 16, 2004.
"MAN A84 - 18.280 HOCL-NL Lion"s City LE" (PDF). MAN Truck & Bus (S.A.) (Pty) Ltd.
Olifantsfontein. MAN Truck & Bus (S.A.) (Pty) Ltd. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
^ "MAN bus chassis - Program 2008/2009" (PDF) . MAN Nutzfahrzeuge. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2009.
"Joint News Release by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & SMRT - Buses with USB Charging Ports to hit the road on 1 September" . Land Transport Authority. August 31, 2016 August 20, 2019.
"MAN Lion" s City DD L Mock-up Bus ". Land Transport Guru. 12 March 2016. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
Singapore authority assesses three-door double-decks Bus & Coach Professional May 6, 2016
"MAN A95 (ND323F)". Land Transport Guru. September 24, 2014.
"The lion is roaring in Singapore". MAN SE. September 8, 2016 . 16 September 2016.
"MAN A95 (Euro 6) - First Production Batch". Land Transport Guru. May 23, 2018 August 20, 2019.
"LTA Awards Contract for 111 Double Deck Buses to ST Engineering Land Systems Ltd". Land Transport Authority. July 11, 2018 August 20, 2019.
"LTA Awards Contract for 100 Three-Door Buses to Two Tenderers". Land Transport Authority. April 25, 2019 August 20, 2019.
Hong Kong Buses Yearbook 2016, Northcord International Limited, ISBN, pages 30 to 41.
MAN double deckers for Sydney Northern Beaches Australasian Bus & Coach September 15, 2016
Sydney Metro MAN A95 buses delivered Australasian Bus & Coach 30 November 2017

external links [ edit ]

Public transport bus services are based on regular operation of transit buses along a route calling at agreed bus stops according to a published public transport timetable. While there are indications of experiments with public transport in Paris as early as 1662, there is evidence of a scheduled "bus route" from market street in Manchester to Pendleton in Salford UK started by John Greenwood in 1824. Another claim for the first public transport system for general use originated in Nantes, France, in 1826. Stanislas Baudry, a retired army officer who had built public baths using the surplus heat from his flour mill on the city"s edge, set up a short route between the center of town and his baths; the service started on the Place du Commerce, outside the hat shop of a M. Omnès, who displayed the motto Omnès Omnibus on his shopfront ; when Baudry discovered that passengers were just as interested in getting off at intermediate points as in patronizing his baths, he changed the route"s focus. His new voiture omnibus combined the functions of the hired hackney carriage with a stagecoach that traveled a predetermined route from inn to inn, carrying passengers and mail.

His omnibus had wooden benches. In 1828, Baudry went to Paris, where he founded a company under the name Entreprise générale des omnibus de Paris, while his son Edmond Baudry founded two similar companies in Bordeaux and in Lyon. A London newspaper reported on July 4, 1829, that "the new vehicle, called the omnibus, commenced running this morning from Paddington to the City", operated by George Shillibeer; the first omnibus service in New York began in 1829, when Abraham Brower, an entrepreneur who had volunteer organized fire companies, established a route along broadway starting at Bowling Green. Other American cities soon followed suit: Philadelphia in 1831, Boston in 1835 and Baltimore in 1844. In most cases, the city governments granted a private company—generally a small stableman in the livery or freight-hauling business—an exclusive franchise to operate public coaches along a specified route. In return, the company agreed to maintain certain minimum levels of service. In 1832 the New York omnibus had a rival when the first trams, or streetcars started operation along bowery, which offered the excellent improvement in amenity of riding on smooth iron rails rather than clattering over granite setts, called" Belgian blocks".

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Compressed natural gas is a fuel which can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane/LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the aforementioned fuels. In comparison to other fuels, natural gas poses less of a threat in the event of a spill, because it is lighter than air and disperses when released. Biomethane– cleaned-up biogas from anaerobic digestion or landfills - can be used. CNG is made by compressing natural gas, to less than 1 percent of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure, it is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of 20–25 MPa in cylindrical or spherical shapes. CNG is used in traditional gasoline/internal combustion engine automobiles that have been modified or in vehicles which were manufactured for CNG use, either alone, with a segregated gasoline system to extend range or in conjunction with another fuel such as diesel. natural gas vehicles are used in Iran Argentina and India.

With the Asia-Pacific region leading with 5.7 million NGVs followed by Latin America with four million vehicles. Several manufacturers sell bi-fuel cars. In 2006, Fiat introduced the Siena Tetrafuel in the Brazilian market, equipped with a 1.4L FIRE engine that runs on E100, E25, Ethanol and CNG. Any existing gasoline vehicle can be converted to a dual-fuel vehicle. Authorized shops can do the retrofitting and involves installing a CNG cylinder, plumbing, a CNG injection system and the electronics; the cost of installing a CNG conversion kit can reach $8,000 on passenger cars and light trucks and is reserved for vehicles that travel many miles each year. CNG costs emits up to 90% fewer emissions than gasoline. CNG locomotives are operated by several railroads; the Napa Valley Wine Train retrofit a diesel locomotive to run on compressed natural gas before 2002. This converted locomotive was upgraded to utilize a computer controlled fuel injection system in May 2008, is now the Napa Valley Wine Train's primary locomotive.

MAN Lion´s City is a bus developed by a VW subsidiary for regular route transport. The low-floor bus has been produced since 2004 and is used mainly on urban and suburban routes. Under the name MAN Lion´s City, more than ten variants of shuttle buses are produced, which differ not only in equipment and equipment, but also in their length. The capacity of these passenger vehicles varies accordingly, ranging from 29 seats in the City M model to 64 seats in the City G LE articulated bus. Different engines are used to drive new and used MAN Lion´s City buses, and in addition to diesel engines, the manufacturer also uses LPG or natural gas engines to choose from. But all engines of these models are 6-cylinder and their power ranges from 220 to 360 hp. To reduce the burden on the driver, the gearbox on all MAN Lion´s City models is made in an automatic version and it can have from 4 to 6 speeds. In accordance with the use, MAN Lion´s City can be completed and equipped with various additional options. So the shuttle bus can be equipped with a ramp for wheelchair users, air conditioning, a floor-lowering function and a video surveillance system. Are you looking to expand your fleet with new or used city buses? No problem! You will definitely find or

MAN Lion's City MY2018 Overall length: 12.0/18.0 m Start of sales: autumn 2018

DISCO STYLE

Before leaving for the evening part of the event, a small surprise awaited us. An ordinary-looking articulated city bus approached the hotel building, which at first no one paid attention to. When we were invited inside, everyone was pleasantly surprised by the bar with drinks, disco music and light show. In such high spirits, we set off across the city to the engine factory.

By the way, this year MAN Truck & Bus hosted up to 1,500 guests from all over the world at its MAN Bus Days forum, including representatives of transport companies, drivers, journalists, and just fans of the brand. At the same time, the visitors of the event were given the opportunity to get acquainted with the vehicles of the entire model range of the MAN and Neoplan brands, as well as to conduct a small test drive. Undoubtedly, one of the most striking events was the world premiere of the new MAN Lion’s City city bus, to which I will devote the main part of the story. Although it is impossible not to note the presence at the event of the already famous Neoplan Cityliner tourist bus, which attracted admiring glances from those present thanks to the refinement made by the Klebebande group of artists from Berlin as part of the Moving Art project.

CLEAR GUIDANCE

With the introduction of the new city bus, a clear focus was set on economy, driving comfort, new technologies and design. At the same time, the developers set themselves the goal of setting new standards for all bus components without exception. Examples of this are the fundamentally new powertrain with the MAN Efficient Hybrid module, independent front suspension, LED optics and the new modular interior concept. 18 years after the introduction of its predecessor, the newly minted MAN Lion's City is turning a new page in city buses. The machine already now complies with all standards in force today and coming into force in the foreseeable future.

Externally, the new city bus has a design characteristic of the MAN brand. In addition to the eye-catching head optics with daytime running lights in the form of a strip of LEDs and the black decorative trim typical of MAN buses with a chrome insert, the lowered waistline of the body catches the eye. It not only creates a visual sense of dynamism, but also reduces the total cost of ownership over the life of the bus. As with the new MAN Lion's Coach, the rear of the new MAN Lion's City is designed in the style of a modern smartphone. Soon, for everyone, it will become the hallmark of the bus brand.

In all likelihood, the light optics at the front and rear of the bus will serve as an example in setting new standards. MAN uses LEDs not only in daytime running lights. For the first time, headlamps are available in full LED version. Like the LED taillights, they are part of the standard equipment. In addition to their high efficiency, the lamps impress with a long service life of up to 10,000 hours, as well as a high fault tolerance that eliminates the need for costly replacements. At the same time, visibility is improved: the LED lamps in the dipped and main beam headlights are approximately 50% brighter than halogen ones.

Thanks to the use of new materials and technologies, the city bus not only looks stylish, it has become lighter and more reliable. In addition, user friendliness has been improved, for example, thanks to convenient panels that provide access to the engine and serviced components. Compared to its predecessor with the D20 engine, the new MAN Lion's City in the 12 meter version with the same configuration has a lower weight of around 1,130 kg, which has a noticeable effect on fuel consumption. In particular, the weight reduction was facilitated by the new design of the engine compartment panel without a steel frame, as well as the reduction in the thickness of the rear window and the optimization of the weight of the side cladding made of polypropylene reinforced with natural fibers.

An 18-meter articulated city bus option is envisaged.

The new Lion's City is the first MAN bus with independent front wheel suspension. When moving over bumps in the road with one wheel, the movement of the wheel and suspension arms is only slightly transmitted to the opposite side. The reduction in unsprung masses allowed the overall suspension to be made softer. The previous damping technology has been replaced as standard by new shock absorbers with a PCV comfort valve. These hydraulic dampers provide optimal suspension stiffness for ride comfort and stability in all driving modes.

The doors of the new bus are also improved. As before, they are an in-house development, but at the same time they are 100 mm wider and have a faster and more precise stroke. You can choose from pneumatic inward or outward pivoting doors, as well as inward pivoting and tilt-sliding doors with electro-hydraulic operation. In this case, well-proven components are used that do not require lubrication or adjustment during operation.

The new concept of choice of colors and interior trims offers a light and pleasant design without unnecessary visual elements. At the same time, light and dark shades are chosen in such a way as to emphasize individual functional areas. At the same time, the new seat concept with side rails and the optimized spacing not only save space, but also make cleaning easier. In this case, a standardized seat frame is used, mounted on two rails attached to the side wall. Using adapters, you can easily install any seat according to your needs. Comfort and safety are also ensured for standing passengers, with new overhead grab bars with oval handles for a comfortable grip.

A new seating concept with mounting on side rails.

The interior also uses modern LED lighting technology. Optionally, diffused lighting can be implemented in the form of a strip of LED lamps in warm white and colored lighting that runs along the entire length of the cabin. It provides uniform illumination and a modern, dynamic lighting design.

In the new MAN Lion's City, the driver's workplace has been optimized. The elegantly curved cab door fits in perfectly with the new design concept. Focusing on ergonomics, comfort and safety, the engineers have not least paid attention to the location of switches and instruments in order to improve ease of operation. Controls are now grouped into three zones according to how often they are used. An optional right side instrument panel is available for mounting additional DIN gauges or surveillance system monitors. On the side are a cup holder and a USB port.

To improve ergonomics, the possibility of horizontal displacement of the driver's seat has been increased. When adjusting the position of the steering wheel in height and angle of inclination, the instrument panel moves synchronously. Improving the readability of information is achieved by including a 4-inch high-resolution color display as standard. Modular driver's door glass, which can be extended to the windshield, provides additional protection against tampering.

Controls are now grouped into three zones, according to how often they are used.

BRIDGING THE GAP

An additional contribution to improving the efficiency of the new bus will be made by the new lightweight D1556 LOH engine, which already today complies with the Euro 6d environmental standards that come into force on September 1, 2019.

For the mid power range, this 9 liter engine has an ideal displacement of 9037 cc. The vertically mounted motor will fill a gap in the MAN engine range. The high-performance engine will be offered in 280, 330 and 360 horsepower versions. with., which corresponds to the typical operating conditions of city buses.

As one of the innovations, it should be noted that only SCR technology is used to achieve the requirements of environmental standards, without the use of the EGR system. In combination with the MAN CRT particulate filter, SCR technology makes it possible to virtually eliminate nitrogen oxide emissions.

This decision required the adaptation of the components that affect mixture formation. With the new common rail injection system, the turbocharger can be tuned to optimize efficiency. To achieve this, the MAN developers, among other things, changed the design of the injectors and the geometry of the combustion chamber, which made it possible to achieve optimal swirling of the fuel. Other innovations include new steel pistons and valves, allowing injection pressures up to 2,500 bar and ignition pressures up to 230 bar.

Unlike similar engines with an exhaust gas recirculation system, the new single-stage turbocharger uses the entire mass of exhaust gases to increase efficiency. As a result, the output is improved and an excellent high-speed characteristic of the engine is achieved with at the same time low fuel consumption.

By the way, the D15 engine is now equipped with a variable coolant pump. The performance of the pump, which is adjustable over the entire speed range, is determined by the need for cooling. Productivity is continuously adjustable from 20 to 95%. For example, when there is a small cooling demand, for example at low load, the required mechanical capacity of the coolant pump is reduced by 80%, which means a noticeable fuel saving. This also applies to the fan drive.

In the new MAN city buses, the D1556 LOH engine replaces the previously installed D2066 LUH. The new engine is characterized by good dynamics due to the optimal design and tuning of the turbocharger with reduced weight and increased efficiency. Reducing the weight of the engine unloads the rear axle, which contributes to a better distribution of the axle load. This is especially important with a large rear overhang and standing area, as this increases the payload. In addition, weight reduction reduces fuel consumption.

The new lightweight D1556 LOH engine already complies with Euro 6d emission standards.

As an option, the D15 engine can be supplemented with the new MAN Efficient Hybrid module, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption. The big advantage of the start/stop function as standard is the reduction in exhaust emissions and engine noise when waiting at traffic lights and at stops. The MAN Efficient Hybrid contributes to the reduction of CO 2 and nitrogen oxide emissions and thus improves air quality in cities. The module and its energy storage are designed for 2.6 million engine stop and start cycles.

The new generation of city buses will be manufactured at the MAN plant in Starachowice (Poland) from August 2018.

The rear of the new MAN Lion's City is designed in the style of a modern smartphone.

PARTY AT 18 METERS

For many participants, MAN Bus Days began with a trip to the evening presentation in a mobile disco club. The extraordinary car was prepared by the MAN Bus Modification Center, which converted the standard MAN Lion's City GL of the previous generation for the Sales-Lentz Group. Up to 45 people can dance, enjoy drinks and have fun in the mobile club.

The bar counter is equipped with a swing door, three refrigerators, a dispenser and a cooler for draft beer. There is also a DJ console for controlling a high-end sound system with built-in speakers, subwoofers and detachable external speakers.

For a more relaxing pastime, a cozy lounge with a corner sofa is provided in the tail section of the bus. In order to prevent drinks from tipping over while driving, built-in magnetic coasters are used. Particularly interesting are the handrails with bizarre branches going up. The bus also has a first-class equipped toilet cabin.

In terms of lighting, the developers have relied on individual and unique solutions. The exclusive concept of Pixelstripe LED strips and LED lights around the perimeter of the lounge area create special effects. The club atmosphere is complemented by ceiling lights. Each element is controlled individually.

The disco bus also has a monitor connected to a fisheye camera, with the ability to access social networks. Guests can not only take pictures, but also immediately post them on social networks.

Specifications MAN Lion's City MY2018
Number of seats	33 (3‑door version)
Dimensions(length Width Height)	12 185/2550 /3060 mm
Wheelbase	6005 mm
Fuel tank volume	175–350 l
Engine	D1556 LOH12, Euro 6d, diesel, in-line, 6-cylinder, working volume 9037 cm 3, power 280 at 1800 min -1, torque 1200 at 800–1600 min -1
Transmission(machine.)	ZF EcoLife Step3 (6-speed) or Voith DIWA6 (4-speed)
Suspension(front/back)	independent, pneumatic/dependent, pneumatic
brakes	disk
Competitors
Scania Citywide, Mercedes-Benz Citaro