Plaxton, part of the thriving Alexander Dennis group, took the wraps off a new small coach today with the news that orders for more than 50 have already been secured.
Speaking at the launch of the all-new Cheetah XL, Colin Robertson, Chief Executive of Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), told a gathering of influential coach operators: “You are the people, quite literally, with your names on the doors. The 50-plus vehicles you have ordered in advance of seeing the finished article is a breath-taking demonstration of the faith you have in Plaxton and in our business as a whole. On behalf of our workforce, I thank you sincerely. We will not let you down.”
Earlier, Mr. Robertson said that since the acquisition of Plaxton in 2007, ADL had invested £10m in the Scarborough facility – home of the Plaxton brand – and brought a whole series of medium-sized and large, luxury coaches to market, including the Elitei, which is now winning significant repeat orders in mainland Europe.
“The new Cheetah XL takes the process of step-change model introductions a stage further,” he said. “It is extra large, as the XL suffix suggests; it has more passenger capacity – 36, plus crew; it has more luggage space and a more powerful 5.1 litre engine, all of which effectively moves the Cheetah from the mini to midi coach sector.”
He added: “In addition, it is stylish – following the elegant lines of other ADL coach introductions in recent years, while the interior is spacious, light and airy. It also has a brilliantly thought-out driver’s area, combined with uncluttered passenger space. In a nutshell, more performance, more options, more of everything that matters.”
Discussing the background to the Cheetah XL, Mr. Robertson told media representatives that the new vehicle replaces a model that was a best-seller in the mini coach sector.
He commented: “The former Cheetah was a popular vehicle but, in all truth, it was time for radical change. As is our policy, we entered into lengthy discussions with operators to determine their ‘wants and needs’ and out of that came the brief for the new XL.
“The vehicle we are launching today will be class-leading in terms of passenger capacity, luggage space, performance and whole-life cost. It builds on the best of the best, in this case two decades of experience in the small to medium-sized coach sector; on a winning Plaxton-Mercedes combination; and on clever design that improves reliability, durability and serviceability. It achieves all of the objectives that are fundamental to any of our
new vehicles.”
Technical Background
Building on two decades of unparalleled success, the Cheetah XL is designed for today’s environment. It is a midi coach with all the performance benefits and refinements you expect from a larger vehicle. It brings together comfort and practicality, class leading economy, exceptional whole life cost and a premium residual value.
Key Features
• Stainless steel body structure creating a lighter, stronger and more
durable vehicle.
• Up to 36 passenger seats plus courier seat in standard configuration.
• Built on Mercedes Benz Atego platform, providing unrivalled reliability and class-
leading economy.
• Cutting edge technology designed to minimise weight and maximise payload
and fuel efficiency.
• More luggage capacity, providing eight cubic metres of space.
• Stylish, contemporary finish without compromising comfort.
Distinctive Profile
Cheetah XL’s new profile and stylish contemporary look delivers stunning kerbside appeal, providing a distinctive, eye-catching appearance from the moment it takes to the road.
Easy Access to Stylish Interior
The easy-access entry door opens onto a stylish cabin, finished with soft fabrics and reclining seats fitted as standard, while a new insulation package reduces noise. Climate control and full air suspension provide a refined, relaxing ride.
Ergonomic Driver’s Area
The dashboard and driver’s area has been ergonomically designed for optimum comfort and control. Features include cruise control, a colour display for daily check items plus a high quality Bosch audio system and P.A. From the comfort of an air suspension seat, drivers have excellent visibility to the front, sides and rear through electronically operated, heated exterior mirrors.
Increased Passenger Numbers
The new Cheetah XL makes intelligent use of the Mercedes Atego platform to provide even greater passenger capacity than in previous models. It can now host up to 36 passengers, plus crew, without compromising comfort.
Outstanding Passenger Experience
Seating on the Cheetah XL offers the refinement and support passengers expect, even on the longest of journeys. Reclining seats are standard with adjustable armrests. In addition, there is enhanced full air suspension, all creating a more refined and relaxing passenger experience. Cheetah XL also offers multiple options to tailor-make the vehicle of choice, including hot and cold drinks facilities, premium entertainment systems and a wide range of seating trims.
More Luggage Space
Cheetah XL makes the journey even more comfortable with eight cubic metres of luggage space, twice that of its predecessor vehicle, introducing the potential for extended journeys. It also has improved access at the front with an emergency exit door on the rear off-side, featuring a slide out step.
More Power and Best-in-Class Performance
Built on the Mercedes-Benz Atego 1218L chassis, the Cheetah XL is powered by a 5.1 litre (176 PS) turbo-charged four cylinder Euro 6 diesel engine with “Powershift” automated transmission. It also has front and rear disc brakes, all combining to maximise fuel economy, minimise whole-life cost and ensure premium residual value.
Strength You Can Rely On
Cheetah XL takes safety compliance in its stride. The stainless steel structure is fully compliant with EC R66 rollover requirements and coupled with the Atego chassis
it optimises both reliability and longevity.
Specification
Framing
Jig built, all-welded stainless steel structure meeting the requirements of EU R66 governing rollover strength. Exposed structure is treated with a primary protection and the whole vehicle below the floor line is undersealed.
Exterior Panels
Single piece composite main side panels, aluminium lower panels and one piece aluminium roof. Aluminium skinned locker doors, top hinged to the main structure.
Doors and Exits
Power-operated in-swing entrance door with large double glazed window and offside rear emergency exit featuring slide-out step arrangement, providing ground level access. Single-glazed roof hatch and integral escape facility.
Glazing
Tinted, double glazed side windows, double glazed rear window and laminated front screen. All glass directly bonded to the main structure.
Exterior Lighting
Halogen pinpoint headlights, halogen main beam lights, front fog lights, side repeater indicators, rear brake lights, indicators, reversing and fog lights integral high level brake light and high level corner marker lights.
Interior Comfort
Non-slip flooring material throughout with carpet to centre gangway and entrance area; stylish glass and tubular entrance partitions; Microtrim soft-touch fabric to side casings, racks and roof trim; deep interior parcel racks; individual passenger service units with ventilation and reading lights to each seat; LED interior lighting and down-lighters to entrance area; AM/FM radio, CD and PA system; driver and crew microphone.
Options: DVD based entertainment systems and perimeter convector heating
to cabin walls.
Seating
All reclining seats, trimmed in moquette with optional leather inserts or full leather trim, three-point inertia reel seatbelts, crew seat with courier services module and air-suspended driver’s seat.
Optional Extras
• Saloon mounted fresh water toilet.
• Servery facility.
• Entertainment package.
• Seating – premium seating with choice of moquette, leather or a
combination of trims.
• Courier seat.
• Driver’s air-conditioning.
