Isuzu MVR Bus Chassis: The Ultimate in Passenger Comfort

Prioritising passenger comfort, the newly launched Isuzu MVR bus chassis features a soft ride bus suspension, delivering a smoother ride while maintaining optimal safety, handling, and stability compared to truck-based bus chassis used by many competitors.

The important consideration here is the chassis is equipped with multi-leaf springs, shock absorbers and stabiliser bars in the front and the rear.

The MVR chassis has a 6 050 mm wheelbase, making it ideal for commuter applications. Its extended front overhang allows for the installation of a standard size passenger entry door, ahead of the left front wheel. This allows for easy passenger entry complemented by the Marcopolo Torino body that is fitted.

The MVR chassis has an overall length of 11 594 mm and a width of 2 367 mm. This equates to 12 600 mm and 2 600 mm respectively with the bus body installed.

The MVR chassis is powered by Isuzu’s trusted 7,79-litre inline six-cylinder 6HK1-TCS diesel engine, delivering 221 kW (300 PS) of power at 2 400 r/min and 980 Nm of torque from 1 450 r/min. It is paired with an Eaton 6-speed manual transmission.

Air Foundation Brakes

Its braking system comprises full air foundation brakes, an exhaust brake, and a magnetic retarder mounted to the rear of the transmission, enhancing both braking performance and longevity.

Designed with a higher profile relative to comparable truck-based bus chassis’, the MVR offers superior approach and departure angles, enabling effective operation in urban and rural environments. The engine is positioned further forward and lower, increasing floor space and providing comfortable seating for up to 66 passengers, 7 standing passengers, and the driver.

The vehicle utilises 315/70R22.5 tyres with 9-inch wheels, favouring contemporary industry preferences over the traditional 11R22,5 tyres with 8,25-inch wheels.

Long-distance Journeys

A 400-litre fuel tank supports long-distance journeys, with noted fuel efficiency across operations. Additional standard features include LED headlamps and tail lamps as part of the Marcopolo Torino body. Standard safety features include automatic headlights-on and an anti-lock braking system.

Passenger amenities such as air-conditioning, USB charging ports, and a sound system are available as optional operator configurations.

Iemraan Brown (Senior Manager: Planning & Program) says:

“The introduction of the new Isuzu MVR bus chassis represents a significant advancement compared to previous Isuzu bus models and current competitor offerings, as it is engineered specifically as a dedicated commuter bus chassis. In contrast, many competitors continue to use truck-based platforms, which typically involve rigid suspensions, truck transmissions, and require substantial chassis modifications.

"Each aspect of the Isuzu MVR chassis—including wheelbase, overhangs, suspension systems, engine placement, transmission with retarder, driver position, braking system, fuel tank capacity, auxiliary air tanks, electrical components, exhaust configuration, and tyre specifications—has been meticulously optimised for bus applications. This comprehensive approach maximises passenger capacity and comfort, providing ample legroom.

Urban and Rural

"An increased chassis height offers enhanced approach and departure angles, making the MVR chassis suitable for both urban and rural environments.

"The gearing is carefully calibrated to deliver superior fuel efficiency in both stop-start city driving and open road driving conditions.

"Furthermore, the power and torque outputs surpass those of comparable competitors.

"In summary, the Isuzu MVR bus chassis is a robust solution requiring minimal modification during bus body installation.”

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Colin-on-Cars - More comfort for commuters

Tens of thousands of South Africans rely heavily on taxi services to commute to and from work, these often overcrowded and uncomfortable mini-bus vehicles make the journey quite a chore.

Designed specifically for the South African traveller and landscape, the Mercedes-Benz Inkanyezi offers the ideal balance between functionality and comfort. With a seating capacity of up to 22 passengers plus a driver, the Inkanyezi offers the South African taxi industry maximum efficiency and economy whilst ensuring top-notch safety and comfort.

Speaking of the updated model, Marinus Venter, the Head of Product & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans SA, says: “At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we are committed to continuously seeking new ways to embrace our customers, to provide them with the most desirable vans and services.

“With the latest version of the Sprinter Inkanyezi, I am pleased to say that we have achieved this commitment. By keeping our customers at the forefront of every decision along the way, we have managed to keep all the best-loved features of the original Inkanyezi whilst creating exciting enhancements to further delight our customers.”

At the core of the new Inkanyezi is an updated, all-aluminium OM 654 Engine, which offers a significantly more compact engine design than the previous unit. Additionally, the new design includes an innovative placement of all exhaust-gas-cleaning technologies close to the engine, resulting in low heat losses and favourable working conditions.

Further enhancements to the Inkanyezi include more comfortable seat finishes. The material finish looks both stylish and offers a soft-to-the-touch texture, which is more pleasant for travelling. To match the seats, the Inkanyezi’s interior has also been redesigned with a dark finish, complete with jet-black window frames, to instantly create a luxurious atmosphere.

New technological additions include a Bluetooth radio and speaker system, which has been included as a standard equipment feature in the new Inkanyezi. The vehicle also comes with USB Ports in each row, which are conveniently located for passengers to easily charge their electronic devices.

Other standard equipment additions include lightweight parcel shelves on both sides of the van, for passengers to stow their belongings. A remodelled lap belt design ensures maximum safety is matched with maximum comfort when travelling.

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