(24 Sep 2020, 7:58 pm)streetdeckfan wrote I definitely agree with you there. The new StreetDecks are brilliant.Bodywork & Fuel Economy = StreetDeck
They're so much more comfortable than the older ones, you wouldn't even believe they're the same type of vehicle. I tried an E400 and StreetDeck back to back on the X45 and the StreetDeck legit felt like it was floating whilst the E400s was clattering about. Not to say the E400s are uncomfortable, but the StreetDeck is in another league.
I think the 'nippiness' depends on the driver, the StreetDecks are surprisingly quick when you get a driver that puts their foot down, but on average the E400s do feel like they have a bit more shove.
The only thing I'd really disagree with you is with the 'red' interior. It's 100% brown. It's nowt like the E400 'red', which is tolerable. It looks bloody awful.
Mechanics, durability, proven reliability and power = E400MMC
Got to remember that with the latter, Arriva use examples of both Euro 5 Classics & Euro 6 MMCs out of Ashington on some tough routes. Although perhaps not as efficient as a StreetDeck, they still use less than a B9TL. GoEY even have them on the X46.
The StreetDeck is a good bus for what it was designed for but a heavier option should've been available from the word go. Hopefully the OM936 fills the gap Wrightbus has been missing.