Ayats returns to the UK with Horizon

Ayats displayed the latest version of its Horizon double-deck coach, based on a Scania chassis, at the Euro Bus Expo.

The Horizon substitutes the Eclipse model and is described as Ayats’ ‘new standard’ by the Spanish manufacturer’s marketing material. The example at the show was liveried for Turners Coachways and had 84 passenger seats, toilet, wheelchair ramp, camera monitoring system (replacing wing mirrors) and a Scania 6×2 450hp engine. The 500hp equivalent of this engine can also be specified on the Horizon and an array of interior specifications is available. Luggage capacity on the show example is 11m2.

The vehicle is to be supplied based only on Scania in the UK and will be available from that manufacturer’s UK dealerships. Previously in the UK, Ayats had worked with MAN for its coach base or provided integral vehicles.

Pere Glesias Blasi from Ayats told B&CB: “We think Scania will be a strong partner for us. Between now and the beginning of next year, we will be bringing six coaches to the UK that we have sold.”

One of the six is for Turners (pictured), one is for band bus specialist Jumbocruiser and another is for Laguna Holidays. Pere said that if ordered at the show, the lead time for receiving the coach would be around September 2025.

The Horizon is available as a 13.35m, 13.8m, 14.35m or 15m model, all of which are 4m high and 2.55m wide. They all have a front overhang of 2.41m, except the 15m version, which has a 2.7m overhang. Rear overhang is 3.01m (13.35m version), 3.35m (13.8m), 3.4m (14.35m) and 3.6m (15m).

The Horizon was originally launched in 2019, but has since been updated.