Optare Versa
The Optare Versa was a low-floor single-deck midibus manufactured by the British bus company Optare, launched on 10 November 2006 at the Euro Bus Expo in Birmingham.[1] Designed to bridge the gap between Optare's smaller Solo and larger Tempo models, it was positioned as a competitor to vehicles like the Alexander Dennis Enviro200 and offered enhanced capacity while maintaining maneuverability for urban routes.[1] Available in two lengths—10.4 m (with a 5.13 m wheelbase) and 11.1 m (with a 5.82 m wheelbase)—the Versa provided seating for up to 40 passengers in various configurations, emphasizing flexibility for operators.[2] It featured proven components from Optare's existing lineup, including Smoothride air suspension for passenger comfort, a multiplexed electrical system for diagnostics, and a 200 L fuel tank (plus 20 L for selective catalytic reduction on compliant engines).[2] Powertrain options included the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA (4.25 L, 115 kW, Euro 4 with SCR), Cummins ISBe (5.90 L, 150 kW, Euro 4 with SCR), and MAN D0834 (132 kW, Euro 4 with EGR), paired with an Allison 2100 series 5-speed automatic transmission.[2] The Versa quickly gained traction with its debut securing a £9 million order for 100 units from Stagecoach, marking Optare's largest single-deck contract at the time and highlighting its revenue potential through high passenger capacity in a lightweight design (around 7,820 kg).[1][3] Optare also developed electric and hybrid variants, with the Versa EV introduced featuring a Magtec P144 motor (150 kW power, 2,380 Nm torque), contributing to early adoption of zero-emission technology in the UK fleet market.[4] Built at Optare's Sherburn-in-Elmet facility in North Yorkshire, the model supported diverse operators, including FirstGroup's electric fleet in York, where upgraded Versa EVs have demonstrated reliability with over one million collective kilometers traveled.[5]Development and Production
Launch and Design Origins
The Optare Versa made its public debut at the 2006 Euro Bus & Coach Expo held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK, on 10 November 2006. This launch positioned the Versa as Optare's strategic response to growing market demand for a midibus offering greater passenger capacity than the existing Solo minibus, while avoiding the bulk of full-sized single-deckers. The event highlighted the Versa's role in filling a gap in Optare's lineup between the compact Solo and the larger Tempo, targeting operators seeking versatile vehicles for constrained urban operations.[1][6] The design origins of the Versa stemmed from Optare's established low-floor chassis architecture, particularly an extension of the integral frame used in the Solo model, adapted to midibus proportions of approximately 10.3 to 11 meters in length. This evolution maintained the Solo's emphasis on accessibility and lightweight construction—utilizing steel framing with fiberglass panels—for enhanced fuel economy and reduced operational costs, while introducing a more conventional front-axle placement behind the entrance door to improve stability and passenger flow. Stylistically, the Versa adopted a modern aesthetic with a sweeping roofline, extensive glazing for natural light, and aerodynamic swept-back front, prioritizing both visual appeal and practicality in dense city environments.[6][3] Initially marketed for urban and suburban routes where maneuverability was paramount, the Versa was engineered to accommodate 36 to 40 seated passengers, providing sufficient capacity for medium-demand services without requiring the infrastructure of double-deck buses. Early prototypes incorporated the Cummins ISBe six-cylinder turbo diesel engine, rated at 150 kW, to ensure reliable performance compliant with Euro 4 emissions standards. Production began in early 2007 at Optare's facility in Cross Gates, Leeds, with the first customer deliveries—primarily to operators like Stagecoach and Arriva—commencing in October 2007. Over time, the Versa evolved to include hybrid and battery-electric powertrain options, expanding its adaptability to low-emission requirements.[1][3][7]Manufacturing and Output
Production of the Optare Versa began at Optare's assembly plant in Cross Gates, Leeds, and transferred to the new facility in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, UK, in 2011, where the integral body and chassis were constructed through a streamlined process involving panel forming, welding, and integration of structural components to ensure low-floor accessibility and lightweight design.[7][8] Production of the model spanned from 2007 to 2018, during which Optare produced a total of 883 units to meet demand from UK operators seeking efficient midibuses.[9] Output reached its peak in the early 2010s, coinciding with significant orders for urban and rural services, with build variations including 10.4 m, 11.7 m, and 12.1 m lengths to accommodate different route requirements and passenger capacities.[10][11] Key components were sourced from established suppliers, including Allison transmissions for smooth automatic shifting and engines from Cummins, MAN, and Mercedes-Benz to support diesel, hybrid, and later electric configurations.[3] This supply chain enabled flexible production runs, with assembly emphasizing modularity for variants while maintaining high standards of durability and fuel efficiency.Design and Specifications
Bodywork and Dimensions
The Optare Versa employs an integral low-floor bodywork construction optimized for lightweight durability and accessibility. The frame consists of an all-welded heavy-duty box section made from stainless steel and high-grade carbon steel, treated with anti-rust cavity wax and Dinol underseal for corrosion resistance. Side panels utilize a rail section design, while front and rear panels are modular fiberglass-reinforced plastic (GRP) for straightforward customization and maintenance. This structure achieves a low kerb weight of 7,820 kg in the 11.7 m variant, supporting improved operational efficiency.[3][12] Available in multiple lengths to suit urban and suburban routes, the Versa measures 9.7 m, 10.4 m, or 11.1 m for standard models—with corresponding wheelbases of 5.13 m for the 10.4 m variant and 5.82 m for the 11.1 m variant—and extends to 11.7 m and 12.1 m for higher-capacity configurations. The body width is 2,506 mm, enabling maneuverability in narrow streets while providing ample interior space. The low-floor design maintains a height of approximately 2,840 mm, with a standard entry step height of 318 mm that kneels to 245 mm for enhanced step-free access.[11][12][3] Exterior styling emphasizes aerodynamics and passenger comfort, featuring a swept-back curvaceous front profile, large one-piece gasket-glazed windscreen, and shaped quarter windows to minimize drag. Tinted, curved single-glazed saloon windows are bonded directly to the frame, with options for full-height glazing to improve natural light. Modular panels and LED lighting units allow operators to tailor the appearance and facilitate repairs.[3][12] The underlying chassis draws from Optare's proprietary low-floor platform, incorporating Dana axles and air suspension for stability and ride quality. The front setup includes two air bags with leading taper leaf springs and a Panhard rod, while the rear employs four air bags on a parallel linkage with an anti-roll bar. This configuration supports the bus's low entry and overall lightweight profile without compromising structural integrity.[11][12]| Variant Length | Wheelbase | Kerb Weight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.7 m | N/A | Not specified |
| 10.4 m | 5.13 m | Not specified |
| 11.1 m | 5.82 m | Not specified |
| 11.7 m | N/A | 7,820 kg |
| 12.1 m | N/A | Not specified |