High-comfort chassis
The Citaro chassis again impresses with its outstanding comfort and active safety, thanks to the front axle with individual wheel suspension. This aspect is even further enhanced in the Citaro. For example, the reworked steering system provides a more effective steering wheel return, which is invaluable during the frequent turning manoeuvres required during the operation of a regular-service bus.
For the first time in a city bus: maximum safety performance with ESP
The new Citaro can also be equipped with the ESP electronic stability program, as the first low-floor city bus to offer this feature. The Mercedes-Benz Citaro is therefore opening a new chapter in safety technology for city buses.
To the extent physically possible, ESP intervenes immediately to stop the vehicle from going into a spin by reducing the engine torque or optimum braking of individual wheels. This is a real boost to active safety, particularly on slippery road surfaces in autumn and winter and during higher-speed travel on intercity routes.
Simple and economical maintenance and repairs
The specifications for the development of the new Citaro also included a noticeable reduction in running costs. This was a tall order, given that its predecessor had already been an outstandingly economical city bus. The engineers focused mainly on the maintenance costs. Accordingly, with the introduction of the new model, the maintenance interval of the automatic transmission and rear axle has been increased from 120,000 km to 180,000 km (although for the articulated version, this depends on the transmission system; with the Voith gearbox, the maintenance interval remains at 120,000 km). Changes at the detailed level have also helped to trim costs: for example, the use of larger filters in the air inlet for ventilating the driver station means a longer maintenance interval for that component.
Significantly less risk of minor damage
Another source of costs is the minor damage typical of the operation of city buses in dense traffic. The designers have also addressed this issue, with bolted – and therefore replaceable – GRP scuffing protectors on the front overhang to protect the hem section from damage when pulling into bus stops, or when pulling out over slopes or embankments. Repair costs are also reduced by flexible corner protectors on the rear bumper and wheel arch, again made of GRP, and the option of horizontally segments side panelling also delivers repair cost savings.
Cost reductions from LED lamps
The numerous LED lamps both inside and outside the new Citaro significantly reduce electricity consumption. They also generally last as long as the bus does, so that tedious and time-consuming tasks such as changing bulbs are largely eliminated altogether during the life cycle of the Citaro.
The capacity of the windscreen washer fluid tank has been increased from 8 to 20 litres, which reduces the need for refills to a minimum.