Tried and tested drive line

The Citea CLE 120-255/310 has a tried and tested driveline which consists, as standard, of a DAF engine with a Voith or ZF automatic gearbox with an integrated retarder. The DAF engine PR 183 S1 delivers 183 kW (250 HP) at 2200 rpm and a maximum torque of 1050 Nm between 1200 and 1600 rpm. The DAF PR 228 S1 engine delivers power output of 228 kW (310 hp) at 2200 rpm, and a maximum torque of 1275 Nm at an engine speed of between 1100 and 1700 rpm. Both engines comply with the Euro 4 emission standards by way of an SCR catalytic converter and AdBlue injection. Both engines are also available as Euro 5. Both drive lines are as well available in an EEV version which, as far as emissions are concerned, is at least as clean or even cleaner than a comparable bus fitted with a CNG drive.

Asmodules

The Citea consists of a number of modules, such as the mid floor, the front axle module and the rear axle module with integrated engine gearbox, cooling group and rear axle. Use is made in both these last modules of ZF Lemförder wheel suspension elements, combined with a ZF rigid axle in the rear axle module and a TRW steering system in the front axle module. The sophisticated construction of these two modules combines a very low step height of 340 mm with very great manoeuvrability due to a wheel angle of 55 degrees. The ZF rear axle has a final ratio of 4.70 or 5.22:1; the steering column is adjustable with pneumatic blocking. The Citea stands on 275/70 R22.5” tyres all round.

High-quality electronics

The Citea has a completely-integrated electronic CAN bus system which is based on the Kibes 32 multiplex system from Siemens VDO. The advantage of this network is that all electrically and electronically controlled elements are linked together in a bidirectional structure which offers, for example, an opportunity to build in a large number of safety features. As standard, the Citea is supplied with Quick Scan Diagnostics via the standard LCD screen on the dashboard, for rapid analysis of the numerous different technical vehicle functions.

The new Citea CLE

Flexibility

The guide to the development of the Citea was to make a vehicle with the greatest possible flexibility. This is shown in a wide range of variants for the creation of a custom-made bus for any use and in accordance with the wishes of any operator. The driver module, for example, can be equipped with an Isri seat or with a seat from Grammer, Savas or other suppliers. As standard the dashboard has a fixed instrument panel; as an option, an adjustable dashboard according to the VDV standard is available. The Citea CLE has 40 or 42 seats depending on the model. The seats in the forward section of the city bus are fitted without legs using cantilever supports on the side wall. Depending on the model, this also applies for the seats in the rear section and on the rear axle. This makes the cleaning and maintenance of the floor easier. The maximum number of seated and standing passengers is more than 100 within a total vehicle length of 12 metres. The length is divided over a wheelbase of 6 metres and a front and rear overhang of 2.6 and 3.4 metres respectively. The height is 3.16 metres and the step height is 34 cm for all doors. As an option, two lowering systems are available, one that lowers the entire right-hand side of the bus to an entry height of 27 cm, and a variant that only lowers the floor height at the front entrance door to 25 cm. There is a wheelchair platform as standard with a hand-operated extractable access ramp fitted and, as an option, an electrically-operated access ramp can be supplied.

Other benefits

The Citea CLE city and local bus can be delivered with three double-leaf doors with a maximum portal width of 1200 mm and a single-leaf door with a portal width of 880 mm. The inward swinging doors are fitted as standard but doors which swing outwards and sliding swing doors can optionally be fitted. The bus complies, of course, with the European 2001/85/EC directive and is available in compliance with class I and II. Because of its low mass and the consequent economical fuel consumption, the Citea has an action radius sufficient for full-day deployment. VDL Bus & Coach expects to produce several hundred Citea city buses each year for the European market.

The driver cockpit