Australia first with Hino Poncho

Hino Poncho bus to deliver community transport solution with wheelchair accessibility

As we reported earlier this month, Hino Australia has confirmed it will be the first market outside Japan to offer the Hino Poncho bus when it arrives in early 2017.

The ultra-low floor design with kerb kneeling function is complemented by a portable wheelchair ramp allowing for quick and easy boarding and alighting for all passengers, regardless of ability.

The Hino Poncho is designed to be fully compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) which outlines provisions for equal public access to services and facilities, including public transport.

Hino Australia Manager, Product Strategy Daniel Petrovski said the DDA-compliant status of this bus will be a valuable future-proof feature for owners.

"The Poncho is already Australian DDA-compliant, meaning customers will have the assurance of a product that is ready ahead of the Act being mandated in 2022," he said.

"Wheelchair boarding can take less than a minute, including time to both deploy and store the on-board ramp. Traditional small bus wheelchair access can take up to 20 minutes.

"The Poncho is our solution for short suburban and city routes, and we predict this product will be popular in the community transport market," Mr Petrovski said.

Measuring just under seven metres in length, the short front and rear overhangs of the bus enable agile inner-city handling and a tight turning radius of less than eight metres.

Mounted behind the rear axle is a J05E-TS four-cylinder common-rail turbo-diesel engine, producing 180hp (132kW) and 530Nm of torque.

The efficient J05E-TS engine meets Euro-5 emissions standards with EGR and DPR emissions control systems and can also be found in the Hino 300 Series High Horsepower range.

A true two-pedal solution is provided for the driver by way of a five-speed Aisin A500 Automatic transmission with torque converter.

Customers will have the choice of 18 or 22-seat saloon layout plus driver, or a blank saloon layout for custom individual applications.

For added safety the large 850mm sliding door features sensitive touch technology plus the added security of extra sensors installed near the entrance. These sensors stop the door from closing if there is an obstruction and also ensure it remains closed until the transmission park position is selected.

Hino Australia also provides a three-year, 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first, as part of the Hino Advantage suite of business benefits.

The Hino Poncho production model will be on display at the 2016 Australian Bus and Coach Show on October 5 and 6 and will be available from selected Hino dealerships nationwide in early 2017.

Australia first with Hino Poncho

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