Fuso pushes safety with new Rosa

Fuso has announced that the new-generation Fuso Rosa features the most advanced safety features to ever appear in the Australian light-duty bus class.

Fuso has made a range of significant changes inside and outside the Rosa, which is available with 22 or 25 seats, further improving the most popular bus of the last decade in Australia.

All of the new-generation Rosa buses will be protected by a comprehensive range of safety features including Advanced Emergency Braking, which can perform full emergency braking in the event of a potential collision. This advanced radar-based system can even detect moving pedestrians and begin braking.

A lane departure warning system is also standard, as is electronic stability program, driver and front passenger airbags, height adjustable LED headlights, hill start assist and a reversing camera.

There are also three-point lap sash seatbelts for all occupants, and four exits. The new-generation Rosa also features a transom window on the passenger side to further enhance vision.

Daimler Truck and Bus Australia President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, says the safety features of the new Rosa are at the heart of its appeal.

“These buses carry our most precious cargo, whether it be on school runs or nursing home day trips, so it is imperative fleet operators consider their safety features or lack thereof,” he says.

“There is only one light-duty bus in Australia with advanced emergency braking, only one with lane departure warning and only one with electronic stability, and that is the new Fuso Rosa. There are many other benefits introduced by the upgraded model, but nothing as important as the features that will help protect the ones we love,” Mr Whitehead added.

The new Rosa is covered by a five-year/200,000km warranty, giving owners peace of mind, and Fuso has increased the Rosa’s service intervals to 15,000km.

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New for Rosa is an efficient 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel common-rail engine with the most power and torque in its class – 129kW and 430Nm. The new engine features a variable geometry turbocharger, is smaller and lighter than the engine it replaces, but is also more powerful. It also meets stringent Euro 6 emission standards, well ahead of Australian regulated standards.

Fuso is also introducing its advanced Duonic automated manual transmission, which features six gears, to the Rosa range.

Fuso says that this advanced dual-clutch transmission delivers fuel efficiency improvements as well as fast and smooth shifts. It also features a handy creep function for easy low-speed manoeuvring. Customers also have the option of selecting a five-speed manual transmission.

Fuso has also significantly upgraded the interior of the Rosa, with a new-look dashboard.
It now incorporates a passenger side airbag, as well as a new climate control display and new switches for key controls that are within easy reach of the driver.

A new high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen display with internet and digital radio has been introduced, along with a new electronic instrument cluster that presents a range of bus data for the driver including fuel efficiency information, maintenance status, date and outside temperature.

There is also a repositioned handbrake lever, which now sits to the left of the driver’s seat. Fuso has also taken the opportunity to move the transmission shift lever from the floor onto the dashboard for easier control.

The Rosa also gets new bright LED passenger lights, while the rear air-conditioning system with integrated roof vents has been retained. Deluxe models also feature new high-backed cloth seats.

A new flat-floor design not only makes it easier for passengers to get in and out of their seats, but also allows for simpler aftermarket wheelchair lift installations.

The Rosa continues to feature independent front suspension for optimum comfort and handling as well as rack and pinion steering for precise feel. The Rosa now also features disc brakes on all four corners and rear suspension stabilisers.

Fuso has freshened the exterior design of the Rosa, giving it a stylish and modern look thanks largely to new design language and striking LED headlights.

It is available in Standard and Deluxe trim levels to help customers the ability to choose the Rosa that is right for them.

Seats: 22 or 25
Engine: 3.0-litre four-cylinder 4P10 Euro 6
Power: 129kW at 3500rpm
Torque: 430Nm at 1600-2860rpm
Transmission: Six-speed Duonic dual clutch Automated Manual Transmission, with manual or automatic modes, or five-speed manual
Warranty: Five years/200,000km
Suspension: Front independent double wishbone with coils, shock absorber and stabiliser and rear leaf with shock absorbers and stabilser
Braking: Disc brakes front and rear, exhaust brake
Dimensions: 22 Seats – 6990mm long, 2070mm wide, 2755mm tall, 3995mm wheelbase; 25 seats – 7730mm long, 2070mm wide, 2755mm tall, 4550mm wheelbase
Fuel Tank: 100 litres
Service Intervals: 15,000km

As standard, the Rosa features Advanced Emergency Braking, lane departure warning system, electronic stability program, anti-skid disc brakes, a driver and front passenger airbag, height adjustable LED headlights, hill start assist and a reversing camera.
Fuso Rosa Models:
22 Seats Deluxe with Duonic AMT or manual
25 Seats Standard with Duonic AMT or manual
25 Seats Deluxe with Duonic AMT or manual