VDL has unveiled its keenly awaited Futura 3 coach, which the Dutch builder has already said is due to debut in right-hand drive form during 2027.
The new model made a first showing ahead of Busworld Brussels and maintains the outgoing Futura FHD2’s position in the premium field. VDL says it will deliver an up to 15% like-for-like fuel consumption reduction compared to the existing vehicle. Factors heavily influencing that are improved aerodynamics and reduced weight, the builder adds.
As a result, VDL Bus Group Managing Director Marc van Doorn notes that the Futura 3 will give “significantly reduced” total cost of ownership. Describing it as “an outstanding new coach,” he adds that the Futura 3 is the fruit of years of continual development.
On right-hand drive plans for the Futura 3, VDL says that besides the debut 12.9m FHD3-129, later additions to the portfolio will include the 12.2m FHD3-122 and the 13.9m FHD3-139. All will be available with wheelchair user access via a lift. A maximum of 59 seats is possible in the 12.9m variant.
For the FHD3-129, the manufacturer says unladen weight starts from 12,800kg. Lightweight materials and seats and optimised construction techniques contribute to that.
Observing how almost 5,000 Futura FHD2 coaches have been built in the 15 years since the type’s launch, Mr van Doorn outlines how the new model brings forward VDL’s vision for long distance travel.
“It meets the demands of tomorrow while staying true to the trusted DNA of the Futura range,” he continues, noting how the Futura name traces its origin as far back as 1982 with the original Bova coach.
Feedback from operators, passengers, drivers and the aftersales network has been built into the Futura 3. VDL adds that the new model is prepared for later updates “including future alternative powertrains.”
Although lineage from the Futura FHD2 is clear in the Futura 3, the newcomer has a rounded front profile, an optimised roof structure and even what VDL calls “intelligent wheel finishing” to benefit airflow.
Power continues to come from DAF. The two coaches at Busworld have the MX-11 generation 3 engine that develops 450bhp driving through the ZF Traxon 12-speed automated manual gearbox. Careful selection of axle ratios means that the MX-11 operates in its most efficient range at a road speed of 62mph.
Despite that debut powertrain configuration, VDL has reiterated that the Futura 3 offers flexibility in driveline solutions to enable buyers to tailor the coach “to different applications and driving conditions.”
Within the saloon, the climate control system has been “completely redesigned.” At its heart is a high-performance air-conditioning unit in two configurations: one for milder climates in western Europe, and the other to suit the south of the continent. Both are calibrated for maximum efficiency, VDL says. Convector heaters are now used.
Stairs at both doors have been worked over to improve saloon access, with those efforts at the front maximising platform space. Toilet access is similarly improved, and the cubicle is all-new; that has come from specialist Shades Technics and is described by that supplier as a complex product that is assembled – including the steps – in the UK before shipping to VDL in the Netherlands.
For the driver, a camera monitoring system in lieu of conventional mirrors is optional, while full-LED headlights improve performance and reduce fatigue. Visibility from the cab is improved, but at its centrepiece is a cockpit that VDL says “feels intuitive, ergonomically refined, and instantly familiar to any driver.”
Consideration in that field by the builder captures items such as storage space, tachograph unit location, switch configuration, and steering position. The latter has been overhauled to improve adjustment scope. The Futura 3 also comes with a digital dash binnacle and an electronic parking brake.
From a maintenance perspective, VDL says that design of the Futura 3 coach saw great attention paid to making that process simpler, faster and more cost-effective.
To that end, it has changed the windscreen wiper mechanism, amended the front and rear bumper designs to three-piece arrangements, and optimised access to the air-conditioning system and other items. A less curved windscreen reduces internal stress within the glass, lowering the risk of damage and simplifying replacement.
Other elements of the 12.9m, left-hand drive debut coaches are 900-litre twin fuel tanks with 45-litre Ad-Blue capacity; a 3kW inverter; 11.50 cubic metres of underfloor luggage capacity; and a host of safety systems.