The model 700- 726 Class Renault Chassis came to Australia in CKD form and were assembled by Clyde Engineering in Melbourne. Ansair Bus & Coach Division at Tullamarine built the bodies.
The Renault articulated bus is unique in design due to its rear-mounted engine with drive being transmitted to the rear axle through the turntable to the centre axle.
ACTION purchased twenty-seven of the Mk1 Renault PR180.2 Articulated Buses, however this number was reduced to twenty-six with BUS 703 being written off due to accident damage. The units commenced retirement in 2012 and replaced by the new Scania K360UA Articulated Buses.
Photos of each bus can be found at our Gallery, and articles on each bus at our Wiki.
Fleet Numbers: 700 – 726
Total Buses 27
Delivery Dates: 23 December 1987 – 28 August 1989
Livery Blue over orange
Engine Model 06.20 – 45A3 MIPR
Capacity 9.8 litre – Turbo charged with intercooler
Power 222kw (285 Hp) @ 2100 RPM DIN 70020
Torque 1250 NM @ 1300 RPM
Transmission VOITH D864 with hydraulic retarder
Steering ZF Power Assisted
Brakes 6 x Drum ABS (WABCO)
Tyres 275/70 x 22.5
Fuel Tank Capacity 360 litres (nominal)
Electrical System 24V – 120 Amp alternator
Seats 61 to 65 VOV II with Frontrunner Material and Chin Protector
Doors 1 Front, 1 Rear Glide-away twin leaf type. Rear door fitted with safety edges and interlock
Flooring Pirelli
Luggage Rack 1 small over near side front wheel arch
Windows Tinted bonded glass with top mounted hoppers
Roof Hatch Happich 1 front, 1 rear – air operated
Handrails Two overhead full length on either side of the aisle with vertical stanchions
Bus Stop Alert System 16 Passenger push buttons
Destination Equipment Front: BROSE manually operated route name and three numbers
Destination Equipment Side: BROSE manually operated three numbers
Heating: One drivers cabin, three saloon
Drivers Demister One located in the dash
Air Conditioning COACHAIR Integrated system – drivers cabin only
Radio CLARION P/A Radio Cassette system – drivers cabin
Bus length 17.75 metres
Rear overhang 3.3 metres
Front overhang 2.63 metres
Wheelbase Front to centre 5.6 metres centre to rear 6.27m
Width 2.5 metres
Height 3.10 metres
Front Step Height 350 mm
Rear Step Height 350 mm
Floor Height 698 mm
Arrival angle 8.1 degrees
Departure angle 8.3 degrees
Tare 15,280 kg
GVM 26,000 kg
Top Speed 85 kph
Exhaust Vertical Near Side rear Corner
This page was last updated on 8 May 2022
