SETRA TOPCLASS S 516 HDH has been crowned “Coach of the Year 2026” by a jury of journalists representing 24 leading European trade magazines. The election of the “Coach of the Year 2026” took place this year from the 8th to the 12th of September in Northern Italy.
The election was preceded by in-depth testing in Motor Valley, the region with the highest concentration of automotive industries per square metre in the world. Three manufacturers took part: Iveco, Neoplan and Setra. Detailed measurements were carried out on all vehicles, each of which covered around 1,000 test kilometres on the road, in the mountains and at sea level.
Who participated? MAN with the Neoplan Skyliner “Double Deck” featuring the special “Auwärter Edition” equipment to celebrate the brand’s 90th anniversary and the 85th anniversary of the inventor of the double-decker, Konrad Auwärter.
The vehicle brings together the latest modifications and improvements in the fields of safety and sustainability. It also offers operators the best efficiency with its new driveline and the D26 engine with its impressive performance: output of 382 kW / 520 hp at 1,800 rpm, maximum torque of 2,650 Nm at 930–1,350 rpm, making it the best in its class in the double-decker coach segment.
The second participant was the SETRA TOPCLASS S 516 HDH. A very fine vehicle presented by Daimler Buses, in Top Comfort specification. Configured for 48 passengers to travel in “Voyage Seat” seats with considerable comfort. The Setra is equipped with all the safety systems now mandatory on touring coaches, as well as enhancements to these systems. For instance, reversing cameras are fitted with different coloured light markers indicating the right moment to pull back in when overtaking.
The driveline consists of the highly efficient OM 471 engine with 375 kW (510 hp), the fully automatic GO 250-8 PowerShift transmission and the RO 440 drive axle.
The third participant was the IVECO EVADYS. The vehicle offered by IVECO is in fact an evolution of the Crossway model.
It is a vehicle that combines local travel with longer distances. It can be classified in the “Intercity” category. However, it is equipped as a touring coach, with ample space (9.4 m³) for passengers’ luggage.
The Evadys is fitted with all mandatory safety systems, and the driving position of this vehicle is pleasant, considering the fact that it is primarily a local transport vehicle. The engine delivers 400 hp / 290 kW, HVO-compatible, and develops 1,700 Nm. This vehicle is interesting because of its modularity and the opportunity it offers operators to diversify their activity with the same vehicle.