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| KA01AJ 3636, On its Inaugural run from Chennai!
So, the most awaited day for bus fans was here. Evacay returned after a brief hiatus with a bang, by taking a pair of Mercedes Benz SHD 2441, Euro4, Registered as KA01AJ 3636 and 3366. I took the first ride from Chennai on 8th and then a round trip on 9th from Bangalore-Chennai-Bangalore. I will spilt my review in 4 parts.
Trip 1: Chennai-Bangalore, Inaugural ride!!
Bus no: KA01AJ 3636
Seat no: 36
Departure time: 8:15am ( Delayed by 15 mins)
Arrival time: 2 pm (Delayed by 30 mins)
Breaks: 1 Breakfast break, 2 Bio Breaks.
So, the bus arrived in all its splendor. I was eagerly waiting for the bus from 7am and was all excited like how a child sees a ice-cream truck arriving! The bus was garlanded with flowers, blankets all neatly kept, and Music was being played on the ICE.
Bus arrived at around 8am and immediately started boarding. We departed from their office at 8:15am, after 15 min delay. Seats were very comfortable and Merc has a very different feel in the passenger section. No difference between seats and aisle, and is very roomy. Evacay has customized the seats to their signature color, giving it a classy touch.
It had proper power sockets, unlike the flimsy USB ones on Volvo.
So, we departed and faced heavy traffic till Kancheepuram. Bus did not have fastags so little time was wasted here. After crossing kancheepuram, the driver started ripping the biggie! Straight 95-100`s and hitting 106 max.
The bus quickly stopped for a break, and i made the most of this, going for some clicks of the beast first!
We Moved after a 30 min break and made our way towards Bangalore. Driver was ripping it in typical Evacay style! Just wonderful to see that EA is back!!!
the bus gave 2 more bio breaks, which was a bit costly. the second bio break was for taking Adblue for the Bus.
All said and done, we finally started dropping at Ecity at 2pm and moved towards silk board and Madiwala later.
A Satisfying trip this was after a very long time. Welcome back, Evacay.
Trip 2: Bangalore-Chennai, 8am first service from Bangalore!
Bus no: KA01AJ 3636
Seat no: 3
Departure time: 8:15am (Delayed by a passenger)
Arrival time: 1:30pm (Before time)
Breaks: 1 Breakfast break
It was Evacay`s first morning schedule from Bangalore and i waited for the bus at their regular point- BP Pump near the Madiwala police station. The bus arrived from its pickup points and made way inside the pump at 7:45am sharp, and started boarding. Quickly boarded the bus and took a few shots.
The bus was waiting for a lady passenger who delayed boarding by 15 mins.she was asked to come ahead and board the vehicle, and we made our way towards Electronic city via Elevated Expressway. Quickly covered this and picked up the rest of the passengers and made our way towards Hosur.
The bus reached hosur and picked up passengers, with a 10 min delay. Quickly moved, and we were on our way towards Chennai.
The driver was keeping constant 95+ and stopped for breakfast at Krishnagiri. A 30 min stop, and again had a few clicks. The bus resumed its journey and the driver started ripping and having overtakes after this stop. JustEvacayThings!
Reached Koyembedu at sharp 1:30pm and dropped off passengers.
Another first day ride done!
 Trip 3: Chennai-Bangalore, 11:30pm service!
Bus no: KA01AJ 3366
Seat no: 3
Departure time: 11:36 (Delayed by passenger)
Arrival time: 4:30am (On time)
Breaks: Nil
So, here comes my most awaited section. The night schedule from EA. the bus came to their koyembedu office at exactly 15 mins before time. Boarding was started quickly, and the bus was all elegant! Shiny Exteriors, rich interiors and of course, their signature lighting gave it a royal feel.
We departed at 11:36, and the driver meant business. Honking and ripping inside the city itself, he quickly made his way towards Ponamallee and departed. A passenger was also late here, he was informed and the bus left him.
There was a lot of traffic from the city exit. zig zags here and there did not suffice. Quickly reached S`dur toll, where we lost 12 minutes.
Traffic was still not down, and we reached walahjah toll at around 1:30am, slightly late. From here, thankfully, the traffic was down, and the driver got down to his business. Non stop ripping at 102 km/hr, alongwith some classy overtakes which made me feel as if we are in a car! At this point of time, i was at the last row , as i wanted to observe the vehicle more closely.
Quickly made our way towards Krishnagiri at 3:13am, Hosur and finally Silk board at 4:28 am, and Madiwala at sharp 4:30am! 4 hours 50 minute ride, my new fastest ride on this sector. Evacay, you beauty! Keep Rocking!   |
My View on Mercedes Benz 2441 SHD
I never thought i`ll need to write this, but here goes.MB has taken huge, huge leaps, and for the good with the 2441. Never Imagined that they would be so good.
The Cabin is designed nicely, but needs little attention on the finish. The Body is on par with Volvo in terms of finish, which means that there is room for improvement, but the quality of the body is way ahead of Volvo. Interiors are very tastefully done, have huge intake, and is worth it.
The Engine is smooth, silent(acceptable levels) and very responsive. The ZF Automatic is just perfect, and provides very smooth shifts, aids heavy acceleration and is very responsive. Kickdowns are aggressive, quick and the bus shifts as per need and without lags. It is actually better than the iShift and Opticruise in terms of pickup and response. However, there is a slight discomofort when the bus is doing 69-72kph, as the bus is slightly jerky. Fuel Efficiency is also very good, as the crew were saying it gave 2.6kpl with the constant 100kph and traffic. Thats a very good figure, if you consider the in-service events and the strict adherence to schedules.
The Brakes are very sharp and responsive, a welcome change from the usual sloppy brakes from Mercedes Benz.
Vibrations are highly acceptable, and the engine sound is just like Volvo B9R, no difference at all. However, last two rows need little more insulation and the Emergency Exit door needs to be properly aligned shut as there is small amount of air leakage. Panels/Passenger Saloon from the inside are of high quality, and are neatly done. However, Daimler may need to give some attention on their window frames from the inside as it needs little more perfection, as they need to give attention to cover the glass-frame-interior panel section properly.
Suspension is very good, it is not too bouncy or stiff, or is not on the stable/glide-y like Scania. It can safely,and accurately be said that it is right in between Volvo and Scania. It can take bad roads and can give a good sleep without spoiling your sleep. Another perfection attained by Daimler.
Frankly speaking, the 2441 and the Volvo B11R are on the same level in terms of Body, but 2441 has better quality and can take quite a beating. Considering all the facts i have mentioned, this can make a mark, if it is marketed properly, and the service issues addressed on a very,very serious note, for which,all of us know the infamous reputation Daimler has.
It has a long way to go if it needs to achieve the finesse and the refinement levels that Scania has offered.
You cannot call this as the generator anymore, as it is gone silent (B9R levels to be precise) and I observed this on the Parveen 2441 which passed us at Chennai.
2441 is a game changer, and both the Swedes are going to have a tough time if it is pitched and maintained well.
Kudos, Mercedes Benz. You have finally stepped up. Hope to see you excel.
Competition is good.
