It might be a case of a new year, but the same practical benefits of the FUSO Rosa remain for the local bus industry
The Rosa’s steadfast dependability and flexibility has made it an icon on Australian roads.
The FUSO bus boasts unmatched flexibility with both 22-seat and 25-seat variants available. It is the only Japanese light duty bus with 25 seats. Given the average primary school class size in Australia is 23, it’s a very important fact.
With buses often operating in high pedestrian traffic areas, safety of buses is paramount and something that FUSO and its parent company, Daimler Truck, takes very seriously.
The Rosa has the advantage of a fully integrated active safety system. The Advanced Emergency Braking System uses both radar and a camera, while it can perform full emergency braking in the event of a potential collision. This advanced radar-based system can even detect, and begin braking for, moving pedestrians.
Rosa also has a Lane Departure Warning System as standard, along with Electronic Stability Program, driver and front passenger airbags, height adjustable LED headlights, Hill Start Assist, disc brakes all round and a reversing camera.
There are also four exits and three-point lap sash seatbelts for passengers in the Deluxe model. The latest generation Rosa also features a transom window on the passenger side to further enhance its excellent visibility.
Part of the latest Rosa offering is the upgraded eight-inch multimedia unit with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. A reverse camera is also fitted as standard, with the option available to install five additional cameras.
FUSO has a reputation for strong customer support and is backing the recently upgraded Rosa with a generous five-year/200,000km warranty, giving owners real peace of mind.
It has also introduced longer service intervals, now 15,000km, which, when combined with the added assurance of a guaranteed buy back, help increase the time the bus spends on the road.
The Rosa features an efficient 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel common rail engine with the most power and torque in its class – 129kW and 430Nm. This advanced unit, which features a variable geometry turbocharger, is light but powerful. The Rosa has also been Euro 6 compliant since 2020, when it became the first light duty bus to do so. It has since proven the durability of this technology out on the road.
FUSO also boasts an advanced DUONIC Automated Manual Transmission that features six gears. 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.
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.
FUSO says one of the things Rosa buyers appreciate is how easy it is to drive and part of this is due to its independent front suspension for optimum comfort and handling is complemented by a class leading turning circle of 12.6m (22 seat) and 14.2m (25 seat) that helps navigate tight spots.
FUSO recently freshened the interior and exterior design of the Rosa, giving it a stylish and modern look due to new design language.
It is available in Standard and Deluxe trim levels to help customers have the ability to choose the Rosa that is right for them.
Story with thanks to ABC Magazine