Not dropping a bombshell on anyone, but i prefered to take KUBs,
because i can't tolerate the BC kicking down all the time(a whoosh
feel once turbo kicks in) only to jam brake again when reach bus
stop. Citaro works best when BC is early/on time and he does not
need to accelerate quickly, just slow but steady. However i enjoy
the Citaro's suspension ride quality alot and is the best amongst
all the buses here, with the MAN A22 coming in 2nd. The bodywork
quality is top notch and represents good german manufacturing
standards. Surprisingly i liked its aircon as well and its
especially useful on a cold rainy day when the last thing you
wanted is a freezing aircon outlet. Its not very hot as well on a
hot day.
My favourite is still the OC when it comes to heavy loading, if
only their condition can be better. I doubt its due to SMRT
maintenance esp when it comes to panhard rod noise because those
bearings are SUPPOSED to be servicing-free. Getting loose at such a
quick rate can only mean, poor manufacturing quality. The OC
however, had a rather stiff suspension, but i have a taste for
stiff suspension cause i can't tolerate soft wobbly suspension
which contributes to motion sickness, and stiff suspension is good
for cornering. I liked OC the most because its the bus i take with
the least amount of gear shift needed during a ride and having a
comfortable aircon system.
The MAN A22 is another bus i fancied alot. Quiet, smooth and
powerful. However after taking the bus for over 45mins, the loud
turbo shrill sometimes can be a lil irritating, but certainly not
an issue. It's not as cramped feeling as the Citaro, but not as
sturdy feel ofcause (a compartment door at the rear popped open
suddenly during braking). Suspension ride as i say, is better than
the OC and is only a tad lower than the Citaro. Like the OC, it
doesnt need alot of gear shifting as well to cope with the heavy
loading and hill climbs. However, its a bus i seldom take as its
currently the only one in SG. Shall wait till the new orders roll
in.
