www.chinabuses.org: Golden Dragon XML6700-series buses made with higher standards for the customers are increasingly gaining recognitions in middle-and-high-end markets. Buses of this series, with over-ten-year perfect record from 1998 in serving the "Two sessions" of NPC & CPPCC, are laureled "Dedicated Buses for State Guest Fleet".

Knowing that brand reputation relies on good products, Golden Dragon keeps on with improvement and innovation. In 2013, a new-generation model of XML6700-series emerged and we'll find all the answers to our doubts about the new model's capability during the test driving.

Inside-out Upgrade

As Golden Dragon's ace products, XML6700-series buses are overwhelmingly unrivaled in sales, against the emerging challengers. Since the birth in 1997, XML6700-series buses have been in the market for 15 years, during which Golden Dragon keeps on adjusting them for unique features, the change that we'll see in XML6700J68.

At the first sight, XML6700J68 seems to show few advantages against its rivals, whether in appearance, interior trimming or specification. However, it turns out to be different after the full test. Actually, the advantages of Golden Dragon XML6700J68 are reflected in the solid work of each tiny part, aggregating the competitiveness from inside, instead of something superficial.

Inheriting the appearance of previous models, XML6700J68 improves only in some detail parts: bigger and smoother front grille, more elegant and fashionable lighting sets and simpler front bumper with fog lamps. As a whole, the front face resembles those of large buses. The added empennage, beautiful and practical, distinctive from the like products of other brands highlights the streamline of the bus.

Furthermore, aware of the different market position, Golden Dragon focuses on the differentiated design in the products for high-end commercial and group markets. For example, optimizing the luggage compartment at the back, i.e. Enlarging the luggage compartment by relocating the spare tire, which turns out to be good news for passengers with large luggages.

Utmost Solicitude

Accurately positioning in business, comfort and utility, XML6700J68 offers meticulous cares in every aspect. Inside the bus, 186cm-high compartment and 53cm-wide aisle are enough for passengers to walk upright. In this test driving we can see 22+1 seat layout makes the best of the space, guaranteeing both the comfort and capability.

From the passenger's view, the suitable seat spacing offers the sufficiently satisfying legroom. The comfortable seats live up to the reporter's expectation. Besides, Golden Dragon's designers make some inconspicuous improvement for passengers' comfort, for example each seat is equipped with the soft folding armrest. Change in the rear luggage compartment improves the practicability of the bus, and designers don't ignore the passengers in the last row. 37cm from the cushion to the floor guarantees passengers' comfort despite the added 25cm step.

Designers also relocate the junction points of supporting steel tubes and floor underneath the seats instead of occupying the aisle, in case that passengers stumble. 

Form 1: Interior Space and Seat Measurement  cm

NVH is the focus in designing buses, as well as a difficulty in practice. After the test driving, we conclude that noise control in driver zone is ordinary, but satisfactory in the middle and rear of the passenger compartment.

Form 2: Noise Testing at a Constant Speed  dB

Putting aside the above advantages, we'd see inevitably some parts can be improved. For example, adding storage space and cup holder for drivers; improving length and position of gear lever, material and size of steering wheel and position and height of hand brake lever; 

Reliable Performance

During the test driving, besides the acceleration, good maneuverability due to solid chassis is more impressive, which reflects the differentiation of XML6700-series.

Front independent suspension, rear little leaf spring and front-disc-and-rear-drum brake, widely used in high-end buses, rely on the craftmanship and chassis adjustment capacity, and these are what Golden Dragon is good at. During the test driving, added empennage stabilizes the bus when changing the line at a high speed; in order for bearing, plate spring is used at the back of the bus, and this design influences the road holding of rear tires at the time of emergency braking, even so, the result is no worse than four-wheel disc-braking vehicles.

XML6700J68 is also advantageous in many recessive parts, such as cathode electrophoresis body, front-and-rear anti-collision beam and ADR certificate.

Besides solid structure, Golden Dragon XML6700-series buses upgrade in "intelligence". XML6700J68 is equipped with intelligent management system, integrating DVD, navigation and backing-vision function, not to mention inside monitors and data recorder. Furthermore, EBS, ESP, LDWS and anti-dozing waring system can be added.

Form 3: Braking Distance Testing  m

Fuel Efficiency

By comparison, new XML6700J68 is more economic in power match, which is gaining more and more concerns in the market.

This model for test is equipped with Dongfeng Nissan ZD30 diesel engine with 2.953L displacement, living up to Nation IV standard. The rated power is 96kw at rotating speed of 3600r/min and max torque can reach 295Nm at 1600r/min. Characteristically, this model uses a large number of aluminum alloy, lowering the weight, and is equipped with four-valve top DOHC. High market occupancy of ZD30 diesel engines makes convenient and low-cost maintenance, and ZF five-gear transmission, normally for light commercial vehicles, is also used. Zhengzhou Nissan high-end light truck CABSTAR in 2009 adopted the configuration above, therefore the matching and adaptability are acceptable.

Of course engines of different powers are optional, considering the heavy weight of the bus. With 96kw-power ZD30 engine, the bus works well in acceleration at the beginning, within 10s from 0 to 40km/h. However, at medium-and-high speed as the decline of torque, the engine starts to encounter slower response from 40 to 60km/h, especially from 60 to 80km/h. So the engine of 5-10kw larger power is recommended if better acceleration is needed. Moreover, longer acceleration time is also attributed to the rear axle with 5.376 final ratio. If running in urban area, the bus can be equipped with smaller final ratio for better acceleration.

Form 4: Acceleration Time Testing  s

 
From the powertrain configuration above, we can see the focus is fuel economy. Normally, when the bus is at 60km/h, the acceleration is able to meet the daily requirements, which can be reflected by the performance of ZF five-gear transmission. At 2200r/min of the engine rotating speed, the bus runs ar a constant speed of 40km/h, 60km/h and 80km/h, when transmission is in III-gear, IV-gear and V-gear. The rational gear range is helpful for the reduction of oil consumption.

   Form 5: Speed in Each Gear  km/h

Form 6: Configuration of Golden Dragon XML6700J68

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : Song

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