Sometimes, small things can lead to great success. And sometimes, they even become icons. Like the Setra S 6. The 6.70-metre compact coach, with a maximum of 25 passenger seats, opened up an all-new vehicle category at Setra, which still today – five vehicle generations later – greatly contributes to the success of the brand: the Setra compact coaches. Like no other manufacturer, Setra has continued to evolve the compact coach through generations. Compact, agile, spirited and comfortable, it continues to play a vital role for many operators as a specialist for small, exclusive groups. SetraWorld takes a look back through time with the Setra compact coach.
SetraWorld Magazine
Small coaches with a big heritage
Setra compact coaches – backed by six generations.
Small coaches with a big heritage.
They stand for Setra’s power of innovation, and for the discerning business models of many Setra customers: for the past 60 years, compact coaches have been writing coach history in Ulm.
The Setra S 6 – innovation in a small space.
The smallest Setra of all times was and still is legendary, not only because of its small size, but also thanks to its manoeuvrability and great proportions.
The Setra S 6 – innovation in a small space.
The smallest Setra of all times was and still is legendary, not only because of its small size, but also thanks to its manoeuvrability and great proportions. Its many technological innovations were especially iconic in the mid-fifties, as they enabled Kässbohrer to provide an extremely compact coach with all the comfort of an automobile. Beginning with independent suspension on all four wheels with the rubber-mounted Neidhardt spring system, which guaranteed unparalleled handling, via the drive block, with which the four-cylinder diesel was connected to the ZF five-speed gearbox and the axle transmission into a compact unit, up to the steering wheel gearshift. With 1,172 units sold in less than ten years, the S 6 is still one of the best-selling Setra compact coaches of all times. Only its successor – the S 80 – was ordered more frequently. 1,246 times, to be exact.
The Setra S 7 – looking ahead to the new 100 series.
Since the demand for a compact touring coach was unabated even after the end of S 6 production, Kässbohrer quickly introduced the Setra S 7 in 1965.
The Setra S 7 – looking ahead to the new 100 series.
Since the demand for a compact touring coach was unabated even after the end of S 6 production, Kässbohrer quickly introduced the Setra S 7 in 1965. The 7.67-metre- long and 2.30-metre-wide coach already featured the more angular design of the new 100 series, which was officially introduced only two years later. The S 7’s front wheels were also suspended individually, but on trapezoidal arms with coil spring and telescopic shock absorbers. On the newly designed, rigid Kässbohrer rear axles, there was an angle gear which enabled a compact drive design. The key benefit was favourable axle load distribution. Compared to its predecessor, the seating capacity increased to 30 and the luggage compartment doubled – from 1.5 to 3.0 cubic metres.
The Setra S 80 – the modern classic.
No sooner had the S 7 been introduced to the market, it was replaced again. One year after the introduction of the 100 series, Kässbohrer introduced the S 80 in 1968.
The Setra S 80 – the modern classic.
No sooner had the S 7 been introduced to the market, it was replaced again. One year after the introduction of the 100 series, Kässbohrer introduced the S 80 in 1968. On the outside, this new compact coach was very similar to its predecessor, but instead of a six-cylinder engine, it featured a new, smaller Henschel five-cylinder 5R 1112-13 K with 99 kW (135 hp). Thanks to its smaller dimensions, the new engine allowed an additional row of seats in the passenger compartment. Additionally, a leaf door could be installed behind the rear axle – the new standard configuration for all touring versions of the S 80. The era of the S 80 lasted close to ten years and several years later, it still enjoyed great popularity among bus operators across Europe thanks to its manoeuvrability and versatility.
The Setra S 208 H – without a future in the era of modular design.
In 1976, the Setra 200 series was introduced, but the right compact coach was only available with some delay.
The Setra S 208 H – without a future in the era of modular design.
In 1976, the Setra 200 series was introduced, but the right compact coach was only available with some delay. The Setra S 208 H saw the light of day in 1979, as the smallest model of the new coach generation was introduced. Just like its big brothers, it offered high-level travel comfort with comfortable recliner seats and the new cross-flow ventilation. Up to 33 passengers could travel in comfort in the 7.60-metre high-floor coach. But ultimately, the introduction of a uniform Setra modularity in design and production represented the undoing of the S 208 H. The smallest Setra did not fit in with the new modular design system and was eventually replaced with the 1.74-metre longer Setra S 210 HD high-decker compact coach.
The Setra S 309 HD – integral mirrors and more security.
In 1991, the 300 series celebrated its premiere as did the next-generation compact coach: the Setra S 309 HD.
The Setra S 309 HD – integral mirrors and more security.
In 1991, the 300 series celebrated its premiere as did the next-generation compact coach: the Setra S 309 HD. Among its most striking features were its distinctive curved design behind the cockpit area and its innovative integral mirror system, which gave the 300 series its unique face. The driver’s compartment was redesigned ergonomically. For extra safety, front disc brakes, an anti-lock braking system and traction control (ABS/ASR), as well as a retarder were standard equipment. An 11-litre V6 engine with 213 kW (290 hp) made the coach ideal for small groups. The 8.87-metre-long Setra S 309 HD offered space for 33 passengers in the three-star version.
The Setra S 411 HD – the TopClass among the compact coaches.
The new millennium ushered in a new generation of Setra compact coaches. The 400 series was introduced in 2001, and with it the S 411 HD.
The Setra S 411 HD – the TopClass among the compact coaches.
The new millennium ushered in a new generation of Setra compact coaches. The 400 series was introduced in 2001, and with it the S 411 HD. For the first time, Setra launched its unique classification – and this is how the 10.16-metre-long 37-seater became the TopClass among the compact coaches. Like all the coaches from the 400 series, the S 411 HD not only delivered excellent driving comfort and dynamic drive, but also numerous safety features such as the ESP stability programme, Brake Assist (BAS) and the Front Collision Guard passive safety system (FCG). More than 850 units sold bear witness to the great popularity of the S 411 HD.
The Setra S 511 HD – the new compact coach generation.
The S 511 HD from the ComfortClass 500 series, with its length of 10.47 metres, is perfectly tailored to exclusive compact coach travel. The two-axle coach can provide 36 passengers with comfortable 4-star seat spacing. The compact high-decker offers passengers the charm of a compact coach on the one hand, and on the other, the full comfort of a ComfortClass 500 high-decker: with a wide door, generous headroom in the centre aisle and up to 7.5 cubic metres of luggage compartment capacity in the version with a rear door. On the inside, the S 511 HD can be equipped with several options – from the club corner through to the rear galley – to suit most individual requirements.
A six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 470 operates at the rear of the Setra S 511 HD just like the compact coach’s larger siblings in the ComfortClass 500 series. The eco-friendly Euro VI engine delivers 290 kW (394 hp) and torque of 1,900 Nm – plenty of power for a compact coach. Of course, the S 511 HD is equipped with the latest safety and assistance systems currently available in the industry – including the optional Predictive Powertrain Control feature (PPC).
“The S 511 HD is perfectly tailored to exclusive compact coach travel.”
