I boarded my first 195 a couple of weeks ago, if their remit was “be better than pacers” then great, but they’re awful in comparison to any other northern stock, apart from the class 150s, but there’s not a lot in it.
The build quality leaves so much to be desired, as it’s been mentioned, it feels like they’ve been rushed out to replace the pacers. The ride quality is among the worst I’ve ever experienced, and I’m not even being hyperbolic.
They have absolutely no character like some of the older northern stock, it’s hard to find any redeeming features if I’m being honest
After riding some more 195s, I can concede that I may have been a little harsh,
on the class 150s.
It may because I don’t ride them regularly, but I have been on 2 class 195s today and 1 class 150, and the journey on the class 150
far eclipses the 2 journies on the class 195s
Firstly, the seating has to be among the stiffest I have ever used, the ride quality doesn’t improve, no matter where you sit, the constant rattling appears to be a mainstay feature of these units, the panels look so cheap and cost effective, when they’re dirty, you can really tell
The 150(/1, I might add), was a much sturdier ride, the seats were far more comfortable, at the expense of some legroom, the engine noise - while loud, wasn’t as intrusive as the constant jolting and bumping experienced in a 195. So yeah, given the choice, I’m going on a sprinter every time, I also rode a (northern) class 158 - which I do regularly, as a Smethwick GB local, and found myself getting comfortable very quickly, despite the ironing board seating
I will caveat this by saying, this is my opinion, I understand everybody doesn’t feel this way, also, I’m autistic, so the inconsistent level of noise the suspension causes on a 195 is going to be more of an inconvenience to me than engine noise