This smart-looking double decker is the latest to be trialled on island roads.

The Wrightbus Micro Hybrid boasts fuel savings of up to 21% and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

It’s one of a number of demonstrator vehicles being tested as part of Bus Vannin’s bus replacement programme.

Before Christmas, an Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 was trialled in the island over 30 days.

Meanwhile, Bus Vannin is in the process of taking delivery of 12 new single deck buses.

A spokesman said this represents the past two years’ replacement programme delivered as one batch.

He said: ’With a fleet of 70 buses, each having an expected service life of approximately 10 years, we will typically plan to order six buses a year, if funding is approved.

’These new buses are slightly improved versions of the existing single deck model.’

Explaining the trial of the Micro Hybrid double decker, the spokesman said: ’Trials are taking place involving demonstrator vehicles which will help to specify future orders.

’The first trial took place late last year; the second trial involves a micro-hybrid double decker.

’On this bus, electrical energy is generated during braking and used to reduce the fuel used to power the vehicle’s auxiliary systems.’

A Freedom of Information request in February last year revealed that Bus Vannin has spent more than £6.2m on buying new buses since 2016.

The fleet of 52 Mercedes buses comprises 33 Citaro single deckers, purchased at a price ranging from £134,490 to £169,100, and 19 Sprinter minibuses that were acquired for between £56,960 and £86,975 each.

In 2012, Isle of Man Transport bosses came under fire after 30 double deckers were sold to Blackpool Transport after just 10-12 years’ service in the island.