Eurostar’s new train as cool as Hogwarts express

Eurostar’s new train as cool as Hogwarts express
By admin


Eurostar has unveiled its newest train to carry 900 passengers at speeds up to 320kmh as part of an upgraded fleet that will increase seats by 20% from London to Paris.

The train was unveiled at a launch event at St Pancras station in London, the Guardian reports, and is the first of 17 e320 trains that will go into service late 2015 valued at almost £1bn (A$1.8b), according to the cross-Channel operator.

Despite the train’s capabilities, the current restriction for train speeds is 300kmh, and 160kmh in the Channel tunnel.

The paper reports from the outside “the train still looks like a “parked shark” – as the original was dubbed before going into service 20 years ago”. However, from the inside the e320 is “brighter, lighter and much more spacious than its predecessor,” the report stated.

The trains will boast free Wi-Fi connectivity and power sockets in every seat, with business class getting an extra bonus – USB ports.

The trains are also reported to be slightly higher and wider, with thinner seats. Refurbishments are slated for its entire existing fleet by Italian designers, Pininfarina who has worked with Ferrari and Maserati, and will oversee the changes as the new trains come into service.

The paper reports Andy Slater, rolling stock director at Eurostar, commenting on the redesign saying “our numerous polls of passengers showed that what they really wanted was an increase in personal space.”

Eurostar chief executive Nicolas Petrovic told the paper its redesign would “raise the bar, providing an unprecedented level of style and comfort for our customers”.

Eurostar will launch new direct services to Amsterdam in 2016.

"Eurostar_e320_D520_3104905b.jpg"

Pic Credit: Alamy

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest News