It was the second purpose-built minibus design (after the rather lightweight VW-based Optare CityPacer). MCW used beefy substantial components, the Perkins Phaser/ZF manual S5 driveline soon being outsold by the "optional" 115 bhp six-cylinder 5.9 litre Cummins B-series engine driving through an Allison fully automatic gearbox. Some Metroriders also featured the optional turbocharged Cummins engine, increasing further their already impressive turn of speed. Disc brakes are fitted all round on the longer Metrorider, as opposed to drums on the short vehicles.