MCW used substantial components,[clarification needed] 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 their turn of speed.

The styling was a major advance on the earlier van-based conversions, having a raked front with large windscreen and side windows to give a light interior, as well as shallower steps, a wider entrance and gangway, and improved headroom.

The MCW Metrorider would ultimately suit the United Kingdom's newly deregulated bus industry, receiving £27 million worth of orders before production commenced.

[9] The final MCW Metrorider to be built was constructed by Optare at their Leeds factory in November 1989 for delivery to Kentish Bus, operating it on a London Regional Transport contract service that ran through the Rotherhithe Tunnel.