It was officially launched at the Euro Bus Expo 2006 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham in November 2006, with the first order of 25 buses being placed by Stagecoach.

The Versa has a typical Optare design, with a swooping roof line, large glazed area and swept-back front which takes many of its styling cues from the Solo, but with a more modern, updated appearance.

[8][9] In 2012, an electric version was introduced with Travel DeCourcey ordering three in 2010, entering service on the Coventry Park & Ride.

[1] The Versa has proved popular with independent operators - such as Fleet Buzz - particularly in East Anglia, in the North West of England and also in Wales.

An electric Optare Versa was exhibited at the Bus and Special Vehicles Show in Delhi in 2015.