I tried c2c new Aventra 720 train and it was spectacular

These trains were purchased in 2017 and c2c had originally scheduled the trains to enter operation in 2024, but the rail firm managed to accelerate that date.

As they announced plans to roll them out earlier this year upon the arrival of the first two new trains, c2c invited the Echo at the time to take a ride from Fenchurch Street to Southend Central and back on one of the 12 new trains.

Here is what our reporter thought of them at the time:

Ticket to ride - Reporter Sophie England took a journey on one of the new trains (Image: Newsquest)

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From the moment I saw the new Aventra 720 on the platform next to the current c2c trains, I was already amazed.

The bright white colour, the pink doors, and the clean, shiny finish - in comparison to the current trains they were incomparable.

And as the doors opened, the differences continued to stand out. Firstly, the Aventra is an “open gangway”-style, so passengers can walk between the carriages with so much ease as there are no doors.

Spacious - New Aventra 720 (Image: Newsquest)

It was also far more spacious both in the aisles, and with foot room between the seats.

The train itself felt very open, I could almost see through each carriage from the front of the train to the back.

It really made a difference with the temperature too as I could feel the air conditioning flowing through the whole train, making it a much cooler, and nicer journey than the usual hot and humid train rides.

The new features didn’t stop there as every seat had power and USB port, something that will be music to the ears of many commuters.

New - Power and USB ports (Image: Newsquest)

The Aventra 720 also boasted dedicated cycle stores, as well as improved Wi-Fi, which was faster and actually worked through the journey - unlike the current Wi-Fi set-up on existing trains.

One thing that really stood out though were the information screens. They were bigger, clearer, and far easier to read. They were also spaced more frequent throughout the carriages too.

And to all those commuters who need a mirror to get ready while on the train after an early start… there was a full-length mirror in the toilets just for that.

Overall, I thought these trains were just spectacular, especially in comparison with the current fleet. I think commuters will fall in love with them, and even though they have been a long time in the pipeline, they will certainly be worth the wait.

View - The driver's seat (Image: Newsquest)