Eurostar's first new Siemens train entered passenger service today.
The Siemens Velaro e320 trainset operated the 1024 service from London St Pancras to Paris Nord. It is understood that it will return to London later this afternoon working the 1613 from Paris Nord.
The journey marked the first time that the e320 has carried fare-paying passengers.
It was also the first time that a train with what is termed "distributed power" operated a commercial service through the Channel Tunnel.
Eurostar has not yet released details of which train services the Siemens Velaro will operate. It is believed that this trainset will operate different times between London, Paris and Brussels in the coming weeks.
The new German-built trains are replacing some of Eurostar's current fleet, which has operated for more than 20 years.
Each e320 has interiors and external livery designed by Italian firm Pininfarina. Like the current stock, it is capable of speeds up to 200mph (320kph)
Business Premier: The seats recline twice as much as those in Standard
Standard class carriage
However, the train can carry 894 passengers, boosting capacity by 20 per cent.
Free wifi is available throughout, in Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier classes.
Standard class coaches come with ergonomically-designed reclining seats, both UK and continental plug sockets, and moveable coat hooks that are fixed to the top of the window frame.
Each row of seats is alternately grey and cobalt blue, while the carpeted floor is dark grey.
Alex McWhirter
