The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Sprinting to new success
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been the byword for excellence and performance in the full-sized van sector.
The MK3 model range builds on efficiency and safety in significant ways, adds some style inside and out but remains focused on sheer practicality.
In many ways, the Mercedes Sprinter has come to define the large van sector. It’s by far the best-selling LCV across Europe, tracing its lineage back to 1995, with a second generation design appearing in 2006 and this third generation model being launched in the spring of this year.
Front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – for the first time the new Sprinter covers all three drive variants, and can therefore be optimally configured for the relevant transport requirement and operating profile.
Prices start at just under £25,000. The core of the model range remains as before; three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths, three roof heights, chassis crew cab, Tourers, plus an all-new Tractor Head chassis specifically designed for motorhomes. Four-cylinder and V6 turbocharged common rail diesel engines remain available alongside a sevenspeed automatic gearbox (for rear wheel drive models) and nine-speed automatic transmissions (for front wheel drive models).
The Sprinter founded its reputation on solid practicality and the latest model is no exception. An 80mm lower loading sill makes loading and unloading more convenient. The rear doors can be swung through 270-degrees and latched against the sides. The maximum towing capacity is 3.5 tonnes.
Despite its European success, this Sprinter still isn’t one of the first vans that many British business think of when their looking for a really large LCV. Yet on this evidence, perhaps its should be.
It’s as big and practical as any of its rivals, with a refined powertrain. The availability of front wheel drive will enable Mercedes to access a wider band of buyers too.
Whatever your business, this could be your righthand van.