Call off the search for your ideal van

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has long been a byword for excellence and performance in the full-sized van sector.

Under the bonnet, customers get to choose from versions of Mercedes' doughty 2.1-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel, an engine which has forged a strong reputation for its combination of performance, economy and refinement and is fitted with balancer shafts to eliminate vibration.

Today's Sprinter gets a bold three-slat radiator grille with a distinctive frame around it, giving it a clear Mercedes identity.

The interior feels of better quality than most other large LCVs in this segment, something emphasised by the thick, chunky steering wheel, the classy gear shifter knob and the highquality seat coverings.

As you would expect for a van range like the Sprinter, customer choice is virtually limitless, but the van encompasses an approximate price range of between £21,500 and £41,500, which is a little more than what you'd pay for the likes of a Ford Transit, or Vauxhall Movano, but experience has shown that the Sprinter tends to make up for this over its whole life due to better reliability and beefier residuals.

Yes, of course, there are cheaper rivals. Some of them feel a little more avant garde too and have cleverer cabs.

But when it comes to the things that actually matter when it comes to running a vehicle of this kind, the Sprinter ticks most of the important boxes with the kind of thoroughness that you'd expect from something bearing the famous three-pointed star on its grille.

All of which means that whatever your business, this could be your righthand van.