You can see why courier firms and van operators of all descriptions are so keen on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. The vehicle is prodigiously reliable with a strong design geared to stand-up to the rigours of the daily grind. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter has been a hit ever since it was introduced 11 years ago. The van set new standards in build quality and driver comfort, while offering power with performance. For all these reasons, the Sprinter represents a solid platform from which its makers should be able to cruise the panel van sectors fast lane for some time to come. Much of the Sprinters appeal is in its inherent toughness. Fleet operators can purchase these vehicles and confidently place them in the hands of drivers who may have little or no stake in their preservation. Drivers who may be tasked with covering hundreds of miles daily and who may be perfectly happy to enter the uncharted upper extremities of the rev range for extended periods. Its not their van and if something expensive breaks, its not their problem. The Sprinter has consistently proven itself able to stand-up to this kind of sustained rough treatment and right there you have a central reason behind its popularity.Power out put has been completely redesigned and heavily modified and comes in four output ratings, 65 kW (88 hp), 80 kW (109 hp), 95 kW (129 hp) and 110 kW (150 hp).The new engines not only deliver more power, they generate more torque with even the lowest powered option producing 220 Nm while the top of the range four pot has 330 Nm. That means the 110 kW version is just as powerful as the previous top of the range five-cylinder Sprinter unit. Mercedes-Benz is also claiming better fuel economy for the new engines but this was hard to assess on a limited test drive during the launch. Otherwise, the engines do what is claimed, pull well and fast! Safety is very much a priority at Mercedes-Benz an all-new Sprinters including chassis cabs are equipped as standard with a new generation Electronic Stability Program known as ADAPTIVE ESP. In addition to the usual parameters, this system is now also able to determine the mass and the centre of gravity, thereby responding to empty, partially loaded and fully loaded vans. This and other new functions allow the system to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision in critical situations. Optionally, the Start-off Assist system AAS can be integrated in ADAPTIVE ESP. This hill-start system prevents the vehicle from rolling downhill when the driver switches from the brake pedal to the accelerator during a hill start. To facilitate the manoeuvre, Start-off Assist maintains the brake pressure for up to two seconds after the service brake has been released.
There are three wheelbases 3250mm, 3665mm and 4325 mm with 4 lengths (in the case of closed-body versions) from 5243 to 7343 mm and 3 roof heights. GVW ratings range from 3.0 to 5.0 tonnes and the panel van range offers load space volumes from 7.0 to 17 m. Another practical innovation is the use of optional super-single rear tyres for the 4.6 tonne version. These 285/65 R 16 C tyres take up less room than twin tyres and therefore provide a greater loading width (1350 mm) between the wheel arches on the panel van. They also reduce rolling resistance. Coupled with the 1300 mm wide sliding door and the vertical van sides, new Sprinter has maximized an impressive amount of practical load volume within its footprint. Since the introduction of its first generation in 1995, the Sprinter traditionally has played an important role in the van unit's success
