Axor Powershift

The Mercedes Benz Axor proved something of a revelation when it landed in 2001 as a standard manual fleet solution for volume-truck operators. Its secret was its simplicity. Powerful torque based 12-litre driveline with an eight-speed slap-over transmission that any agency driver could cope with. Since then fleet operators and its transport managers have raised standards and seen semi-automation as the way forward. It reduces driver interference even further, they argue. That Powershift is already available in Actros is an anomaly. Manufacturer always introduce automated systems into long distance trucks that spend hours doing the same national speed without changing gears while fleet trucks, that are more active with transmissions, get the leftovers. For those who have driven the Actros with Powershift and Telligent transmission should recognise the controller. It is a fore-and-aft joystick mounted on the arm rest. You press the safety button, nudge forward and you’re away from second gear. From here it chooses the next gear depending on how much oomph you give the accelerator. If you want more action, or feel you don’t want to be replaced by a machine, you can mess around with the Auto/Manual button and do the work yourself. A toggle gives you split gears [single ratios] for any fine tuning the on-board computer ignores. It is worth noting that nudging the stick in Auto overrides the computer to change down enhancing engine braking with greater revs.

After all that pressing the accelerator pedal restores Auto mode. Other transmission tricks include a manoeuvring mode where engine speed is reduced to 1,000rpm, it allows direct first to reverse movement without using the handbrake and a hill hold for seven seconds. At the moment the system is only designed for 4x2 configurations, 6x2 gets it next year, and it costs £1,500. To employ the system and make it pay you have to look at the cost of a traditional transmission and clutch set with its shelf life before moving to Powershift. Its life span on your operation is always more relevant than any manufacturers suggestion. If your driver makes a lot of spot/start trips Powershift is worth considering as it will take the pain out of driving in heavy-traffic and urban areas with its network of roundabouts, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. The practical side of Powershift shows how it might benefit a fleet with many drivers swapping around. It allows your driver to concentrate on unfamiliar terrains and even less unfamiliar driving standards without missing a cog. Those two achievements should prolong clutch life if nothing else.

Axor doesn’t get the performance mode fitted to the Actros, a pedal kick-down that gives you an extra 200rpm, so hill climbing in less powerful trucks will take that extra second or two, and the adjustable downhill cruise control Ecoroll is also missing. Those two thing aside it delivers a calming effect on driving when it comes to dealing with fellow road users. There is a slight delay in changing gears but that doesn’t hamper the experience. Perhaps half way up Shap it might lead to choosing a gear too late but you can go manual to compensate. On A-roads at 40mph manual will keep you in top on flat sections but undulating sections might warrant Auto to make sure momentum is maintained. And its that final phrase which stands out. Maintaining momentum these days is what all the manufacturers promise. In Actros Powershift is an important tool in matching flagship motors with its direct competitors. In the volume truck market Powershift is there is make life easier for the overlooked driver working for own-account business operators looking to minimise risk. Powershift is a welcome addition to the ranks.

Vito goes beyond the limit

Mercedes-Benz has made its stylish Vito van range even more attractive by extending the manufacturer’s warranty and launching a dynamic new Sport model. All Vitos registered from January 1st now qualify for a class-leading, three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. This replaces the previous warranty, which was limited to 125,000 miles, and brings the Vito into line with its ‘big brother’, the Mercedes Sprinter, which also enjoys three-year, unlimited cover. Mercedes-Benz Van Sales and Marketing Director Steve Bridge says: “When the Vito was launched it was felt that customers would typically cover lower mileages than operators of the larger Sprinter. But we believe it now makes more sense – and demonstrates our faith in the product – to extend the warranty to cover unlimited miles.” Meanwhile, the stunning new Vito Sport 115CDI makes a mockery of the proverbial warning against mixing business with pleasure, by offering a package that’s truly the best of both worlds.
With a specification that includes luxury touches such as cruise control, air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and electric windows, as well as exterior features such as 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, fog lights, metallic paint and extensive chrome trim, the Vito Sport is sure to be a big hit with style-conscious van users. Based on the regular Vito van or the luxurious Vito Dualiner Comfort model, which features side windows and seating for a driver and five passengers, the latest addition to the Mercedes range will appeal strongly to ‘lifestyle’ buyers too. Steve Bridge says: “At heart the Vito remains a serious commercial vehicle, and even the new Sport model is more than able to earn its keep in the most arduous applications. “But now it’s also capable of becoming a comfortable and stylish family car at the weekend. With a luxurious passenger compartment and cavernous load area it offers the perfect ‘work and play’ combination for today’s busy professionals. It’s a blend that also makes it a viable, and even more practical, alternative to ‘lifestyle’ off-roaders or pick-up trucks. “And with rear-wheel drive, a powerful 150bhp engine – which can be kept in check with the standard cruise control and speed limiter – and class-leading safety systems, it’s also cracking fun to drive!”

All Vito Sport models are powered by torquey yet frugal 2.2-litre, common-rail turbo-diesel engines, driving through six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.

The Vito Sport is available in Compact or Long body lengths, and as a panel van with dual front passenger seat, or Dualiner with three additional seats in the rear. Like all Vitos, the new model comes with an arsenal of safety equipment as standard, including traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution, and the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Programme

Life in the fast lane with the New Mercedes Sprinter

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

Viva the Vito

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is the successor to the van model first unveiled in 1995. Compared to the previous Vito, the side profile has taken on a noticeably more dynamic form. Overall, the vehicle appears more modern and distinctive. Once inside the cab, a completely restyled fascia, which appears very car-like, welcomes drivers including a centre console mounted gearshift, and a foot operated park brake, something that might seem strange for some at first, but it works well and I suppose over time its one of those things that you’ll just get used to.
Achieving maximum levels of active and passive safety came right at the top of the list of priorities set out in the specifications book for the new Mercedes-Benz Vito. Fitted as standard across the range are some very good features that include ABS, electronic stability program, anti slip control and electronic brake force distribution. Particularly pleasing is Vito's tight turning circle
Three models are available, the 65kW 109, 110kW 115 and 140kW 119 in various body styles including compact, short and long wheelbase and high roof. The 109 and 115 are both diesel four cylinders of 2.2-litres capacity but with different boost settings. The 119 is a 3.2-litre V6 petrol.
The latest Vito panel van is available in three load lengths - standard, long and extra long. The first two sit on a wheelbase of 3,200mm but the largest model is extended between the wheels to 3,430mm. Then there is the high-roof model that is available in long wheelbase form only and pushes the load height up from a standard 1,902mm to 2,328mm. The upshot of all this is a potential load volume spread from 4.65 to 6.49 cubic meters. There is 1,277mm between the wheel arches so that a Europallet will fit. Whichever body style you choose, there are two options when it comes to permitted gross vehicle weight, 2,770kg or 2,940kg. The wide sliding doors enable forklift loading from both sides and so that your precious cargo doesn’t move in transit, anchor points are integrated into the completely level floor. Thanks to service ASSYST, maintenance intervals can be as long as 25,000 miles depending on usage.