MERCEDES SPRINTER CDI VAN RANGE
You can see why tradesmen, courier firms and van operators of all descriptions are so keen on Mercedes-Benz Sprinters. The vehicle is prodigiously reliable with an unfussy design geared to stand-up to the rigours of the daily grind. Then theres the reflected cachet gained from that three-pointed star and the esteemed standing of the Mercedes-Benz car range. A factor thats magnified by the continuing insistence of other prestige manufacturers on giving the CV market a wide berth.
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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 might 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. The Sprinter range is agreeably uncomplicated by panel van standards which is a change since a PHD in Nuclear Physics can be made to look like a primary school spelling test by some of the convoluted line-ups offered in this area of the CV market. There are two roof heights (standard and high) each mated to one of three wheelbase lengths (3,000mm, 3,550mm and 4,025mm) the longest of these is only available in high roof form. The bodystyles are then allocated one of the five engines and this creates the various available payload capacities.
Its possible to acquire a Sprinter that will carry anything from 720kg to 2,415kg with load areas varying from 7 to 13.4 cubic meters.
"The Sprinters biggest strength could well be its engines"
The models are named according to their permitted gross vehicle weight and the bhp output rating of the engine thats installed. For instance, the entry-level 208CDI has a 2,590kg gvw and a CDI diesel engine rated at 82bhp, the 314 offers 3500kg gvw and a 143bhp petrol engine while the 416CDi has a 4,600kg gvw and a 156bhp CDI engine. It can all take a bit of time to fully comprehend but your friendly Mercedes-Benz van centre will be happy to point you in the right direction. Perhaps a naming policy that borders on the indecipherable is the penalty you pay for the level of choice thats afforded by this Sprinter range.
Its also worth remembering that the panel van models are supplemented by Sprinter minibus, crewbus, pick-up, crewcab, tipper, chassis cab and box van models but well leave those for another time. The Sprinters biggest strength could well be its engines and that means the CDI common-rail direct injection units that most buyers will be drawn toward. Utilising a 4-valve per cylinder configuration and exhaust gas turbocharging with an air intercooler, these units sit right on the cutting-edge of oil-burning technology. Designed specifically for the needs of the CV user, these powerplants are all characterised by abundant torque produced below 3,000 revs.
Power outputs of 82, 109, 129 and 156bhp are available or theres a 143bhp 2.3-litre petrol engine. Transmission is through a dash-mounted lever employing 5-speed manual or Sprintshift sequential automatic systems. A four wheel-drive Sprinter is another intriguing possibility.
On the road the Sprinters penchant for high-speed cruising is evident. Motorways and dual-carriageways bring out the best in the engines and the suspension set-up with only limited noise and vibration making its way into the cab. Around town, the vehicles manoeuvrability depends very much on the model you choose. The smaller designs manage an 11m turning circle while the long wheelbase proved much more of a handful with its 14m arc and huge rear overhang.
Generally, youll struggle to better the Sprinters combination of ride, performance and handling elsewhere in panel van land. ASR stability control with ABS brakes is standard through the entire range. The drivers seat is another Sprinter strong point, its adjustable in no fewer than four separate directions, so you can set it to your own personal taste. The rest of the cab is simple and robustly constructed without matching the variety of storage solutions offered by competitors: too many clever cubby holes allow items to rattle or escape when youre on the move anyway. The controls are confined to areas within easy reach on the centre console and the gear change is easily mastered. Full-size airbags for driver and passenger are standard and there are optional window bags for added side-impact protection. Its going to take a sizable step forward by the rest of the UKs large panel van contingent to overtake the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in terms of engineering and desirability.
None have a badge that can equal the three-pointed star for prestige and although others have the engines and basic designs to compete, they cant quite eclipse the big Merc. Problems do start to arise when you start to look at the cost, not of running or even buying a Sprinter but of the various options offered. List prices are above what you would expect to pay for an equivalent Ford Transit or Citroen Relay but thats to be expected. Its the Sprinters pricey options list, containing items that would be standard on rival models, which might put some buyers off.
This is really a minor quibble though. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for - As ever with Mercedes.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
VEHICLE: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter CDI Range ENGINES: 82, 109, 129 or 156bhp CDI Diesel / 143bhp 2.3-litre Petrol WHEELBASE OPTIONS: 3,000, 3,550 and 4,025mm GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHTS: 2.59, 2.8, 3.5, 4.
6 tonnes. DRIVE SYSTEMS: two or four-wheel drive AVAILABLE SAFETY FEATURES: driver and passenger airbags, window bags, ASR with ABS.
