THE new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van – which arrives here next autumn – is the first to meet future Euro VI emissions standards in all its engine variants, according to the German manufacturer.
Long regarded as the workhorse of the Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles fleet, the new Sprinter will arrive here enhanced by a substantial number of external and internal design changes.
Outside, its most striking features include a new front end appearance set off by a new, more prominent radiator grille and angular headlights. Redesigned double-segment taillights are the most prominent rear end feature.
Inside, notable improvements include new upholstery, a thicker steering wheel, redesigned gear lever and a new-generation radio system with state-of-the-art electronic entertainment features, Bluetooth and navigation system.
Despite meeting strict Euro VI emissions standards, the performance of the Sprinter’s diesel engines will remain unchanged, with four and six-cylinder units producing outputs ranging from 95 to 190 bhp.
As an alternative to its diesel engines, it will be available also with a Euro VI supercharged 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine as well as a natural gas powered variant for those who require it, both producing 156bhp.
Power is transmitted either by the ECO-Gear 6-speed manual transmission or by 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission with lock-up clutch – another world first for vans. It comes fitted with five new safety assistance features designed to prevent accidents from occurring.
Safety wise, it has three features that are world premiered in this category of vehicle. They are Crosswind Assist to help keep the van safely on course when winds are gusting strongly; Collision Prevention Assist which sounds an alert should the vehicle come too close to other moving traffic ahead and Blind Spot Assist which alerts the driver to the presence of other vehicles when changing into an adjoining lane. New also is Lane Keeping Assist which warns the driver when changing lane unintentionally and High Beam Assist which provides optimal illumination of the road ahead.
Commenting, their commercial vehicles sales manager in Ireland, Fergus Conheady said that the new Sprinter will be safer, greener, more attractive and a record breaker in its sector in terms of fuel economy with consumption of 6.3-litres per 100km.
Other features include five new safety systems and an extended maintenance interval of up to 60,000km.