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CAB COMFORT
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Page 31
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It would be incorrect to talk about the Valle cab's styling—it doesn't really have any. It's definitely more functional than beautiful, with its plain-looking slab of a dashboard. The instrument panel is similar to the Atego's, with a two-man tachograph, rev counter, two air gauges and the usual fuel and temperature gauges.
On this particular Vario, the 'toy' count was quite low, with none of the electric windows and mirrors often taken for granted these days. there was no central locking, either, which means the driver gets plenty of exercise on the long walk around the van. A row of four rotary heater knobs, pair of interior light switches, and hazard warning and main lighting switches are about all the dash has to offer. All other lighting, wiping and horn functions are on the single left-hand column stalk behind the large steering wheel, the right side reserved for the optional engine brake when fitted.
Our 1998 test of a Vario criticised the location of the park brake lever on the right-hand end of the dashboard— Mercedes obviously listened to our moans because it is now located in a more natural location to the left of the driving seat. The blue cloth-trimmed Isringhausen driving seat tilts forward to reveal the battery box, which also has tool storage round the back and a bottle holder on the side. Our van had the double passenger seat, which comes with height adjustable head restraints, although the central occupant only has a lap belt.
The lower part of the central dash is formed by the removable engine access cover, held by just two over-centre latches. The cover is surprisingly heavy, which must account for its reasonably effective sound-deadening quality. Above this lives what may well be the world's largest ashtray and a storage shelf. The lockable glovebox is not quite as big as it looks, as the fusebox occupies half the space, but the lid opens horizontally to make a convenient table top, complete with cup recesses. The M-B radio-cassette with removable security face is housed in the screen header, which like the headlining and solid steel bulkhead, is trimmed in a tweed-like material.
Visibility through the deep windscreen and the unusual three-piece side windows (complete with that rare throwback to another era, the opening quarter-light) is good. Forward sun protection is excellent, with a zone-tinted windscreen and a fullwidth pull-down roller blind. However, the top side-window had no visors at all, which iproved annoying with the low sun of a crisp, Ibright January day.