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PRODUCT PROFILE
Page 24
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The Sprinter range up to 3.5 tonnes GVW is well-documented, so we won't repeat ourselves—particularly with the face-lifted model's imminent arrival set to change the line-up. Beyond this weight, the Sprinter comes in 4,600 and 5,99 okg GVW versions, on 3,550 or 4,025mm wheelbases. Only the lower weight rating comes as a panel van, while all of them are available as a chassis with single or double cab. Needless to say, the lowest-powered 82hp engine is not available at these higher weights, while the six-tonner can only be had with the 154hp unit.
Other changes to accommodate the highest rating include a heavier duty frame, although it's still a welded steel box fabrication, twin rear wheels and a dedicated air system for the parking brake, which uses separate drums within the rear discs.
Like all of the turbo-diesel powered Sprinter range, the 616 has an electronically-managed common-rail injection system, all bar the smallest having a variable geometry turbocharger. Where the 616 differs from its more lowly brethren is by retaining the 2,686cc five-cylinder engine of the original Sprinter, the rest having gone to a 2,148cc four-pot at the last revision. The only trans mission available in the 616 is the G33-5, a five-speed synchromesh box with increased torque capacity.
Our test vehicle, a 616 with the longer wheelbase, came fitted with a four metre Boalloy box body with rear roller shutter and hinged door on the left front side. Panels are in lightweight Carbofont composite, with an i8mrn phenolic ply floor and translucent CRP roof. Boalloy's Leyland plant also provided the aero lilt, comprising roof spoiler, cab collars and side skirts. If this particular Sprinter looks familiar, it's because it was first seen as an exhibit at the 2001 CV Show, and was also pictured in the Sprinter brochure before joining the Mercedes central demo fleet. These facts help to explain why we're testing a Y-reg vehicle—despite its obvious age, it has still only covered 25,000km, considerably less than most of our heavier test subjects.