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Little big van
Page 68
Page 69
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We're using the extensive CM database to guide your used buying decisions. This week we focus on two top
weight Mercedes-Benz vans.
Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 616 CD' Tested: CM16 January 2003
Specifications Engine: MB 0M612 2.7-hire four-stroke, charge cooled turbo-diesel with common-rail injection Maximum power 154hp (77kW) at 3,80Orpm Muirnurn torque: 330Nm (2431bf1) at 1,400 2,40Orpm
Transmission: MB G33-5 five-speed synchromesh
gearbox Terms of warranty: Three-years/unlimited distance GVW: 5,990kg
Payload: 3,715kg
Operational that results Average speed: 69km/h (43mpn)
Average fuel consumption (laden): 18.2mpg
(15.51it/100km)
The lowdown
Once again,we see that what is effectively a large van can do most of the work of the traditional 7.5-tonner but in a smaller package. If you consistently use all the payload and volume of a 7.5-tonner,the physical limitations of the Sprinter 616 will probably rule it out.
But if, as is more common in this class, you're running multi-drop deliveries of small packages, limited by the number of stops a driver can squeeze into a day, then it becomes a more attractive proposition.
Much as CM likes to give you a definite conclusion, the 6 vs 7.5-tonne argument has no clear winner. The verdict really is too close to call and the bottom line depends on how your operating figures integrate with our test results. But if you can handle a little 'un the Sprinter's as good as any.
Vehicle: Mercedes Benz-Vano 814D Tested: CM13 February 2003 Engine: MB 0M904LA Euro-3 4.25-litre four-stroke, charge-cooled DI turbo-diesel with electronic unit injection
Specifications
Maximum power: 134hp (77kW) at 2,200rprn Maximum torque: 520Nm (384Ibft) at 1,200 1,600rom Transmission: ZF S5-42 manual five speed synchromesh gearbox Terms of warranty: Two years/200,000km GVW: 7,490kg Payload: 3,605kg
Operational trial results
Average speed: 64.4km/11 (42.5mph) Average fuel consumption (laden): 22.9mpg (12.91it/100km)
The lowdown
At first look the Vario might seem to be a dinosaur — a relic from another age. Its lowtech paper specification.its plain-Jane appearance and its modestly appointed interior do nothing to dispel that image. But load it up. put it to work and it gives a thoroughly modern performance.
The Vario owners' club may be a small group but its loyalty is understandable. Apart from the rather too widely-spaced gears, theVario's performance is excellent, while the fuel economy is nothing short of astonishing.
If this is the only product that does what you want it to do, it's really rather lucky that it does it so well. •