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DISTANCE SPRINTER
We kick off this new section of used van tests with a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 211 CDI. It's been around since 1995 so there's no short age of used examples. We put one through its paces to see how the virtues that gave it instant success have stood the test of time.
The Sprinter arrived at just the right time. Its predecessor, the distinctive T1 ,was on its last legs in a ferociously competitive sector. But plaudits for the new arrival poured in and in the eight years since its launch the Sprinter has become a firm favourite.
Whether it's used as a lightweight freight carriage, for multi-drop trade or as a municipal workhorse, the Sprinter seems to have something for everyone.With models from 2.66 tonnes its appeal is undoubtedly wide but sub 3.5 tonnes, where sales to tradesmen dominate, the Sprinter is a heavy van, not least because the 2.8-tonne variant is a down-rated 3.5-tonner.
The van market is packed with vehicles covering every weight category the manufacturers can see a profit in. If you're after a middleweight van the Sprinter's Vito stable mate is more than capable. Anyone opting for a 2.88-tonne Sprinter over a Vito would be putting space ahead of payload.
The Sprinter's had a recent facelift and got a new driveline in 2000.The latest Euro-3 common-rail diesel (badged CDI) powers Sprinters from the 208CD1 to the 416CDI.
Product profile The 211 CDI is one of four variants running at 2.8 tonnes.This week's test subject, W387 MDT, was first registered by Mercedes-Benz in March 2000:it has 51,773 miles on the clock and has worked on the DaintlerChrysler fleet.
The engine is M-B's own 2.1-litre 0M611 DELA four-pot turbo-diesel developing 107hp with 270Nm of peak torque.The fivespeed overdrive synchro box, with a dash mounted gearstick, drives the rear wheels. 10' Fittings include a nearside loading door, a bulkhead with a window and twin rear doors with a step-cum-bumper.The loadspace is neatly boarded out with ply. The rear doors swing out only 180° and bend against the back of the van if pushed; a full 270° of swing would have made them more practical.
The standard roof, as found on this vehicle, gives 9.1m' of loadspace. Payload for the 3.55m wheelbase is 910kg but the 3.0m-wheelbase 211CDI payload rises to exactly a tonne — maximum towing capacity is two tonnes.
Unlike most working vans W387 MDT has had an easy life, averaging only 1,300 miles per month, so the driveline has not really been put to the test. More in keeping with the real world the paintwork has a few minor chips but nothing serious and they seem to blend back into the background once you've become used to them.
Mercedes-Benz has slapped a 0300 (exVAT) price tag on the vanThis seems quite generous compared with the CAP Red Book price for October 2003, which suggests a retail value of £7,895 (ex-VAT).This one seems to have "bargain" written all over it.
Bottom line
We're on uncharted territory here, this is our first used van test over the new test route. We completed the run in one day, starting at the BP Station in Hinckley at 10.25am and returning at 430prn with a break at Ross-on-Wye.
The weather was pretty good; warm with blue sky and little wind.The traffic was free flowing on the motorways and dual carriageways but on the A-roads we seemed to encounter slow traffic, tractors, sheep, caravans. and wide loads at just about every tum.As a result the Sprinter's average times are not that much quicker than for heavier vehicles.
Fuel consumption was bang on 36mpg.We have nothing to compare that with directly but it strikes us as a pretty respectable figure, particularly when you consider that the cluttered A-road section dragged consumption down to 34.2mpg at an average speed of just over 41mph. On the motorway, where we kept an average speed of around 60mph, the Sprinter recorded an impressive 45.9mpg between Ross-on-Wye and Hinckley.. despite heavy traffic near the end of the section from Hinckley to the M6/M69 interchange. Overall we averaged 44.5mph for the test.
On the road
Considering this van's low mileage we weren't surprised to find the driveline feeling pretty fresh; it never gave us a moment's worry.
The four-cylinder 107hp CD1 turbo-diesel romped round our new used-van route, helped by that five-speed overdrive gearbox.The drag out of Newtown towards Llandrindod Wells was significantly quicker in a smaller vehicle and felt somewhat safer around the tight bends.The timed run up Dolfor Hill had to be aborted due to traffic lights but it was a nice change to do the overtaking on the way up rather than being left behind.
The green zone is mapped out on the dash with some hastily placed stickers designed for a fuel consumption event,but that's below the peak torque band recommended in the handbook.We followed the book from time to time, keeping the changes quick and sharp, but we don't think it affected the overall fuel consumption.
The torque band rises gently from 1200rpm to its 2,600rpm peak before falling away quite sharply. If you change gears too quickly on hill climbs it all gets a bit sluggish but overall the engine coped well with its 2.8-tonne burden. Gearchanging with the dash-mounted stick is slick and sure; three years' use with a variety of drivers hasn't left any signs of wear.
Cab quality M cm:des-Be rrz has not gone overboard with the interior of W387 MDT, preferring to focus on function rather than cosmetics.The cab is a three-seater, which is fine if they aren't all used at the same time, but there's plenty of room for bags, flasks and paperwork when the driver's working alone.
The bulkhead is tight against the seat which restricts the choice of driving position;the steering wheel position is also fixed.To be fair, this vehicle is not really designed for long driving shifts, being more likely to spend its time on stop-start work with tradesmen.
The driver's footwell has a few worn patches but that's about it for wear and tear.lhe seats are clean with no hole by the driver's door, which is generally the first place to succumb. •