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Sprinter 311CDi MWB Single and Crewcab
Page 51
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There were two MercedesBenz Sprinters in our test group a 31100i MWB and a crewcab variant. Arguably the most sophisticated vehicle in this class particularly when compared with its cabover peers -the mediumwheelbase, rear-wheel-drive Sprinter is a classic piece of German engineering.
The fascia-mounted gearstick gave slick, fast and well defined gear changes through the six-speed manual box; this was particularly welcome an the 1-in-14 Fossebridge section of our test route.
With 109hp and a healthy 280Nm of torque on tap at 1,600rpm the MWB Sprinter powered up the hill in third in one direction, then in fourth on the return leg as the tester's confidence in the Euro-4 EGFi engine increased.
Mercedes claims a 250% rise in chassis-cab sales over the last year, so what are they getting right? Well, the cab interior for a start. Offering a master class in design detail and achieving the maximum possible storage space in a day cab, this sets this benchmark for the Sprinter's competitors, There are cup and bottle holders, two 12V sockets, an A4 document bin, dashtop bins, map pockets in the doors and idded bins in the lower door panel which will be ideal for winter kit.
The tools and jack live under the passenger's feet Mlle underneath the twin passenger seat lurks a massive bin accessible via a cantilever squab. There's even a sunglasses pocket.
At the business end our Sprinter sported a Titan Inglmex body lifted by an electro-hydraulic underfloor scissor-lift ram that completed the tip in 20.7 seconds; safety features include a chassis-mounted, keyactivated isolator switch.
Mercedes claims the RWD set-up with single rear wheels does not cost any traction and this was borne out by steady progress through the claggy mud of the gravel pit loading area. However the Sprinter was at its best on blacktop, making it worthy of serious consideration for longdistance work.
The orewcab Sprinter had the same engine, body and tipping gear as its single-cab stablemate but with an automatic gearbox from the S600 saloon car, with gear ratios altered to suit this less glamorous role.
Having driven manuals for two days it was a joy to sit back and let the auto box take over some of the work. It felt strange at first as the box didn't always change at the revs we picked in the manual version, but it worked out fine. And if you disagree with the computer you can always switch to Tiptronic mode, The crew cab is certainly spacious with two seats up front and four in the rear offering easy fore-to-aft access and plenty of legroom. There's also a big storage compartment under the rear seats.
Steering felt solid and the ride was commendably comfortable; we were equally impressed by the attractive, well laid out dash with its easy-to-use controls, many of which are duplicated on the steering wheel. Drivers will also appreciate the electric windows.
In fact the only thing that could go against the auto Sprinter is that it looked too smart to be bouncing around a quarry.