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T here is more than one type of Vario. It can
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come as a chassis-cab or a chassis-cowl, but in the UK it is the large panel van that takes the lion's share of the market in this range. The Vario was introduced in 1997 and has won a lot of sales as a lighter "complete vehicle" alternative to the lower end of the Atego truck range.
The Vario has a capacious body with nearvertical sides and a low load height. It's mounted on a ladder-type chassis so the flattopped wheel arches covering the twin wheels on the drive axle intrude slightly into the floor space. But its platform length of up to 4.93m
provides for interior volumes ranging from z spacious 14.3m3 to a cavernous 17.4m3 depending on the wheelbase (3.7 or 4.2m) an roof heights of 1.78m or 1.93m.
Payload also varies according to the model The 614D has a GVW of 5.99 tonnes and car carry up to 2.61 (or 2.39 tonnes with the large: body). The 8i4D, at 7.49 tonnes, offers pay loads of 3.93 and 3.72 tonnes; for the 8 i4DA with four-wheel drive, payload is reduced t( 3.33 tonnes, and on high-roof models it come! down by a further 40k.g.
The all-steel body has a sliding door 0/ the near side and full-height hinged door: with a step at the rear. Inside there is ; rifle plywood floor incorporating five Ding rings along each side. The fullght front bulkhead is a steel panel soft!d with fabric on the cab side.
he Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder 19041A 4.25-litre charged-cooled diesel is a dem direct-injection engine with unit injec and electronic engine management. It 'duces 136hp at 2,200rpm, which is Drpm below maximum revs.
Uthough the i5ohp alternative is not availe as a factory option in the UK, the ample lue of 283Nrn (delivered at a relatively low )orpm and maintained through to oorpm) would seem ideal to cope with in traffic conditions.
)rive is transmitted to the rear axle through a five-speed synchromesh manual gearbox with an overdrive top gear, but there is the option of an automatic box. The standard final-drive ratio of 3.64:1 gives a theoretical maximum speed of 72mph for both the 614D and 814D models. Hill starts hold no fears for the 814D: it can pull away from slopes with gradients up to 36%, and the slightly lighter 614D does even better.
Hydraulic brakes set these models apart from the heavier range, but with ventilated disc brakes all round with load sensing and ABS the performance should be even better. A retarder and engine brake are options that can reduce brake pad wear significantly. Power steering minimises steering effort; on full lock the shorter-wheelbase model has an P Dimpressive kerb-to-kerb turning circle 12.7m. With a 24V system the Vario bene from the reliability of 'big truck' electrics.
The cab is functional, which in truckspi means there are no frills. We liked the cl instrumentation layout, and the non-refled panel means it is just as easy to see in the d light as at night. The firm driver's seat can adjusted for height as well as distance fn the steering wheel and the backrest rz adjustment adds to individual cornfc Heating and ventilation comes as standard course, but the roof hatch will cost you exi Mercedes-Benz lists 50 items on its opti< ; many, such as the air bag and rear axle air ;pension, will add a lot to the final cost. But hires such as an air suspension seat, elec: windows, an immobiliser and even slidcab doors are available as standard.
if Bill Brock