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PREMIUM
Page 60
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CONSIDERATION
in the world of commercial vehicles safety has a price, but that hasn't stopped Mercedes-Benz setting the benchmark with its range of highly equipped light CVs.
Most new light CVs now come with some sort of electronic traction or stability control to assist the driver when encountering harsh conditions or performing emergency manoeuvres. Whether fitted as standard or on the options list, their presence can significantly lessen the likelihood of a wayward vehicle causing damage to its driver or the surrounding environment.
However, one company has gone beyond the standard offering of most other manufacturers when it comes to safety by equipping its vans with advanced safety technology, both passive and active.To show us just how far, Mercedes-Benz invited CM to its 'Van Experience 2007' event so we could assess the technology within a secure area.
But first,a rundown on the vehicles. Fitted as standard on both the Vito and the Sprinter are adaptive electronic stability programmes (ESPs), anti-lock braking systems, acceleration skid controls, brake-assist systems, electronic brake force distribution and bulb failure indicators.There are also drivers' air bags. crash absorption structures, seat-belt tensioners and belt force limiters if things do get out of hand.
Extensive options
But it doesn't end there: the options list includes the Parktronic reverse parking aid, thorax and window air-bags, heated windscreen, speed limiter and Telma brake retarder to name a few.
On display at the event was the company's Sprinter safety van, which came complete with pretty much every conceivable safety extra, from the cheapest (a warning triangle at £20) to the most expensive (the Comand audio navigation unit at £1,825).Consequently this raised the price of the 309CD1 on display from £20,580 to a rather steep £34,067— an increase of £13,487.
But as they say, the proof is in the pudding —or in this case the skid pan. So armed with a 500kg load on board we ventured out in the Sprinter to put the electronics to the test.
Approaching the circular test area (complete with sprinklers) at 30mph, we turned in to follow the curve and immediately began to lose grip.Traditionally this would have meant complete panic as the wheels spin and traction is lost, drifting the van sideways. But with the acceleration skid control and adaptive ESP working their magic, normal service was resumed without much fuss.
Next it was onto the low-friction cobbles, which were also drenched, for some seriously reckless swerving — nothing new there then.
But when the inevitable drift into oversteer began, the Sprinter was again reined in by the electronics detecting which wheel is spinning or losing traction and applying the appropriate measure— whether it be braking or reducing power by lowering the engine's delivery.
And it has lobe said it all adds up to an impressive performance, especially considering the size and weight of the vehicle —you'd have to be a deft wheel man to catch a van this size once it has decided to break away without the electronic backup.
But what makes the Merc version of ESP that bit cleverer compared to most rivals is the adaptive element that also senses the vehicle's load, allowing for precise controlling inputs to the wheels. •