The MercedesBenz Atego may need a facelift, but familiarity doesn't
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breed contempt in this case there's nothing wrong with having been around
a bit. The fact that the current model is still competitive in the market place at this stage in its life-cycle creates a good launch-pad for the next generation. The Atego doesn't do anything so well as to distance itself from its rivals, but then it doesn't do anything badly it simply gets on with the job in an efficient manner. Although we still need to build more data in this new era of speedlimited 7.5-tanners, economy is likely to be on the high side of average, as are residual values. Build quality and standard equipment are good, and it doesn't disappoint dynamically. Engine flexibility and chassis behaviour are both worthy of note.
The only major negative is the weight but for more weight-critical operations, you could specify a greater GM or a lighter 7.5-tanner [Daimler provides both). You may never fall in love with an Atego, but you'll never hate it, either.