For those on a budget it may be best to look elsewhere but fleets which want the best won't find a lot better than this. For the money you get ABS brakes, ESP traction control and a host of other goodies as standard – and there are three wheelbases, four load lengths and three roof heights to choose from.
Power comes either from a 2.2-litre powerplant offering 88bhp, 109bhp, 129bhp or 150bhp while a 3.0-litre unit offers a blistering 184 bhp. Gross vehicle weights go from 3,000kg right up to 5,000kg and load volumes go from 7.5 cubic metres to 17 cubic metres.
Quite naturally the 3.0CDI is astonishing, but will have minimal take-up in the UK. Most operators will specify one of the 2.2CDIs and they will not be disappointed. Refinement is high and there's a very good spread of available torque.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter remains rear-wheel drive and is fitted with disc brakes all round, along with all the safety-related electronics. With three wheelbases, four body lengths and three roof heights (Standard, High and Super-High), Sprinter is available with load areas between 7.5m³ and 17.0m³ and payloads from 930kg to 2,710kg. Gross vehicle weights are 3.0t, 3.5t, 4.6t and 5.0t.
The all-new cab is an excellent design with an abundance of storage areas for all the stuff van drivers have to carry with them these days. General ergonomics are good and the gear change remains dash-mounted and slick in its operation.
Service intervals are flexible, dependent on usage, but range from 24,000 miles to 30,000 miles. The standard mechanical warranty is three years with unlimited mileage.