Full review

FIRST impressions of the new Sprinter are very good.

The styling has been neatened up at the front and looks both modern and clearly 'Mercedes'. From the rear it's an equally good-looking vehicle and the silver demo models showed off the new lines a treat.

Stepping inside (the door shuts with a car-like thunk) and it's clear that Mercedes have done a lot of work. The new dash is logically laid out and you can find everything intuitively. There's also plenty of storage.

While the gearlever is mounted out of the way on the dash, the handbrake is between the front seats but motorhome chassis can have a fold-down handbrake that does not interfere with swivel cab seats.

The seating position is excellent too and even my six-foot-plus frame found no difficulty in getting comfortable – unusually for a van, my knees didn't touch the dash, either, which is good news for fellow lankies. The seats are typically Germanic – rather hard – so if there's a seat upgrade option on your chosen motorhome conversion, it's worth considering.

While the 88bhp model may be a little underpowered, the other versions will be superbly relaxing to drive. All models feature a six-speed manual 'box which is smooth and easy to use – far less notchy than the outgoing Fiat Ducato’s. The sixth gear brings the revs right down for motorway cruising, which should save on fuel.

There's also an automatic option. This is a proper torque-convertor automatic with five gears and the good news is that it works beautifully, giving seamless shifts. Fabulous stuff indeed and a must-have option if funds will allow.

Most people are familiar with ABS brakes, but the other interesting technology - fitted as standard - includes ASR traction control (which limits wheelspin in damp conditions) and ESP (electronic stability control). There's also an additional system, which is particularly relevant to motorhomes called LAC - load assist control. This clever bit of kit knows exactly how much weight is being carried in the vehicle (eg if you're fully laden with touring kit) and adjusts the centre of gravity of the vehicle to compensate in extreme conditions.

The new Sprinter is truly worthy of the three-pointed badge and the real cherry on the cake is all the advanced safety technology that is on under the skin. With multiple chassis payloads and height options, this going to be a real star in the motorhome market.


FACT FILE

Warranty: Three years, bumper-to-bumper
Height: Three panel van heights (interior floor to roof): 1.65m Standard, 1.94m High Roof, 2.14m Super High Roof
Length: Four body lengths of panel van: 5.24m, 5.91m, 6.94m, 7.34m
Gross Vehicle Weight: 3.0 tonne, 3.5 tonne, 5.0 tonne
Payload: 1.03 tonnes to 2.71 tonnes (depending on model)
Engines:   

• 2.2-litre 88bhp four-cylinder turbo-diesel (badged *09CDI)
• 2.2-litre 109bhp four-cylinder -diesel (badged *11CDI)
• 2.2-litre 129bhp four-cylinder turbo-diesel (badged *13CDI)
• 2.2-litre 150bhp four-cylinder turbo-diesel (badged *15CDI)
• 3.0-litre 184bhp V6 turbo-diesel (badged *18CDI)
• 3.5-litre 258bhp V6 petrol (badge *24)

Gearbox: Six-speed manual gearbox is standard, optional fully automatic five-speed gearbox available on certain models
Safety kit: ESP stability system, ABS, ASR traction control, EBD (electronic brake distribution) and BAS (Brake Assist System) fitted on all models as standard
Drive: All models rear-wheel drive, three differential ratios available to tailor-match use to application
Options: New options include Xenon headlights, hill-hold facility and fuel-saving engine stop system