HIA VEHICLES 2019 MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER The new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter delivers in a big way, changing the way you drive. CUTTING EDGE ACTIVE SAFETY TECH AND MBUX INFOTAINMENT/ TELEMATICS SEE BENZ’S BIG VAN AND CAB CHASSIS FAMILY MODERNISED To pinch Mercedes-Benz’s own to mind, as do the Ford Transit and There are now 1,700 variations to PR, the Sprinter is as vital to itsRenault Master. choose from, and both Australia Post commercial range as the S-Class is All up, there are a staggering 1,700and the national ambulance services to its passenger brand. Sprinter variations to choose from, factoringare already on board. But the competition has stepped up. in all body types (van, cab chassis, tractor The brand new Volkswagen Crafter comeshead, bus), engines, drive types, cab blind-spot monitoring, crosswind assist built designs, tonnages and colours. into the ESC, and front and side airbags. Euro 6 diesel engines include a single-You can also pay for radar cruise control, a PROS AND turbo 2.1 litre with 84kW/300Nm or105kW/330Nm, and a twin-turbo making360-degree camera, and lane assist.The cab chassis kicks off at $41,000 CONS 84kW, 105kW, or 120kW/360Nm. There’salso a 140kW/440Nm V6.before on-roads, and the van from $46,000,topping out at $76,000. While it’s not cheap, Pros: A six-speed manual is standard, you get what you pay for. • MBUX infotainment and telematics but a seven- or nine-speed auto is an By Mike Costello, CarAdvice.com • standard safety tech like a luxury caravailable option. Service intervals are two • vast range of configurations, body stylesyears/40,000km, and the warranty three • potent V6 diesel option remains years/200,000km (Ford’s is five years).CarAdvice rating • big fleet sales suggest good From a technology standpoint, the after-sales care. Sprinter is peerless. MBUX has a screen up Cons: to 10.25 inches, smartphone-style swipingTo read more car news, reviews and comparisons visit • premium product, premium price and pinch-zoom. It can be controlled www.caradvice.com.au • protective bulkhead costs extra by touchpads on the wheel, and has • Ford Transit has a longer warranty conversational voice control: just say • base 84kW diesel engine a little wheezy‘Hey Mercedes’. • the 4x4 option will cost a lot extra. Standard safety tech includes AEB, P22 BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 5/2018