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Carsales Staff30 Apr 2013
NEWS

Cleaner, safer Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the way

Upgraded van introduces new safety features and meets Euro 6 emissions standard
A mild facelift for the revised Mercedes-Benz Sprinter conceals significant changes under the skin, including advanced new safety features and Euro 6-compliant engines. 
Meeting the latest emissions standard is a world first for a van, according to Benz, and the leaner-running engines are naturally more economical too. The manufacturer claims that the new Sprinter is the most economical vehicle in its class, in fact, and posts a fuel consumption figure as low as 6.3L/100km. 
Despite the Euro 6 compliance, the Sprinter's engines remain as powerful as before, with the range of four and six-cylinder engines producing outputs from 70kW to 140kW. Mostly diesel, the engines are complemented by a supercharged four-cylinder petrol unit that is also Euro 6-compliant and features direct injection to produce 115kW from just 1.8 litres. The same engine can be specified in a natural gas-compatible variant that generates the same power and torque. 
The Euro 6 standard demands that all engines emit fewer NOx (Nitrogen oxides), lower levels of particulate mass and fewer total hydrocarbons (THC). AdBlue ammonia is injected into the exhaust gas stream of the BlueTEC engines in a process that converts the toxic by-products into harmless diatomic nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O). The exhaust gas treatment allowed Benz engineers to optimise injection and combustion, which not only reduces engine noise, but also pays its way in further reducing fuel consumption. 
Lowering the ride height of the Sprinter has improved the van's aerodynamic efficiency, which also helps lower fuel consumption. Additionally, Benz claims the lower ride height eases loading and unloading, as well as improving on-road dynamics. The manufacturer has also tweaked transmissions, engine ancillaries and the rear axle (with a higher diff ratio) to reduce fuel consumption. Two transmissions can be specified: one a six-speed manual, the other a seven-speed 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic. 
The Sprinter has been revamped inside and out, for improved comfort in the case of the former, and better aerodynamic properties in the case of the latter. A thicker steering wheel rim, new trim materials, a redesigned gearshift knob and a new Bluetooth-compatible audio system are among the changes in the cabin. 
With the exception of the Crosswind Assist feature that's standard across the updated Sprinter range, the new safety systems have been introduced previously in Benz passenger cars. They include Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, comprising five all told, with the Crosswind Assist already mentioned. 
The current Sprinter introduced a stability control system that can vary braking force on the fly for each wheel, according to the load height and weight distribution. For the new model, the stability control system offers an even more advanced set-up that can adjust the vehicle's attitude around the strength and direction of oblique winds – the Crosswind Assist. Other safety systems introduced with the new Sprinter will be available as options in overseas markets, but we anticipate MB Australia will order their stock from the factory with at least one or two of those features fitted as standard. 
The prestige importer is looking forward to a Q3 release this year. 

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