Panelvan or pickup?

MERC has reintroduced a Sprinter “lite”, which drivers with a normal car licence (code B or old code 8) can drive.

In Europe, entrepreneurs all use vans, not bakkies. Like those Europeans, I fail to see why so many “Saffricans” who live in cities buy thousands of enormous double cabs each month.

If it is for the bakkie’s high seating position, a van puts you higher. If it is for the bakkie’s practicality, a van comes with more space, a low floor for easy loading and a roof to keep out rain and thieves. If it is for all round readiness, a van is a camper, load lugger, bike shed and a dog house all in one.

Vans also come in all sizes, from the tiny Chana to the big Iveco, but the long-distance taxi operators and race drivers Wheels spoke to all rate the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter the highest.

These demanding owners say competitive pricing, reliability and a wide network of workshops help to set the Sprinter apart. The cherry on top for taxi operators is that passengers feel safer in Sprinters, says Lunga Sibaya, former Merc technician who now fixes trucks’ computer-controlled braking systems at Duzi Brakes.

These passengers ride in the Sprinter Inkanyezi, the latest model of which Sibusiso Mkwanazi, marketing and com-

munications specialist for Merc Vans, says caters to the needs of the everyday commuter even more precisely than before. Options in the Inkanyezi range from the basics like three-point safety belts on every seat, to USB charging ports for each row of seats. The new 3,5-ton Sprinter “lite” can be fitted with such seats in the back, or left bare to load up camping gear or pets.

What’s under the hood? The new Sprinter is powered by either a 2,2-litre, four-cylinder or a three-litre,

six-cylinder diesel engine.

The 2,2-litre makes two output levels, 84 kW/300 Nm, or 120 kW/380 Nm, while the 3-litre engine makes 140 kW/440 Nm.

Driving from Jo’burg to PE and back, Wheels managed to get a very impressive 10,9l/100 from the 2,2 engine.

Is it comfortable? The only discomfort for short people is stepping up, instead of into, the cab.

But the step up won’t smear your pants as do the rock sliders on most double cab bakkies.

In a van, the driver sits in the same posture as at a dinner table, which is much easier on the back on a long drive.