M-Benz Sprinter lights up intercity shuttle service
In the past two three weeks, I have embarked on frequent travels by road due to some business and family
commitments on the intercity routes from Lagos to the South East and South-South parts of the country.
It was in the course of these regular trips that I have come to discover that apart from using the mini-buses to travel can be quite pleasurable. The Toyota Hiace is household in intercity transportation services.
But the recent opening of Priority Service company to operate commercial passenger service with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter city-city shuttles (imported and marketed through its accredited dealers under the Weststar Associates) to different parts of the country has once again opened another chapter in the history of public transportation in Nigeria with the Sprinter commuter bus.
Reacting on Business Day’s reporter’s text message on the performance of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter passenger service after traveling with the Sprinter’s Priority bus from Warri to Sapele last weekend, Mirko Plath, managing director of Weststar Associates Limited, had this to say; “I am pleased to hear that our customers are enjoying our products.”
By simple description, the Sprinter is a tall-profile vehicle, yet it remains remarkably stable in high-speed along the highways and corners and while the take-off and road mannerism is commendable, the insulation materials have been further re-enforced to reduce external wind noise.
To add even more high-speed stability in the Sprinter, Mercedes-Benz is offering a crosswind stabilization system which is supposed to keep the slab-sided van in its lane during sudden gusts of wind.
First launched on the European market in 1995, the Sprinter redefined the van segment by virtue of its modern design, carlike performance, and low operating cost. In the developed market like the United States, it served as the forerunner of modern, space- and fuel-efficient vans.
During the Daimler-Chrysler era, it replaced the ancient Dodge Ram Van/Wagon. For some critical minds in the global automotive industry, the issue of cost notwithstanding, it easily outclasses the gas-guzzling Ford E-series and GM’s Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana twins.
Totally industrial as a benchmark, the Sprinter serves as the basis for several conversion vehicles, and its commercial-vehicle focus is underscored by the ultra-tall seating position and the somewhat industrial appearance of the interior, slightly upgraded for 2014.
These are characteristics the Sprinter shares with its direct competitors, the Fiat-based Ram ProMaster and the E-series–replacing Ford Transit. However, the Sprinter, we think, is nicer.
The current model year is also distinguished from the previous year’s models by its restyled headlights, grille, and front fascia. Large headlights mirror the grille’s contour and thus resemble those of the Mercedes CLA, and the 2014 S-class. The front bumper loses its “smiley look” for a tougher appearance, which Mercedes van chief Volker Mornhinweg calls “AMG-like.”
Sprinter offers an iconic look to go with its legendary abilities as a people mover, cargo hauler, and general-purpose utility vehicle. Thanks to a very diverse array of options from the manufacturer, and an even more expansive array of up-fitter options in the aftermarket, the Sprinter is one of the most highly configurable vehicles currently on sale.
Despite its size and utilitarian roots, the Sprinter can be a surprisingly easy vehicle to drive, navigation sharp corners and offering good visibility thanks to intelligent design and layout. Likewise, it can be quite comfortable, both up front, where improved seat cushions enhance all-day comfort, and in the rear, especially when outfitted with some of the more luxurious configurations available from the Preferred Upfitter program.
Depending on customers’ choice and the market, standard features on the versatile van include a 5.8-inch color display, Bluetooth connectivity, SD media input, a USB 2.0 connection, and auxiliary input.
Some markets can offer it with a backup camera as an option, as is Parktronic parking assist. Navigation is also optional, provided by the Becker MAP PILOT system. The Crosswind Assist system is also now standard, offering aid in keeping the Sprinter in the desired lane during heavy crosswinds.
Unlike many vehicles on the market, the Sprinter is available in both standard form and in highly customizable “upfitted” forms. More than 80 of preferred upfitters are available to customize Sprinter configurations, from specialized work trucks to luxurious transportation vehicles. According to Mercedes-Benz, 75 percent of all Sprinters are sold with some form of upfitted modification.
Depending on the market, Sprinter can be offered with its familiar 188-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 turbo-diesel, but adds a 161-horse, 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The V-6 stays with its current five-speed automatic transmission, while the smaller engine receives a seven-speed gearbox.
MIKE OCHONMA