Mercedes-Benz Vaneo MPV Van available at Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia, Dubai, US Top Mercedes-Benz Dealer Exporter
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a 5-door multi-purpose vehicle that could be fitted with up to seven seats. It was created using the basic mechanicals from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It was not, as the name ‘Vaneo’ suggested, based on any kind of van, unlike other multi-purpose vehicles Mercedes-Benz made at the time, such as the V-Class. Being based on the A-Class meant the Vaneo was strictly front-wheel-drive and limited to four-cylinder engines.
Sales of the Vaneo were fair, but Mercedes was revamping its entire range to improve quality and it led to the model being discontinued after just three years on sale. Mercedes-Benz will replace the Vaneo with its own version of the Renault Kangoo starting in 2012 as part of a broader alliance with the French maker.
Vaneo Practicality
Up to 3,000 litres of cargo can fit into the Vaneo if the rear seats are removed (five seats came as standard with two third-row buckets available as a cost option). To aid with loading, a slide-out boot floor could also be specified which held up to 120 kg. Roof rails were fitted as standard to ‘Trend’ and ‘Ambiente’ models while ISOfix anchorages were included on all trim levels.
The unique body consisted of two sliding rear doors to ease access into the cabin, a higher floor to create a more car-like driving position – a consequence of the ‘Sandwich Floor’ construction – and a much higher roof line which improved head room. This made the Vaneo very spacious and particularly suitable for the U.K.’s Motability scheme for the disabled, as well as taxi firms.
Powertrains
All of the Vaneo’s engines complied with Euro 3 emission standards. There were three basic engines on offer: 1.6 (in two states of tune) and 1.9-litre petrols and a 1.7-litre diesel. There were also three different transmissions available; all were 5-speed: manual, an automated clutch system called ACS and a traditional TouchShift automatic.
| Years | Model & Transmission | Engine | Power | Torque | Top Speed | 0–100 km/h | Economy | Emissions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ||||||||
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.6 82 Manual/ACS | 1.6 L, 4 in-L | 82 PS (60 kW; 81 hp) | 140 N·m (103 lb·ft) | 156 km/h (97 mph) | 15.3 secs | 36.2 mpg | 187 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.6 102 Manual/ACS | 1.6 L, 4 in-L | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) | 167 km/h (104 mph) | 13.1 secs | 35.3 mpg | 192 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.6 102 TouchShift | 1.6 L, 4 in-L | 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) | 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) | 164 km/h (102 mph) | 13.8 secs | 34.0 mpg | 199 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.9 125 Manual/ACS | 1.9 L, 4 in-L | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) | 182 km/h (113 mph) | 10.7 secs | 34.4 mpg | 197 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.9 125 TouchShift | 1.9 L, 4 in-L | 125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) | 177 km/h (110 mph) | 11.5 secs | 33.2 mpg | 204 g/km |
| Diesel | ||||||||
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.7 CDI 91 Manual/ACS | 1.7 L, 4 in-L | 91 PS (67 kW; 90 hp) | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) | 161 km/h (100 mph) | 13.6 secs | 47.9 mpg | 157 g/km |
| 2002–2005 | Vaneo 1.7 CDI 91 TouchShift | 1.7 L, 4 in-L | 91 PS (67 kW; 90 hp) | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) | 158 km/h (98 mph) | 15.5 secs | 42.8 mpg | 174 g/km |