SECTOR Light Truck  PRICE Canter list price + €8,500  FUEL 3.8-6.6l/100km  CO2 99-152g/km

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a host of new and improved vehicles specifically designed to cope with the changing face of urban delivery and distribution. With the growth of internet shopping and individual multi-drop deliveries, combined with congestion and emission regulations, Mercedes is broadening its offering, with electric, hybrid and Euro6 diesel powered vans and trucks to meet the changing needs of customers.

Urban Sprinter drivers will be pleased to see the adoption of Merc’s proven 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission in the big van, replacing the previous five-speed offering. The firm claims the additional ratios and smooth shifting deliver almost manual gearbox levels of economy.

Certainly, once on the move gear changes are barely perceptible and the engine revs remain commendably low, even when pulling away. The driver can manually select the desired ratio, but it is easier to simply leave the transmission to its own devices and concentrate on road conditions.

Thanks to the greater choice of gear ratios it is possible to opt for a longer axle ratio, further reducing fuel consumption when on the move. As with all Sprinter models, adaptive ESP is standard on the automatic transmission vans.

Slightly higher up the weight range, the Fuso Canter Eco Hybrid is now commercially available to European buyers. Unlike the test vehicles that were run in London over the last three years, the latest Eco Hybrid uses a Euro5/EEV 3.0-litre diesel engine, delivering 152PS and 370Nm of torque.

In addition, the truck has a 40kW electric motor putting out a healthy 200Nm of torque. These two power sources run through a six-speed, dual-clutch Duonic transmission. The driver treats this transmission as a two-pedal automatic, but without any of the losses associated with a torque converter.

When pulling away and under acceleration, the electric motor assists the diesel engine, reducing fuel consumption. As higher speeds are achieved the diesel engine takes over drive totally. However as soon as the truck decelerates or brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator, to recharge the lithium-ion batteries. These deliver 33% more performance than those used on the prototype vehicles.

The result is up to a 23% drop in fuel consumption over a diesel drive truck, when operated in an urban environment. Mercedes says that this will result in a payback period of around three to four years for the €8,500 premium purchase price.

A five-year battery warranty is included, with an additional five-year term available as an option. However, some countries, Germany and the UK included, will make the 10-year battery warranty period standard, to provide customers with peace of mind.

Eco Hybrid Canters will be built on the same line as the regular trucks in Tramagal, Portugal, and Mercedes expects up to 10% of sales to be the hybrid truck in Europe.

The third new line in the Mercedes distribution range is Antos, a replacement for the Axor rigid and tractor truck range. Powered by a choice of Euro6 diesel engines and driven through the Powershift 3 automated transmission only, Antos becomes the first distribution truck range to offer an automatic-only transmission solution.

Available as two and three-axle rigids with weights up to 26 tonnes, or as a lightweight tractor, Antos is available with three cab options and a wide range of chassis configurations.

Verdict

€8,500 is a high premium to pay for a light truck, but if Mercedes calculations are right, operators could recover that in 3 to 4 years through lower fuel consumption.