Versatile Vaneo Mini-MPV From £14,680 On The Road
Published: 2nd May 2002
Prices and specifications for Mercedes-Benz's innovative new Vaneo mini-MPV - on sale in UK retailers from 16 May - have been announced, with the range starting from £14,680 for the entry level Vaneo Trend. Using a voluminous "monospace" design which gives passengers and cargo huge amounts of room, the new Vaneo also uses enhanced safety concepts from the A-Class, and Mercedes' renowned build quality to give owners a unique motor car.
Vaneo is just 4.2 metres long, with a 2.9 metre wheelbase, yet it manages to pack a lot in to its compact size. Using a revised version of the sandwich floor concept pioneered in the A-Class, strengthened because of the larger capacity, Vaneo retains the A-Class's high driving position and adds a huge passenger compartment and load area.
The design uses a large glass area, low waistline and huge interior volume. The constant interior height of Vaneo is 1240 mm - adding to the practical nature of the car by allowing large objects to be loaded without damaging the roof lining. Its design is extremely clever throughout. Whether it is an innovative loading system or excellent aerodynamics, Vaneo surprises and delights in equal measure.
Despite its large frontal area and monospace design, the drag factor is an impressively low 0.33. This is helped by a smooth underside - plastic panels give protection from road grit and debris while smoothing airflow. Bonded windows add to this efficiency, and even the wing mirrors are aerodynamic. The B-pillar is very distinctive, rather than being hidden behind glass, to help balance the Vaneo's side view.
Two of the more recognisable features of Vaneo are at the back - it features what are probably the longest tail lights in the world. Measuring an impressive 925 mm, they give the rear an unmistakable appearance. As well as looking great, the lights are visible from a long distance - which is an important safety bonus. These lights incorporate louvers to help with cabin ventilation. A third, high-level brake light, is mounted in the rear spoiler.
Four engines and three trim levels are offered in the Vaneo range, plus a wide selection of options, including five activity packages that add tailored equipment for customers with a variety of popular pastimes or hobbies.
Three of the engines are petrol - two 1.6 litre units producing 82 hp/103 lbs ft and 102 hp/111 lbs ft respectively, and a range-topping 125 hp/133 lbs ft 1.9 litre engine. Diesel-engined variants will feature a 1689 cc engine producing 91 hp and 133 lbs ft. The turbo diesel engine uses the latest generation common rail and injector nozzle technology, four-valves per cylinder and a turbocharger with intercooler.
Because this CDI engine is so thermally efficient, heating for the cabin from a cold start will take longer than a petrol unit. An electric heater booster is fitted as standard, to accelerate cabin warming.
Three gearbox choices are available - a five speed manual, the same gearbox with the ACS Automatic Clutch System, and a five speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction (manual gear selection) and Speedtronic cruise control and speed limiter.
The optional ACS system is available on all models and costs £500, the five-speed automatic is £1,215 and available on all but the 82 hp petrol model (the CDI 1.7 auto pack retains cruise control but does without the speed limiter).
The three trim levels have been created to ensure maximum versatility: Trend offers a large amount of standard equipment; Family models add features that make living with Vaneo even easier, while the range-topping Ambiente includes the luxurious touches for which Mercedes-Benz is well known.
Trend models have a high level of standard specification. An impressive tally of safety equipment is fitted to all cars: four airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, ESP® Electronic Stability Program with traction control, ISOFIX mounting points in the second row of seats, and an alarm and immobiliser as standard.
Front and rear vent electric windows, height adjustable front seat belts, three-point belts on all seats (with force limiters on the outer seats), a radio/single CD player, remote central locking, and height adjustable steering column are all Trend features.
The Family trim level adds to the generous Trend specification. Fold-out tables in the front seat backrests, a rear bench seat with integrated child seats and stowage boxes under the rear seat make interior storage and comfort plentiful, whatever the age of the rear seat occupants.
A pull-out loading floor and folding shopping box keep the load bay neat and tidy, while a second rear view mirror helps keep a beady eye on what's happening in the back. A third row of two individual seats, suitable for children, will be available in lieu of the moving load floor at a modest additional cost of £360.
The luxurious Ambiente adds even more to the Trend specification. Air conditioning, alloy wheels, a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear shift lever, front centre armrest and burr walnut trim are all standard features.
The following price table figures are for Trend models. Upgrading to Family trim costs £800, with Ambiente an additional £1,900 over the Trend price. Parktronic parking sensors and other in car entertainment equipment including the COMAND (Cockpit Management and Navigation Display) are part of an extensive options list that will enable Vaneo purchasers to customise their new car.
Vaneo is available in four standard paints or six metallic shades, which is an optional £330. Family and Ambiente models have a choice of three interior trim colours - Anthracite, Sky Blue or Royal Red - while Trend cars have Orion Grey interior appointments.
| Model |
Basic Price Exc. VAT (£) |
List Price Inc. VAT (£) |
Road Fund Licence (£) |
On the Road Price (£) |
| Vaneo |
11,948.94 |
14,040.00 |
155.00 |
14,680.00 |
| Vaneo 1.6 |
12,927.66 |
15,190.00 |
155.00 |
15,830.00 |
| Vaneo 1.9 |
13,736.17 |
16,140.00 |
155.00 |
16,780.00 |
| Vaneo CDI 1.7 |
13,565.96 |
15,940.00 |
130.00 |
16,555.00 |
Versatility is a standard feature on every Vaneo. Its rear seats fold and are removable, and a large load area means it can carry up to 3000 litres or 600 kg of cargo. The large amount of space also means that passengers have a light and airy environment in which they can travel, with two large sliding rear side doors ensuring easy access. In fact, the Vaneo is so spacious around 65 to 70 per cent of its total volume is used for the passenger compartment.
All the space in the world is no good if it is unusable, which is where the five activity packages score so highly. Each adds useful accessories that have been designed with particular pursuits in mind. For example, the Winter Sports pack includes a pull-out loading floor (which can take 120 kg of load), roof rails with a ski or snowboard rack, and even a Thermos flask.
The other four packs, Carry, Cycle, Dog and Surf also include really handy features - and, of course, the individual elements of the packs are available separately. Larger families can specify a third row of two individual child seats for £360 (Family trim) or £430 (Trend/Ambiente).
Space and versatility don't come at the expense of safety in Vaneo. In addition to the features already mentioned, the car has an uprated version of the innovative sandwich floor concept (pioneered in the A-Class hatchback) which contains all the running gear and mechanical components. When involved in a frontal collision the engine moves down into the sandwich, rather than intruding into the passenger compartment, improving occupant safety.
A higher than normal seating position gives a commanding view of the road ahead for the driver while Vaneo's large glass area ensures everyone has a good vantage point.
All Vaneos have ASSYST variable service intervals, and a three year, unlimited mileage warranty as standard.
Full specification, fuel consumption, emissions and Activity Pack details follow.
Standard Specification
Trend
- 12V socket in centre console - located for use in 2nd seat row
- Airbags - driver and front passenger & front sidebags
- Alarm system with interior protection, immobiliser and tow-away sensor - factory fit
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)
- Automatic child seat recognition sensor (only works in conjunction with Mercedes child seats fitted with transponder)
- "Cortez" upholstery design and soft-effect dashboard trim
- Cupholders - front
- Door mirrors - electrically operated and heated
- Driver's seat - adjustable for height and seat cushion angle
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) with ASR
- Five speed manual transmission
- Front and rear disc brakes
- Front fog lights
- Front seat belts - height adjustable with belt force limiters
- Heating with dust/pollen filter and air recirculation switch
- High-level third brake lamp
- ISOFIX rear child seat preparation on 2nd row outer seats
- Preparation in load compartment, e.g. for 3rd seat row or pull-out loading floor
- Outside temperature gauge
- Power assisted steering
- Protective rubbing strips in vehicle body colour
- Radio/single CD with six speakers
- Rear head restraints (three) and three-point seat belts (three)
- Rear screen wash/wipe
- Remote central locking
- Retractable luggage cover
- Seat belt pre-tensioners - front and rear (outer)
- Service indicator (ASSYST)
- Spare wheel - steel
- Split folding rear bench seat - multi-adjustable and removable
- Steering column - manually adjustable for height
- Tinted glass inc. windscreen band filter
- Twin sliding rear doors with child-proof locks
- Windows - front electric windows (standard function)
- 3rd row electric ventilation windows
Family
In addition to Trend:
- 2nd rear view mirror - angled towards 2nd & 3rd seat rows
- 12V socket in load space
- Carbon-effect dashboard trim
- Electric windows - front
- Folding shopping box
- Fold-out tables on front seat backs with cupholders
- Integrated rear child seats (two) in 2nd seat row
- Pull-out loading floor extendable by 740mm from load space and can support up to 120kg
- Rear light pack for 2nd row - incorporating spotlights and night light
- Roof rails
- Storage boxes under rear seats
- "Sunprotect" windscreen coating insulates interior to two degrees Celsius lower than standard windscreen
- Waste bag can be secured to headrests
- 12V socket in load space
- Air conditioning
- Alloy wheels - Five-spoke 5.5J x 15
- Burr walnut wood dashboard trim
- Electric windows - front
- Front centre armrest with storage compartment
- Leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift
- Map nets on front seat backs
- Rear light pack for 2nd row - incorporating spotlights and night light
- Roof rails
- "Sunprotect" windscreen coating insulates interior to two degrees Celsius lower than standard windscreen
Ambiente
In addition to Trend:
Optional Equipment and Pricing
Alloy wheels and Exterior
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Alloy wheels (four) - five-spoke 5.5J x 15 (195/55 tyres) (standard on Ambiente) |
450.00 |
| Metallic paint |
£330.00 |
| Roof rails (standard on Family and Ambiente) |
235.00 |
| TIREFIT system instead of spare wheel |
No cost option |
| Tow-bar, detachable - excludes 13-pin adaptor |
550.00 |
Transmission
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Five speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and Speedtronic cruise control (Speedtronic not available for CDI 1.7, automatic gearbox not available with 82 hp petrol engine) |
1,215.00 |
| Five speed manual transmission with Automatic Clutch System (ACS) (suitable for drivers with automatic driving licenses) |
500.00 |
| Cruise control with Speedtronic for manual/ACS transmissions (petrol models only) |
225.00 |
Comfort
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Air conditioning (standard on Ambiente) |
790.00 |
| Electric tilt/slide glass sunroof with blind (front) |
605.00 |
| Front centre armrest with storage compartment (standard on Ambiente) |
75.00 |
| Front seats - heated |
280.00 |
| Leather trimmed steering wheel and gearshift (standard on Ambiente) |
120.00 |
| Parktronic (PTS) |
450.00 |
| Privacy glass dark glass from B-pillar rearwards |
175.00 |
| Rear light pack for 2nd row - incorporating spotlights and night light (standard on Family and Ambiente) |
45.00 |
| "Sunprotect" windscreen (standard on Family & Ambiente) |
145.00 |
Variability and Storage
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| 3rd row of individual child seats (2) Trend/Ambiente Family (deletes pull-out loading floor) |
430.00 360.00 |
| 12V socket in load space (standard on Family and Ambiente) |
15.00 |
| Fold-out tables on front seat backs with cupholders (standard on Family) |
65.00 |
| Front passenger seat - vertically adjustable & removable |
125.00 |
| Integrated rear child seats (two), for 2nd row (standard on Family) |
170.00 |
| Luggage net on load compartment floor |
35.00 |
| Luggage protection net - vertical separating net that can be mounted at B- or C-pillar |
85.00 |
| Map nets on front seatbacks (standard on Ambiente) |
40.00 |
| Pull-out loading floor (standard on Family, not available in conjunction with third row of seats) |
270.00 |
| Storage boxes under front seats |
60.00 |
| Storage boxes under rear seats (standard on Family) |
70.00 |
| Storage compartment instead of ashtray |
No cost option |
Security and Safety
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Electric windows - front, (standard on Family and Ambiente) |
65.00 |
| Fire extinguisher |
105.00 |
In-car entertainment
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Sony or Blaupunkt radio/single CD |
Standard |
| CD changer - six disc |
350.00 |
| Cockpit Management and Navigation Display (COMAND) incorporating radio/single CD player (simultaneous use of Navigation and audio CD only possible with autochanger) |
1,890.00 |
| Mercedes-Benz Audio 10 radio/cassette player |
185.00 |
| Mercedes-Benz Audio 30 radio/single CD player with Auto Pilot System (simultaneous use of Navigation and audio CD possible) |
1430.00 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sound 20 radio/cassette player |
270.00 |
| Mercedes-Benz Sound 30 radio/single CD player |
390.00 |
| Nokia 6210 mobile phone with hands-free facility and telephone aerial on roof (only available with Mercedes-Benz audio systems) |
650.00 |
Activity packages for Vaneo
| Option |
Total Price Inc. VAT (£) |
| Carry pack* consisting of: "INBOX" which folds out to cover and protect the interior when 2nd seat row removed |
335.00 |
|
Cycle pack Trend Family Ambiente consisting of: 12V cycle pump, valve adapter set & bicycle tool kit 12V socket in loadspace (standard on Family & Ambiente) Interior bike rack to mount on pull-out loading floor Pull-out loading floor (standard on Family) |
450.00 210.00 435.00 |
| Dog pack consisting of: Dog grille with longitudinal separator for load space Non-slip load space mat |
395.00 |
|
Surf pack Trend Family Ambiente consisting of: 12V socket in loadspace (standard on Family & Ambiente) Pull-out loading floor (standard on Family) Rail roof rack with surfboard rack Roof rails (standard on Family & Ambiente) Thermos flask and Cool box |
680.00 265.00 475.00 |
|
Winter sports pack Trend Family Ambiente consisting of: 12V socket in loadspace (standard on Family & Ambiente) Pull-out loading floor (standard on Family) Rail roof rack with skis/snowboard rack Roof rails (standard on Family & Ambiente) Thermos flask |
565.00 145.00 355.00 |
Fuel consumption and emissions
| Engine |
Gearbox |
Engine cc |
Urban mpg |
Extra-urban mpg |
Combined mpg |
CO2 (g/km) |
| 82 hp petrol |
Manual 5 |
1598 |
27.2 |
44.1 |
36.2 |
187 |
| 82 hp petrol |
ACS 5 |
1598 |
27.2 |
44.1 |
36.2 |
187 |
| 102 hp petrol |
Manual 5 |
1598 |
26.4 |
43.5 |
35.3 |
192 |
| 102 hp petrol |
ACS 5 |
1598 |
26.4 |
43.5 |
35.3 |
192 |
| 102 hp petrol |
Auto 5 |
1598 |
25.5 |
42.8 |
34 |
199 |
| 125 hp petrol |
Manual 5 |
1898 |
26.4 |
42.2 |
34.4 |
197 |
| 125 hp petrol |
ACS 5 |
1898 |
26.4 |
42.2 |
34.4 |
197 |
| 125 hp petrol |
Auto 5 |
1898 |
24.6 |
41.5 |
33.2 |
204 |
| 91 hp diesel |
Manual 5 |
1689 |
38.2 |
55.4 |
47.9 |
157 |
| 91 hp diesel |
ACS 5 |
1689 |
38.2 |
55.4 |
47.9 |
157 |
| 91 hp diesel |
Auto 5 |
1689 |
33.6 |
50.4 |
42.8 |
174 |