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Mercedes sprints ahead with its new minibus

After an almost two-year absence, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to recapture the minibus segment with its new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Coach. The Sprinter Coach from Germany replaces the MB140, a 14-seater model that used to be assembled by Ssangyong in Korea. The latter was a popular minibus which was once the market leader. It dominated the segment from 2000 until 2006, when the Euro IV diesel emission standard was implemented here, thus forcing the Euro II model to be discontinued.

Exclusive dealer Cycle & Carriage (C&C) is officially launching the Sprinter Coach today. It has a 2,148cc turbodiesel engine that is tuned to produce either 116 hp or 150 hp for a 15-seater body, and a 22/24-seater body respectively. The 15-seater has a rotating row of seats directly behind the driver - good for conferences or tour groups. Meanwhile, C&C is hoping to attract school bus operators with the bigger 24-seat version of the Sprinter Coach.

The model comes with a high level of standard equipment. The Sprinter Coach has a fully automatic transmission, a factory-fitted electric sliding door, and two aircon compressors - one for the driver and one for the passengers. The electronic management system and dashboard display also do away with the need for daily underbonnet checks for oil and water levels. These are features not found in the competition in any other mini coach.

The smaller Hi-Ace with a high roof, auto transmission and auto door is pitted directly against the 211 CDI, which costs about 15 per cent more than its Japanese rival. But when compared with the bigger Coaster with a manual transmission, the 515 CDI is about 8 per cent higher. Although it costs more, the driving comfort is higher and there is also the reassurance provided by the electronic safety devices.