It was only a matter of time before the relationship between Chrysler and Fiat met with repercussions from the domestic

Say goodbye to the Dodge Sprinter, with only a handful left in the entire country. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

brand’s many partners. First it was news that Nissan would be axing a deal to replace its Titan with a Ram-based alternative and likewise Chrysler would no longer sell its Versa-based Trazo C1.8 into South America. Now it’s been made official that Daimler, previous Chrysler owner (DaimlerChrysler), will be selling its own version of the much-lauded Sprinter commercial van in North America, which finalizes Dodge’s reign as purveyor of the best commercial van in North America (Freightliner version aside) and worse, appears to bluntly end a half century of full-size passenger and cargo van offerings from the Auburn Hills’ based domestic automaker.

Rather than simply let it die and left at the side of the road like carrion we thought, why not revisit this fabulous machine one more time and give it a proper burial. After all, it’s worthy of your interest if you happen to own a tour company,

Ultimately large and accommodating, Dodge has done well with this Mercedes-built utility hauler. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

airport shuttle business or otherwise deliver large loads around town, or even if you have a very large family and just need something that seats 12 in comfort!

Yes, the Sprinter is big even in its smallest iteration, and whether optioned out with large, comfortable seats or an empty shell, is as serviceable as vehicles get. In latter form it will haul a minimum of 1,118 kilos (2,465 lbs) or a maximum of 1,332 kg (2,937 lbs), depending on configuration, boasting a cargo capacity of 4,000 litres (141.3 cu ft) with the regular roof height or 5,300 litres (187.2 cu ft) with the high roof option. Incidentally, the regular roof is 2,446 mm (96.3 inches) tall and the extended height model measures 2,731 mm (107.5 inches) from road to roof. Need to tow? No problem, as Sprinter

A comfortable cruiser for work, (large) family use or recreation depending on how it's outfitted. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

owners get a max of 2,268 kilos (5,000 lbs) capacity, which should be enough to manage most small to medium trailers.

The Sprinter was completely redesigned in late 2007, so this 2009 model is a total carryover from the 2008 that followed, except for a few small details. Its interior is, well, basic, but not as basic as the Ram Van it replaced years ago or for that matter Ford’s E-150 or GM’s Chevy Express/GMC Savana clones. Actually, the centre stack is pure Mercedes-Benz switchgear and is pretty upscale, and the seats are totally and completely comfortable.

The driving position is upright and visibility superb, with massive front and side windows.

This grille is gone for 2010: R.I.P. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Depending on configuration there are side and rear windows in back too, which was how I drove it recently, but a fully enclosed cargo van can also be purchased and then, obviously, rearward vision is compromised.

Being such a large vehicle you’d think that it would be cumbersome to manage around confined places, such as inner city streets and parking lots, but, other the height-restricted garages it can be maneuvered around some extremely tight areas and as long as you’ve got enough room side to side or from end to end, and there are two lengths available in passenger van guise (5,910 mm or 232.5 inches and 6,945 mm or 273.2 inches) and three as a cargo van, it can be parked easily.

The

Under the hood is Mercedes' efficient 3.0L turbo-diesel. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

ride is surprisingly smooth on the open road too, and while handling isn’t going to leave a Viper in the dust (despite my test example being painted in Viper Blue) it is, once again, surprisingly agile for such a large vehicle. You won’t be spinning the tires at takeoff either, but lightning quick sprints to 100km/h are not the Sprinter’s prime objective. Smooth, controlled acceleration is its forte, and thanks to a 3.0-litre DOHC, 24-valve, V6 diesel with 154hp at 3,400 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque available from between 1,200 and 2,400 rpm, mated to a smooth and efficient 5-speed automatic with manual mode, there’s enough power to get to highway speeds without holding up traffic and no problem maintaining faster than posted limits. Really, it’s not

It looks top-heavy, but it's actually quite easy to drive. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

bad for a vehicle that weighs 2,546 kilos (5,613 lbs) in its lightest regular roof cargo van form or 2,760 kg (6,085 lbs) the way Dodge configured my tester.

That Mercedes-built 3.0-litre diesel is fuel-efficient too, 18.1% more fuel-efficient than the Chevy Express 3500 Cargo Van with its diesel variant and 25.4% more fuel-efficient than the Ford E350 Cargo Van with its diesel, according to Dodge, at 21.0L/100km in the city, 19.5 on the highway and 20.2 combined in cargo form or 19.9, 18.6 and 19.2 respectively in passenger van guise.

Along with the passenger and cargo van configurations, Dodge sells the Sprinter as a

All passenger vans get the 2500 designation. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

chassis cab too, ideal if your business needs a truck for custom applications or you’re in the market for a really nice C-class motor home. Incidentally, the passenger van that I drove can only be had in 2500 trim, whereas cargo vans can be had in half (2500) and three-quarter ton (3500) capability. Chassis and cab versions can only be ordered with the 3500 designation.

Options are slim, but standard features are quite good for this class when the passenger van is chosen and include automatic air conditioning, an auxiliary electric heater, a rear window defroster, a tilt and telescopic wheel, power front windows, power locks with keyless entry, heated mirrors, and a AM/FM/CD stereo. And don’t expect plush cloth seats or carpeting either. The passenger van

The "office" is comfortable with extremely supportive seats and excellent ergonomic. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

comes with rubber flooring and vinyl seats. The wheels are 16 inches in diameter and steel with covers wrapped in LT245/75R16 all-season tires, but alloy rims, like those on my tester, can be had. Standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic traction and stability control, and dual front airbags. Side-thorax airbags can be had too, as can side-curtain airbags from front to back.

And that slim list of options I mentioned? You can get premium (i.e. cloth) seats, a six-CD audio system, cruise control, a heated windshield, a powered skylight (not a glass sunroof), a backup alarm for warning passersby, and a trailer tow package. And incidentally the bumper-to-bumper warranty is 3 years or 60,000 km while the powertrain is covered for 5 years or 100,000 km.
 
When

High-grade Mercedes-Benz switchgear will be impressive for those used to domestic vans. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

I say act fast, your chance to own one may already be gone by the time you read this review. Sure there are deals available on existing Dodge badged sprinters, which incidentally are priced at $42,150 in 12-occupant “Wagon” form but can be purchased in the high $30k range now or maybe even lower, considering next year’s model gets the vaunted three-pointed star on the grille (many owners replaced the Dodge grille and Ram’s head for the Mercedes front clip anyway) and steering wheel hub. Truly, I get a chuckle thinking about Mercedes-Benz dealerships being filled up with delivery drivers waiting for service, wearing grubby workers smocks, coveralls or at best polyester pants and purple and orange nylon FedEx jackets next to business types in their ultra-fine Ermenegildo Zegna suits, French-cuffed monogrammed shirts, Burberry or Brioni ties and brightly polished Bruno Magli shoes.

That

No shortage of room inside this 12-occupant van. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Mercedes-badged Sprinter will sport a new 3.0-litre diesel and updated styling for 2010, when it goes on sale at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this fall, and will continue to be sold via the automaker’s existing Freightliner network in the US with the heavy duty truck manufacturer’s badging.
 
The plan has left Dodge without a commercial van for 2010, as its full-size Ram van was abandoned when the Sprinter came on the scene in ‘03. What to do? Chrysler could potentially turn to new parent company Fiat to fill the bill, the Italian automaker boasting a full lineup of commercial delivery vehicles. The likely Sprinter replacement would be Fiat’s Ducato, while importing a rebranded Scudo might be just the thing to do battle with Ford’s new Transit Connect, a more compact and fuel-efficient commercial van. Fiat even

Lots of luggage space even with all seats in place. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

makes smaller utility vehicles, such as the compact Doblo Cargo (also available in a passenger version), Fiorino, a subcompact sized van, and the Grand Punto Van, which is basically Fiat’s popular compact hatchback without rear quarter windows or back seats.
 
Dodge has done reasonably well with Sprinter, selling about 20,000 units per year in the US and about 10% of that number in Canada, so as long as Fiat’s diesel can be made to suit North American emissions regulations it’s a move that makes sense. Then again, Mercedes’ new 3.0-litre diesel is sold in numerous models in North America, making it cost effective for such a small run of commercial vans. Unless Fiat plans to offer a diesel in one or more of its Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep branded vehicles, or one of its own, refitting a Ducato with Dodge badging may be too expensive, and therefore not a viable alternative.

Only time will tell what Dodge does to replace the Sprinter, if anything at all. So, if you like the idea of owning a full-size Dusseldorf, Germany made Mercedes-Benz van in domestic trim, or just plain need one for your business, the opportunity is fast coming to an end. Act quickly, get a great deal and enjoy owning the best full-size van sold in North America.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc

(WNB) 16 x 6.5 Aluminum Wheels

(GXK) Keys - 2 Additional

(DMF) 4.10 Axle Ratio

(ACL) Accessory Group

(22B) Quick Order Package

(CXG) Hinged Lid For Center Stack Bin

(JJN) Driver Seat Base Power Outlet

(GBE) Windshield w/Filter Band

(CDD) Luxury Bucket Driver Seat

(CDY) Luxury Bucket Passenger Seat

(CUN) Overhead Console w/Two Reading Lamps

(NHM) Speed Control

(LNJ) Fog Lamps

(JHT) High Pressure Headlamp Washer

(NHW) Light And Rain Sensor

(ADA) Light Group

(AJB) Security Group

(LBB) Courtesy Lamps

(LCQ) Rear Convenience Lighting

(LSA) Security Alarm

(XAH) Puncture Sealant & Portable Air Compressor

(CJ4) Supplement Side Curtain Front Air Bags

(BAJ) 220 Amp Alternator

(RDK) Antenna For GSM, GPS, UMTS Network

(CSQ) Rear Door Assist Handles

(LBS) Auxiliary Belt Drive For Compressor

(AMJ) Rear Heater Group III

(HGM) Insulation - Front

(BCY) Battery: 95 Amp

(ADE) Cold Climate Comfort Group I

(CMB) Heated Driver Seat

(CMC) Heated Passenger Seat

(GBG) Heated Windshield

(BC1) Battery: 100 Amp Auxiliary

(CXX) Driver Suspension Seat

(MD8) Delete Front License Bracket

(GW9) Rear Power Sunroof

(XWA) First Aid Kit

(CK7) Front Overhead Storage Bin

(NXF) Idle Control - Adjustable

(XCF) Parametric Special Module

(XAG) Parksense Front/Rear Park Assist System

(GWA) Front Power Sunroof

(RA9) Radio Prep

(XAW) Rear Backup Alarm

(XA3) Rear Backup Camera Prep

(MBZ) Rear Bumper - Gray Step Pad

(GEH) Rear Door Windows w/Wiper/Washer

(MWJ) High Roof

(MWE) Roof Rails

(XFS) Top Speed Limitation (74mph)

(AHT) Trailer Tow Group

(WWA) Wheels painted Jet Black

(P1) Special Paint

(P2) Special Paint

(P3) Metallic Paint

(A6AA) Black Vinyl Bucket Seats

(LM3) Bi-Xenon Headlamps w/Corner funct

(CJ1) Supplemental Front Seat Side Air Bags

(HDB) Front Auxiliary Heater

(XBJ) Auxiliary Heat Exchanger Prep

(XFM) Idle Control - Preset

(JAV) Premium Instrument Cluster

(SCK) Luxury Steering Wheel

(ANH) Rear Heater Group I

(ANJ) Rear Heater Group II

(HBD) Rear Heavy Duty Air Conditioning

(AFD) Comfort Seating Group

(GLE) 180 Degree Opening Rear Doors

(XDP) Road Hazard Warning Lamp

(GXQ) Side Sliding Door - Two Stage

(XFZ) Sender Fuel for Auxiliary Heater

(XD8) Parametric Module Prep Delete