Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
Encyclopedia
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo was 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.
Up to 3,000 litres of cargo can fit into the Vaneo if the rear seats are removed (five seats came as standard with a third-row two-seater bench 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.
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.
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
that could be fitted with up to seven seats. It was created using the basic mechanicals from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is a mini MPV produced by the German automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz. The first generation was introduced in 1997, and the all-new second generation model appeared in late 2004. Launched as a five-door hatchback in 1997, the second generation W169 introduced a...
. It was not, as the name 'Vaneo' suggested, based on any kind of van
Van
A van is a kind of vehicle used for transporting goods or groups of people.In British English usage, it can be either specially designed or based on a saloon or sedan car, the latter type often including derivatives with open backs...
, 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
Renault Kangoo
The Renault Kangoo and Kangoo Express are panel van and leisure activity vehicle produced by French automaker Renault since 1997. The Kangoo is manufactured in the MCA plant in Maubeuge, France, and in Santa Isabel, Argentina. The version for the ASEAN markets was assembled by the Tan Chong Euro...
starting in 2012 as part of a broader alliance with the French maker.
Practicality
ISOFIX
ISOFIX is the international standard for attachment points for child safety seats in passenger cars. The system has various other regional names including LATCH in the United States and LUAS or Canfix in Canada...
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
Motability
Motability is a United Kingdom scheme which enables disabled people to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter by using their Government-funded mobility allowances....
scheme for the disabled as well as taxi firms.
Safety
The 'Sandwich Floor' construction pioneered on the first A-Class and included on the Vaneo is a vacant space underneath the passenger compartment where the engine and transmission can slide in case of a severe frontal impact. This helps to protect the passengers from leg and lower torso damage. The Vaneo was tested by Euro NCAP in 2002 and achieved the following star ratings:| Euro NCAP | Rating |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant: | |
| Pedestrian: |
Security
The Vaneo was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:| NVSR | Rating |
|---|---|
| Theft of car: | |
| Theft from car: |
Powertrains
All of the Vaneo's engines complied with Euro 3European emission standards
European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.Currently, emissions of...
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
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
, an automated clutch system called ACS
Semi-automatic transmission
A semi-automatic transmission is an automobile transmission that does not change gears automatically, but rather facilitates manual gear changes by dispensing with the need to press...
and a traditional TouchShift
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) | 158 km/h (98 mph) | 15.5 secs | 42.8 mpg | 174 g/km |
Reviews
- Parker's Car GuidesParker's Car GuidesParker's Car Price Guide is a monthly magazine and, more recently, website listing prices for new and used cars in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 1972 and is the longest-running price guide available to the public. It has expanded over the years to offer reviews, technical data and...
'Pros: Interior space, usefully practical, easy to drive in town
Cons: Rattly trim, ungainly styling, firm ride'
- RAC
'Don't let the uninspiring looks and twee name put you off. The Vaneo is well built and offers a surprising amount of space in its compact footprint. It won't win any beauty contests and inviting people for 'a spin in the Merc' might be a recipe for disappointment, but to know a Vaneo is to love one. Surprisingly good.'