Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Parent company	Daimler AG
Production	2002–2005
Class	Multi-Purpose Vehicle
Body style(s)	5-door Van
Layout	FF layout
Engine(s)	1.6 L L4 Petrol 1.9 L L4 Petrol 1.7 L L4 Diesel
Transmission(s)	5-speed Manual 5-speed ACS 5-speed TouchShift
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class

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 lead 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.

Practicality

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.

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 3 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.

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 (60 kW/81 hp)	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 (75 kW/101 hp)	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 (75 kW/101 hp)	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 (92 kW/123 hp)	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 (92 kW/123 hp)	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 (67 kW/90 hp)	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 (67 kW/90 hp)	180 N·m (133 lb·ft)	158 km/h (98 mph)	15.5 secs	42.8 mpg	174 g/km

Reviews

• Parker's Car Guides
  'Pros: Interior space, usefully practical, easy to drive in town
  Cons: Rattly trim, ungainly styling, firm ride'

• Royal Automobile Club plc
  '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.'