LAUDED AS AN EXAMPLE of how modern public transport with minibuses works, the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter was crowned Minibus of the Year 2019 in Madrid, Spain, recently.
The Sprinter City 75 won over the international specialist jury at this year’s Minibus Euro Test, with experts judging that it also offers an impressive amount of space and numerous technological highlights, says Mercedes-Benz.
Journalists were particularly keen to highlight the fact the manufacturer has managed to create space for up to 38 passengers and has used the space available to them as efficiently as possible, it claims. By implementing the new high-load rear axle, the vehicle’s economic efficiency was again able to be drastically improved, it adds.
TRANSPORT FLEXIBILITY
“We are very happy about the ‘Minibus of the Year 2019’ award for the Sprinter City 75,” said Till Oberwörder, head of Daimler Buses and chairman of the Board of Management at EvoBus GmbH.
“For Mercedes-Benz this is a confirmation that even in the minibus segment, operators and transport companies need the greatest possible flexibility from vehicles which are as economical as possible,” he explained.
One aspect receiving special credit was the independent vehicle design, which is wholly representative of the higher demands placed on local public transport, according to MB.
More specifically, its high-drawn panoramic windscreen doesn’t just ensure passengers enjoy an impressive view to the front, it also provides a discreet location for the destination display. Unique in this vehicle class are the large side windows, which deliver a sense of openness and a modern touch, it says.
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BRAKING OUTPUT
The technology used on-board the new Sprinter City 75 was also able to convince the specialist jury of the vehicle’s strengths, both with the standard auxiliary brake – which delivers 350Nm of braking output – and the numerous assistance systems, which make the minibus one of the safest in its segment, MB explains.
Among the systems on-board are the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which comes as standard, as well as Crosswind Assist and Active Brake Assist.
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