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2007 Dodge Sprinter First Impressions

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Mathieu St-Pierre
Forget what you know about big vans
Forget what you know about big vans

Santa Monica, California. In the commercial vehicle industry, no one plays harder than DaimlerChrysler. They are in fact the World's largest producer of "work" vehicles of the large variety. The Sprinter is a huge part of their success. Since its introduction, no fewer than 1.2 million have been sold in 100 countries around the Globe.

With 25 possible configurations and 20 colors available, your Sprinter could be unique.

The smart choice
The Sprinter is a revelation, a revolution in the full-size van and chassis cab segment. There is so much to say about this product; it would be too difficult to summarize the order guide as it looks more like a history book than a spec sheet. To give you an idea, the Sprinter is available in two different wheelbases, three different heights and then there are the three body styles: Cargo Van, Passenger Van and Chassis Cab. In short, there are 25 possible configurations and, by injecting the 20 available colors, it could theoretically be feasible to line-up 500 Sprinters and none of them would be identical.

Of the numerous potential arrangements, the Sprinter can accommodate up to 10 passengers, have 7 foot ceilings, and carry up to 16,990 litres (600 cubic feet) of cargo and, to get all your gear into the van, it offers sliding doors with the largest available opening and rear doors that swing away a full 270 degrees. On top of all this, the Sprinter has the lowest floor and step-in height. How's about that for choice!

Ahh, diesel
In the US, purchasers will have the choice between a petrol 3.5L V6 and a turbodiesel powered 3.0L V6. In Canada, the sole engine will be the more logical and economical oil burner. To it will be mated a 5-speed automatic transmission complete with a manual mode. Aboard the big van, drivers and passengers alike are treated to semi-proper Mercedes fare. The gauges and much of the onboard controls are lifted out of existing Three-Pointed Star vehicles. Unlike the competing GMC Savana and Ford Econoline, the Sprinter is well finished and assembled.

Trackin' the Sprinter
The diesel's 154hp and 280 lb/ft of torque are more potent than expected. I took a quick run in a 3500 with rear dualies and the 7-foot ceiling and never was I wishing for more power; I was easily keeping up with traffic. Granted, the van was empty but the Sprinter was not designed for racing... or was it? We were sent on a drive to get to Ventura Raceway for a demonstration of the Sprinter's abilities. On our way there, we had to negotiate tight switchbacks, downhill jaunts mixed in to tight corners. Hand to God, the Sprinter took it all in strides without ever breaking a sweat.

The Sprinter can tackle any type of road...
Mathieu St-Pierre
Mathieu St-Pierre
Automotive expert
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