The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a five-door, seven-seater compact MPV (M-segment in Europe) that was produced by Mercedes-Benz from 2001 to 2005. It used the automobile platform from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Up to seven seater capacity was available, but this vehicle was not built as a van, instead it was built as a MPV. The name Vaneo is derived from the word Van, which is used in German for the car types MPV.
Design
Mercedes-Benz Vaneo rear
The Vaneo was front-wheel-drive only and limited to four-cylinder engines. The body consisted of two sliding rear doors and 'Sandwich Floor' construction giving it a van-like driving position and a higher roof line. It was suitable for U.K.'s Motability for the disabled, as well as for use as taxicabs.
Seating for five was standard, with two third-row buckets optional. With all the rear seats removed, there was up to 3,000 litres of cargo space. A 120 kg capacity slide-out boot floor was optional. Roof rails were standard on Trend and Ambiente models, while ISOfix anchorages were included on all vehicles.
Due to quality issues and poor sales the Vaneo was discontinued after a three-year production run.[1] It was replaced in the same year it was discontinued, by the similarly-sized B-Class.
Safety
The Vaneo was tested by Euro NCAP in 2002 with the following ratings:[2]
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:[3]
NVSR
Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:
Powertrains
Engines complied with Euro 3 emission standards. They included: 1.6 L in two states of tune and 1.9 L petrol engines, as well as a 1.7 L diesel. Three 5-speed transmissions were available: a manual, an automated clutch system called ACS, and a regular automatic called "TouchShift."
Years
Model & Transmission
Engine
Power
Torque
Top Speed
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)
Economy
Emissions
Petrol
2002–2005
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
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
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
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
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
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
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[4] 'Pros: Interior space, usefully practical, easy to drive in town Cons: Rattly trim, ungainly styling, firm ride'
RAC (6.4/10)[5] '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.'
