Especificaciones y análisis del Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
Power
102HP
Torque
150Nm
Consumption
8l/100
Emissions
-g/km
0-100 km/h
13.5s
Top Speed
167km/h
Weight
1365kg
Price
23,857€
Technical summary
Gasolina
Manual 5v
FWD
7 / 5 doors
715 L
54 L
75 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 1.6 Ambiente · 102 CV (2001-2005)
General description
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 1.6 Ambiente is presented as a versatile family proposition, a compact minivan that sought to combine the functionality of a cargo vehicle with the comfort and quality expected from the star brand. With its 4,192 mm length and 1,830 mm height, it offered surprising interior space for its time, ideal for families needing flexibility and capacity. Its 1,598 cc, 102 hp gasoline engine, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, promised a balance between performance and efficiency for daily use.
Driving experience
Behind the wheel of the Vaneo 1.6 Ambiente, the predominant feeling is that of a practical and easy-to-handle vehicle. The elevated driving position offers good visibility, facilitating maneuvers in the city. The 102 hp engine, although not an abundance of power, fulfills its purpose for family use, allowing acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.5 seconds and a top speed of 167 km/h. The combined consumption of 8 l/100km is reasonable for its size and the technology of the time. The suspension, McPherson type on the front axle, seeks a compromise between comfort and stability, absorbing road irregularities without sacrificing too much control. Overall, it is a car that conveys safety and comfort, without great sporting pretensions, but with the characteristic solidity of Mercedes-Benz.
Design and aesthetics
The design of the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is eminently functional, with lines that prioritize interior space and practicality. Its compact minivan silhouette, with considerable height and sliding rear doors, distinguishes it. Although it is not a car that seeks elegance or sportiness, its aesthetic is sober and robust, with the front grille and the Mercedes-Benz emblem giving it a touch of distinction. The interior, although not luxurious, is well resolved, with durable materials and a logical arrangement of controls. The 715-liter trunk capacity is one of its strong points, offering great versatility for transporting luggage or cargo.
Technology and features
In the technological section, the 2002 Vaneo 1.6 Ambiente incorporated elements that, for its time, were adequate for a vehicle in its segment. Its 1,598 cc gasoline engine with indirect injection and 102 hp, along with a 5-speed manual transmission, represented a proven and reliable mechanical configuration. In terms of safety, it featured ventilated disc brakes on the front axle and solid discs on the rear, as well as stabilizers on both axles to improve driving dynamics. The rack-and-pinion steering offered precise response. Although it did not have the advanced driving aids of current vehicles, its equipment was focused on functionality and basic safety.
Competition
In the compact minivan market of the early 2000s, the Mercedes-Benz Vaneo faced competitors such as the Renault Kangoo, the Citroën Berlingo, or the Opel Combo, vehicles that also offered great versatility and interior space. However, the Vaneo positioned itself with an added quality and prestige associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand, which differentiated it in terms of finishes and, on occasion, price. Other indirect rivals could be the Volkswagen Caddy or the Fiat Doblò, although these usually had a more commercial focus. The Vaneo sought a niche between pure functionality and the comfort of a passenger car.
Conclusion
The 2002 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 1.6 Ambiente is a minivan that, despite not having been a bestseller, offered an interesting proposition for families who valued space, versatility, and the build quality of Mercedes-Benz. Its functional design, capable engine, and spacious interior made it an ideal companion for daily life and travel. Although its aesthetics were not the most avant-garde, its practicality and the inherent reliability of the brand made it an option to consider for those looking for a robust family vehicle with a touch of distinction.