Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG)
Production	2002–2005
Successor	Mercedes-Benz Citan
Class	Compact MPV
Body style	5-door compact MPV
Layout	FF layout
Engine	1.6 L L4 Petrol 1.9 L L4 Petrol 1.7 L L4 Diesel
Transmission	5-speed Manual 5-speed ACS 5-speed TouchShift
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class

The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a 5-door compact MPV that was manufactured from 2002 to 2005. It used the automobile platform from the first generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Up to seven seat capacity was available, but this vehicle was not built as a van even though the name "Vaneo" suggested it.^[1]

Design [edit]

Mercedes-Benz Vaneo

The A-class 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.

The Vaneo was discontinued after three years.^[2] It was replaced in 2012 by the Citan, a version of the Renault Kangoo as part of Mercedes-Benz's broader alliance with the French maker.

Safety [edit]

The Vaneo was tested by Euro NCAP in 2002 with the following ratings:^[3]

Euro NCAP	Rating
Adult occupant:
Pedestrian:

Security [edit]

The Vaneo was tested by Thatcham's New Vehicle Security Ratings (NVSR) organisation and achieved the following ratings:^{[4][dead link]}

NVSR	Rating
Theft of car:
Theft from car:

Powertrains [edit]

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."

Reviews [edit]

• Parker's Car Guides ^[5]
  'Pros: Interior space, usefully practical, easy to drive in town
  Cons: Rattly trim, ungainly styling, firm ride'

• RAC (6.4/10)^[6]
  '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.'

References [edit]