2010 Dodge Sprinter

2010 Dodge Sprinter

2010 Dodge Sprinter

INTRODUCTION:The new 2010 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van may look the same as yesteryear's model, but the differences appear when you get under the hood and begin looking at the guts of the machine. With an upgraded engine and other changes, the new Sprinter promises consumers everything they could want in a cargo van.

HIGHLIGHTS:The updated Sprinter van, which will now be branded as a Mercedes, will receive a new 3.0L diesel engine that will reportedly be eligible for sale in all 50 US states. The Daimler dealers will reportedly be able to sell up to 18,000 vans per year, a sizable portion of the van's production quota of 32,000 vehicles per year. The remaining production will be sold as Freightliners. The commercial vehicle company has 45 specialized Sprinter van dealers across the nation.

SPECIFICATIONS:The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Cargo Van debuted with several gutsy changes, including the elimination of a gasoline engine option, switching entirely to a 154 horse power 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel engine. The diesel engine overall lowered the cost of fuel for drivers. In fact, the 2009 model promised an average of 22 miles to the gallon. Reviewers supported that figure and rated the vehicle well on overall fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the engine could only be described as adequate for the job of moving the large van, and perhaps less than adequate under a heavy load. Still, as a passenger vehicle rather than a concrete truck, it should deliver what the customer requires.

DESIGN:On the other hand, fuel efficiency, one of the strengths of the 2009 model, could suffer due to the upgrade. Getting higher horse power from a similar engine suggests more RPMs or other efficiency damaging changes. Eventually, full professional reviews and road tests will determine whether or how much the fuel efficiency has changed.