The Mercedes T-Class is a fancy panel van with sliding doors

Mercedes tried and saw limited success with the X-Class bakkie but now the Stuttgart manufacturer is trying their hand at a light commercial vehicle that can be used by both business and families with active lifestyles. Say hello to the new T-Class. 

T-Class

The Stuttgart model will offer all of the niceties expected of a Mercedes-Benz.

These light commercial vehicles have seen growing success over the past few years, offering utility and practicality that SUV’s can’t seem to rival. Mercedes are now joining Ford, Volkswagen, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen and Renault in their latest endeavour to try and win some of the niche market with a fancier offering than any of the aforementioned. 

Like Mercedes did with the X-Class using an existing Nissan platform, so too will the new T-Class. This time around, the Germans will not be pairing up with their Japanese counterparts but rather their French neighbours since it is based on the Renault Kangoo – a model which debuted in 2020 and hasn’t been offered here amidst our craze with SUV’s. 

T-Class

The latest Mercedes LCV model is based on the Renault Kangoo.

Don’t expect it to boast the same affordable price tag of its French antecedent because the designers at Merc have decked out the new T-Class with all of the niceties you’d expect an esteemed model coming out of Stuttgart to have. This includes a 7-inch touchscreen display with smartphone integration, keyless entry and engine start and a multifunctional steering wheel. Two trims will be available, namely being Style and Progressive which will be visually different in exterior trim and each include different options.

T-Class

Light commercial vehicles have seen growing popularity for their versatility.

On the powertrain side, the T-Class will employ a range of four-bangers, either a 70 kW 1.5-litre diesel or a more powerful 85 kW option of the same displacement. On the petrol power side of things, two are available – both 1.3-litre boasting either 75 kW or 96 kW. The standard six speed-manual gearbox can be replaced with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on both diesel and the more powerful petrol motor.

T-Class

A conventional vertical-opening door exposes a spacious boot that greets adventure oriented individuals.

Mercedes are aiming the newcomer squarely at the outdoorsy, stating it is “the premium-small van for active lifestyles” but there is no confirmation if South Africa will receive this newcomer. 

The post The Mercedes T-Class is a fancy panel van with sliding doors appeared first on CAR Magazine.


The Car Guide

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Topical tips on buying used – Chapter 1

Image
Buying a used car can be harrowing, whether privately or from a dealer. Here are some tips, as well as some things to watch out for. Beware of low mileages, especially on smaller or cheaper cars. It is always possible that the odometer has been turned back. Some things to bear in mind are:- diesels are often bought because they the driver needs to undertake long trips without consuming vast amounts of fuel. This could be a sales rep, or someone travelling large distances to work, lots of lengthy trip for family holidays, etc. So, usually higher mileages than normal. An expensive or luxury car may not see much time on the road, but very seldom a “workhorse”. This makes the executive cars likely to have a lot more life left than the overworked and abused hatchback. These also spend most of their life in a home garage or undercover parking lot at work. Related: Someone paid more for a mint BMW 325iS Evo 2 than a used M4 A vehicle without any service history is a serious disadvantage...
Read more

Top 10 Best-Selling Automotive Brands Locally – April 2024

Image
Following eight consecutive months of sales decline, the milestone of celebrating a century of vehicle production locally saw a welcomed increase in the motor industry for April 2024. Have a look at the data below, which sees Toyota drop in sales but retain the top spot, with Suzuki moving into second and Nissan dropping to the bottom of the list without the NP200 rolling off of the production line. Image: Toyota Looking for your next new or used Porsche? Find it here with CARmag! South Africa is marking 2024 as a significant year for its automotive industry, celebrating 100 years of car manufacturing. Mikel Mabasa, CEO of naamsa , the country’s automotive business council, commented, “As the sun rises on a century of automotive innovation, South Africa proudly commemorates a century of automobile manufacturing excellence. This milestone reflects a journey of resilience, ingenuity, and passion that has shaped the nation’s automotive legacy.” Details on how the industry will commem...
Read more

Could this teased Lancia sports car be a reborn Stratos?

Image
Lancia recently teased a coupe-looking model, waiting to be unveiled in their Multiverse. Could this then, signify the return of a historic moniker like the Stratos to the struggling automaker? Image: Lancia #MakeLanciaGreatAgain – a social media phrase that has been making the rounds for the better part of a decade. World Rally Championship titles, Formula 1 single-seat winners and some other gems in between. The Italian automaker litters dates in history and motorsport, with some truly revolutionary ideas and models that aided their bid to become one of the most successful motorsport manufacturers of all time. But that is all in the past. Lancia now contends sole markets with a platform-shared model but there have been ambitious plans under Stellantis ownership to kick-start the automaker and make them great again… words that delight so many enthusiasts and aficionados. Related: Automobili Amos debut Martini Racing Livery Lancia Delta and Safarista What better way to do this th...
Read more