0 even and a half tonnes or
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not—that is the question on the minds of urban delivery fleet operators these days. Is it better to use a small lorry or a big van? Readers will recall we recently took a look at the economic and
operating factors involved in our road test of Iveco's 6.5-tonne Daily (CM 29 Aug-4 Sep 2002). The conclusion was that there is little discernible difference in either actual payload or cost per tonne/kilometre. Such differences as do exist are in areas such as the greater likely durability of a small truck, against the manoeuvrability and general road-friendliness of a big van.
With the principles established, we're taking a closer look at contenders in the sub-7.5 tonne sector, beginning this week with a rather different approach. Unlike the Daily's truck-style rolled steel chassis, the MercedesBenz Sprinter uses a toughed-up version of a more traditional van-type construction. This is also likely to be our last road test of the current Sprinter, as the face-lifted model (CM 25 July 2002) goes on sale any day now.