Road Tests: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 311

So how does a little 2.1-litre engine cope with a great big 3.5-tonner? The answer is: remarkably well. And in terms of real-world performance the 311 CDI gives nothing away to its more powerful sibling (the 313 CDI), while saving £1,500 on the purchase price. better still, used vehicle specialists CAP are suggesting that the public's perception of "white van man" could mean the end of the fashion for massively-powered vans - and that 125hp-plus models could actually suffer in terms of residual values. The 311's insurance premiums are likely to be a little lower too. The Sprinter's payload is not the best, but in all other respects the long-wheelbase 311 CDI performs well: it is a big-volume van with good performance and decent economy. Few oeprators will be sorry to be seen owning a mercedes, and few drivers will be sorry to be seen driving a Mercedes. This is yet another Sprinter which stays at the head of the 3.5-tonne pack. In the van, if you like.