Mercedes-Benz upgrades Australian Econic model

Mercedes-Benz has further upgraded its Australian Econic model after consultation with local customers.

The truck, which was developed from the onset as an urban vehicle, has been improved with beefed up air conditioning, improved access and additional safety features.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Econic as a traditional single control model as well as a developed-for-Australia dual control version, which features two steering boxes.

Both Econic models feature a unique design that provides the driver with direct vision of other road users and clear sight of pedestrians.

The Econic’s vast panoramic glass windscreen, in addition to large side windows, is unmatched. This is a critical feature given the high-density areas with high levels of foot traffic, in which they operate.

The Econic also has critical safety technology, including Lane Keeping Assist and a radar-based system that can automatically brake the vehicle even if the driver fails to respond to a potential impact.

The latest generation of Active Brake Assist can even brake when it senses moving pedestrians.

The new Sideguard Assist system, which uses radar technology to see and is available on select Econic models, can also ‘see’ down the left side of the truck and advises the driver if any vehicles other objects or pedestrian to the left of the turning vehicle.

Standard safety features on all Econic models includes Electronic Stability Control and disc brakes at the front and back as well as Anti-Skid Brakes.

Automatic headlights and automatic windscreen wipers are also standard.

Mercedes-Benz has also improved ingress and egress for the driver of the dual control Econic, with a door that opens a further 15 degrees over the current dual control door.

The single control Econic features a bus-style super low entry door for even easier driver access.

Drivers can get comfortable thanks to an adjustable steering wheel. Even the left-side steering wheel on the dual control Econic has its own adjustment controls.

This is because the dual control Econic features two separate steering boxes, instead of the cheaper rod-linked system employed by some competitors.

Key control items in the dual control Econic are duplicated, including the gearshift levers and handbrakes, to ensure the driver is in full command all the time.

The Econic features a 7.7-litre six-cylinder engine that meets the strict Euro 6 emission ratings and generates up to 260kW.

Interestingly, the Euro 6 standard also requires engines to meet tough noise suppression targets, something that is immediately noticeable in the case of the Econic. This is another big plus in the high density centres.

The engine is linked to an Allison 3000P six-speed torque convertor automatic transmission. It is available with a factory retarder, but the Econic’s impressive engine brake is cited by customers as providing ample braking power.

Both single and dual control Econic models come standard with air suspension for the front and rear axles, which not only helps with ride comfort but also provides indicative weight measurements for the driver, as well as assisting when unloading (for particular models).

Access to bumpy sites is also made easier thanks to the ability to lift the front end of the Econic and increase the clearance height by 160mm.

Both the single control Econic and dual control model now feature a more powerful roof-mounted airconditioning system.

There is also more room inside the Econic, making it easier to move through the cab, thanks to some interior repackaging.

The Econic is available as a 6×4 with various wheelbase options for maximum flexibility.

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