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Whitecairns joiner Alan Barclay believes first impressions count, which is why he always insists on a smart looking van. And they don’t come much more impressive than his stunning new-generation Mercedes Sprinter.
A 311CDI Medium model, its metallic silver paintwork bears the eye-catching livery of Alan’s business, ASB Joinery, and positively bristles with optional extras fitted at the Mercedes-Benz factory.
These include alloy wheels, window deflectors, a rear step and striking chrome grille, while since taking delivery of the Sprinter from Aberdeen dealer John R. Truck & Van, Alan has also added a ‘bull’ bar, a pair of spotlights and a camera system that issues audible warnings for safe reversing.
Inside, the standard Sprinter comes with a high specification that includes electric ‘one-touch’ windows and a driver’s airbag, but again its owner has dipped into the Mercedes-Benz options list to add an upgraded entertainment system and a hands-free phone kit.
The new van is Alan’s fifth consecutive Sprinter in just 11 years and his first from the new-generation range launched in 2006. “I’ve always liked Mercedes vans because they’re so much more reliable than the competition,” he says.
“My new Sprinter is fantastic and a big improvement on the previous model,” he continues. “Mercedes-Benz obviously did a lot of research at the design stage and that’s paid off, because it’s a great working vehicle, spacious, comfortable and very enjoyable to drive.”
ASB Joinery is a general contractor but undertakes a lot of shop-fitting work as far afield as Inverness and the Central Belt. “I covered 14,000 miles last year,” adds Alan. “As well as being more powerful at 109hp than the engine on my last van, the new one is also a lot more fuel-efficient. I reckon I’m saving at least £5 in diesel costs on a round trip to Glasgow.” |
| | | Sprinter The benchmark of its class with superb load space |
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