THE new Sprinter, which goes on sale in the UK in May, will scale new heights in safety, comfort, power and driveability.

There will be three wheelbases and roof heights, with load volumes up to 17 cubic metres and payloads up to 2,440kg. Chassis cabs will also be available.

In the cab, a driver’s airbag will be standard (it was a paid-for option on the old model) and window and thorax bags will be optional. A CD/radio, adaptive traction control and ABS brakes will also feature as standard and there are extra storage spaces over the old model.

There will be a choice of engines – a 2.2-litre four cylinder unit offering 87, 115 and 147bhp and a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel pumping out a massive 181bhp, a new record power output for panel vans in the UK.

The old Sprintshift model is deleted, although a fully automatic version will be on sale for a premium of around £900.

All engines are Euro IV-compliant and have particulate filters. There will be no petrol versions, hence no LPG option either.

In the back, the side-loading door has been extended and there is a new load-locking system allowing cargo to be strapped to the van’s side.

Another option is a keyless entry system and electric side door which will open automatically when a driver nears the vehicle – useful if the he or she is carrying a heavy box.

There will also be a tyre pressure warning system and parking sensors front and rear.

Prices will be announced nearer launch date.