Merc rolls out new Sprinter Inkanyezi aimed at taxi industry

Mercedes-Benz Vans South Africa is rolling out an updated version of the Sprinter Inkanyezi.

The 23-seater van, which was designed specifically for the South African traveller and landscape and first rolled out in 2021, is aimed at the commercial people-moving industry.

Boasting an updated engine, a redesigned interior and additional specifications, the Sprinter 516 CDI Inkanyezi will be available locally from the end of April for a price of R 899 992 excluding VAT.

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Sprinter Inkanyezi hits the spot

“At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we are committed to continuously seeking new ways to embrace our customers, to provide them with the most desirable vans and services. With the latest version of the Sprinter Inkanyezi, I am pleased to say that we have achieved this commitment,” says Marinus Venter, the head of product and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans SA.

“By keeping our customers at the forefront of every decision along the way, we have managed to keep all the best-loved features of the original Inkanyezi while creating exciting enhancements to further delight our customers.”

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The new Inkanyezi is powered by an all-aluminium OM 654 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that is more compact than before. Its design includes exhaust-gas-cleaning technologies situated closer to the engine, resulting in low heat losses and favourable working conditions.

The mill punches out 110kW of power and 380Nm of torque which is sent to the rear wheels via six-speed manual transmission.

New interior

Inside, the Inkanyezi features more comfortable seat finishes in black and cherry. The material finish is stylish and offers a soft-to-the-touch texture.

To match the seats, the Sprinter Inkanyezi’s interior has also been redesigned with a dark finish to go with the jet-black window frames.

New standard spec includes a Bluetooth radio and speaker system, while the van also features USB ports in each row for charging mobile devices.

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Lots of spec

Other standard equipment additions include lightweight parcel shelves on both sides of the van and a remodelled lap belt design ensures that maximum safety is matched with maximum comfort when travelling.

Also standard on the Sprinter Inkanyezi are automatic driving lights, heated exterior mirrors, front cup holders, Marley rubber floor, side step and grab handle and towbar.

Standard safety spec includes two airbags, driver and passenger seat belt warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive brake light, hill-start assist and crosswind assist.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Inkanyezi is sold with a two-year/unlimited kilometer warranty.