Overview:

The 2007 Dodge Sprinter, a multipurpose heavy duty van, is a redesigned and revised version of the previous 2006 model with new, larger chassis and more variations. The Sprinter is available in three lengths - 233, 273 and 289 inches. There are now three interior roof heights: the standard model (65 inches), high-roof version (76 inches) and mega-roof (84 inches), the highest of all full-size vans. The 2007 Sprinter can be deployed for both- long distance transportation across different terrains in all weathers and also intra-city needs and adaptation for staff vehicles, hotel and airport transfers, tourist usage, ambulance, and school van among others.

The 2007 Sprinter in base form is two inches wider, 13 inches taller (11 inches higher inside), and 30 inches longer than the '06 model. Passenger models have seating for up to 10 people, and the seats are all designed to accommodate full-size adults.

The 2007 Sprinter is equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 with 154 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque. Optional now is a 3.5-liter V-6 gasoline engine with 254 horsepower (189 kW) at 5,900 rpm and maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft.

New for the 2007 model is an adaptive stability control system which takes into account the vehicle payload, which further reduces the risk of vehicle skidding and loss of control.

The all-new 2007 Dodge Sprinter is powered by a strong 3.0-liter V-6 turbo diesel engine with 154 horsepower (115 kW) and maximum torque of 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) at 1,200 to 2,400 rpm that combines long life and excellent fuel efficiency with smooth, quiet performance. With an aluminum crankcase, a balancer shaft and two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, the engine has a low emissions rating and comes equipped with a standard particulate filter. The engine weighs 643 lbs. (240 kg).

An optional 3.5 liter V6 gasoline engine delivers 254 horsepower (189 kW) at 5,900 rpm and maximum torque of 250 lb.-ft. (339 Nm) at 2,500-5,000 rpm with powerful pickup and smooth action.

The 2007 Dodge Sprinter transfers power from the engine to the rear axle through a standard five-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick. This WSA 380 transmission offers excellent shift comfort with optimum shift points.

The base Sprinter weighs 5,331 pounds, and has a payload of 3,219 pounds (passengers and cargo combined). Other models range as high as 5,948 pounds, but their payloads are decreased accordingly because in any configuration, the maximum combined weight of the vehicle with passengers and cargo is 8,550 pounds. All models can tow trailers weighing up to 5,000 pounds, which is double the towing capacity of the 2006 model.

The Sprinter has steps cut into the front door openings which are very similar to that of in Volkswagen Eurovans. However, the climb up into the Sprinter is higher.

The Sprinter's vertical walls make work stations easy to fit, and the high roof and wide door ease the passenger access. A taller hoodline provides packaging for the powertrains and essential crush zone, while also giving the truck a bolder and masculine appearance.

The windows provide an excellent view for all passengers and of course, for the driver too. The windshield is huge and slopes gently upwards. Mirrors are proportional to the vehicle's size, and there are helper mirrors below the big straight ones.

New vertical headlamps give the Sprinter a more modern look. The Freightliner and Dodge versions are expected to be further differentiated, with the Dodge receiving a more dramatic crosshair grille.

The Sprinter seats more than 10 passengers, with generous saloon space, spacious head and legroom and wide luggage space. New standard features include power windows and locks, integrated wide-angle mirrors, halogen headlamps, 16-inch wheels, tilt- and height- adjustable steering wheel, CD radio, one-touch triple-flash function turn signals, and ADAPTIVE ESP for improved functionality and safety capability. In addition to a standard AM/FM CD radio, upgraded options include a six-disc CD changer and hands-free telephone systems. The air conditioning systems are quite good. A/C system is provided for the driver and co-driver and for the first passenger seat row. The system is also provided for the glove compartment through a separate air duct and slide control.

The unusual small width of the Sprinter makes driving fairly easy. Responsive power-assisted rack and pinion steering, rear-wheel drive, and adaptive ESP help Sprinter exhibit good control under various load conditions. The Sprinter feels much more stable than a vehicle of its height should be. Acceleration and braking are quite good, with acceleration greatly aided by the gear ratios, which made for a great deal of engine noise on the highway as well as less than ideal freeway gas mileage. The Sprinter now comes standard with Adaptive Electronic Stability Program which is the best part of the vehicle. This ESP is adaptive and takes into account the vehicle payload, which further reduces the risk of vehicle skidding and loss of control.

Standard safety features on the passenger van include the stability control, the usual driver and passenger airbags, LATCH car-seat anchors on certain, three-point lap/shoulder belts, four-wheel ABS, traction control, and a rear window defroster. And the other vital safety feature, Electronic Brake Distribution, properly proportions braking force among front and rear wheels for stable braking