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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
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It's not just cars that are having new CO2-saving technology introduced.
Mercedes' Sprinter large panel van is now available with the option of stop-start tech, called Eco-start, and the company reckons urban-based operators covering 25,000 miles per year will save enough fuel within two years to cover the £155 option cost. Eco-start is available on all four-cylinder Sprinters.
It works like BMW's stop-start, cutting the engine when the clutch is disengaged at a standstill, although Mercedes has also fitted a yellow flashing light that reminds the driver to disengage the clutch when they're not taking advantage of the technology.
The system, however, doesn't have the finesse of the better car examples, and can be caught out if you go to dip the clutch again immediately after cutting the engine. Irritatingly, too, the radio also cuts out for a couple of seconds every time the engine refires.
Verdict: Eco-start is a good first step for light commercial vehicles
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