The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (W414) is a compact minivan produced by the German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz between 2001 and 2005. Designed as a more premium and versatile alternative to conventional compact MPVs, the Vaneo was primarily marketed in Europe and did not receive widespread distribution in the United States. It occupied a niche segment, offering a blend of practicality, comfort, and Mercedes-Benz build quality in a relatively small package. The 1.7 CDI variant, powered by a 91 horsepower diesel engine, was a popular choice due to its fuel efficiency and suitability for urban driving.
Mercedes-Benz Vaneo (W414) 1.7 CDI: An Overview
The Vaneo represented Mercedes-Benz’s attempt to enter the growing compact minivan market, a segment dominated by vehicles like the Renault Scénic and Citroën Xsara Picasso. Unlike many of its competitors, the Vaneo emphasized a more car-like driving experience and a higher level of interior refinement. Its unique design, characterized by a short hood and a tall, boxy profile, aimed to maximize interior space while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. The W414 chassis underpinned the vehicle, and it was offered with a range of engine options, including petrol and diesel variants. The 1.7 CDI model, detailed here, focused on providing economical transportation with reasonable performance.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Vaneo 1.7 CDI is a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated OM 668DE 17 LA/668.914. This engine produces 91 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 180 Nm (132.76 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1600 rpm. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing efficiency and low-end torque. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail injection system, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 14.8 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 7.5 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 16 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 15.2 seconds. The Vaneo 1.7 CDI has a maximum speed of 162 km/h (100.66 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg or 47.9 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is a five-door minivan with seating for five passengers. Its body style is characterized by a high roofline and a relatively short wheelbase, maximizing interior space. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering a flexible seating arrangement and ample storage compartments. The rear seats can be folded or removed to create a larger cargo area. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 150 liters (5.3 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a maximum of 3000 liters (105.94 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The Vaneo’s design prioritized functionality and usability, offering a comfortable and practical environment for families and individuals alike. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4190 mm (164.96 in.) in length, 1740 mm (68.5 in.) in width, and 1830 mm (72.05 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2900 mm (114.17 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Vaneo |
| Generation | Vaneo (W414) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDI (91 Hp) |
| Start of production | December, 2001 |
| End of production | July, 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 15.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 162 km/h (100.66 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 91 Hp @ 4200 rpm |
| Torque | 180 Nm @ 1600 rpm (132.76 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | OM 668DE 17 LA/668.914 |
| Engine displacement | 1689 cm3 (103.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 19:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1350 kg (2976.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max load | 630 kg (1388.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 150 l (5.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 3000 l (105.94 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| Length | 4190 mm (164.96 in.) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 in.) |
| Height | 1830 mm (72.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2900 mm (114.17 in.) |
| Front track | 1525 mm (60.04 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1475 mm (58.07 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
The Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 1.7 CDI, while not a commercial success in all markets, offered a unique combination of practicality, comfort, and efficiency in the compact minivan segment. Its focus on a car-like driving experience and a premium interior set it apart from many of its competitors.
