The Mercedes-Benz Vario has arrived once again into the Nigerian commercial vehicles market, but in a different variation. The Vario is a commercial van which offers a very extensive scope for individualisation as well as the use of special-purpose bodies. Now available at Weststar Associates Limited, the Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria, is the Mercedes-Benz 814DA 4x4 Tow-Truck.

This Vario Tow-Truck is powered by an OM 904 LA 4-cylinder Euro 3 diesel engine at 177 hp. It comes with several equipment like the Anti-lock braking system (ABS), Rear under-ride protection EEC, an under frame reinforced stabiliser rear axle, CD radio, a single-pole battery main switch, a 24 V/starter 24 V Electric equipment, Co-driver’s Cab S23 double seat and a wide angle exterior mirror on the front passenger side. Other features include a 90-litre main tank, Halogen fog lamps, a left and right revolving yellow flasher on the cab roof, Cruise control for manual transmission, a Linear speed limiter of 90km per hour and a spare lifting device under the end of the frame.

Weststar Associates said in a statement that The Vario “comes standard with a skid lift/hydraulic ejector, a hydraulic lifting arm with hydraulic extension and is fully tiltable on load operation. “The sub-frame is made of very fine-grained steel, resulting in a very flat lifting arm. A 3.6 ton winch is mounted on the arm, and works with a 2-speed manual freewheel.”

The Vario Tow-Truck has a lot to offer in terms of accessories i.e. side markers with LED technology, a tool box with illumination, and Flyer with two LED work lights mounted on it, to name a few. It stands out as not only boasting easy handling, and an extremely comfortable workplace, but also the advantages of a Van and the strengths of a light duty truck, which ultimately gives it a special position in the Van segment.

•Photo shows back view of The Vario.