Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo - get into a motorhome (not) by all means ...
"... do not take care of the luggage, do not take care of the ticket." Paraphrasing the words of a famous song, we can conclude that almost everyone dreams of going into the unknown. However, if someone has a camper, he can take care of decent luggage, of course, he doesn’t have to worry about a ticket, he will have a set of keys in his hand, and in the mirror he will see everything that is left behind. .
Let's get to know each other…
If someone looks at the Mercedes Marco Polo, also in the poorer Activity version, it will probably be mistaken for a V-Class or Vito model. It is not surprising that the car is based on this model, or rather on a slightly longer version with a length of 5140-3200 mm with a wheelbase of mm. Of course, this is no reason to be ashamed - on the contrary - Mercedes has been working hard lately to ensure that the V-Class is associated mainly with business and prestige, rather than with commercial vehicles. Only after longer observation will we notice the differences, and the biggest one is the modified roof that covers the extra bed. Doubts will disappear after going inside.
And inside we will feel the atmosphere of holidays, vacations, carelessness ... This is exactly what the motorhome provides, and Marco Polo is a motorhome made of flesh and blood, although its dimensions are slightly different from the American classics. Both versions offer something different, so let's start with the more expensive one. Firstly, the floor is wooden, like from a luxury yacht. In addition, numerous cabinets, cabinets, comfortable, pneumatic and adjustable chairs, and most importantly - a kitchen line with a sink, refrigerator and stove. This means that at any time you can cook something, boil water for tea or drink a soft drink after a long and exhausting hike, for example, in the mountains. This is really impressive and gives us a sense of independence. We don't have to look for a good restaurant or bar, just get back to the car and do something nice for ourselves.
Senni? No problem, because the car is equipped with two comfortable beds. One on the roof with dimensions of 205 x 113 cm, the other "on the ground floor" with the same dimensions. In addition, tinted windows, blinds ... a really long rest in such a car will be a real pleasure. And what does the Activity option have to offer?
Of course, there is less comfort and drawing here, but on the other hand, not everyone needs the luxury that the more expensive version provides. We will not find here any kitchen, no cabinets, no sink, but the price of the machine is much lower. In addition, unimpressive but durable unpainted bumpers will allow you to drive a little further into the forest without the stress of damage.
Good companion for long journeys
True, we will not experience sports emotions here, but in higher versions of the engine, we will not have to worry about dynamics. What worries me about this is the very low power of the 160 CDI base unit available in the Marco Polo Activity model. Let's face it, 88 km in a large motorhome with a full complement of passengers and luggage? I do not recommend. The very fact that acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h "empty" takes 20 seconds should be alarming. The 180 CDI model looks a little better - 114 hp. and 270 Nm of torque, 15,1 seconds to hundreds - although the meaning begins only with the last three units, which are also available in a more expensive version (the two base engines are missing). .
How much do these pleasures cost?
It's not cheap, but for this class of car you have to pay accordingly. We will buy the cheapest version of Marco Polo ACTIVITY in the 160 CDI version for PLN 163, but in return we will get the already mentioned modest 313 KM. The 88-horsepower 114 CDI variant seems to be a reasonable minimum - such a model costs PLN 180, which is actually not much more. The most expensive Marco Polo ACTIVITY with a 168 BlueTEC engine costs PLN 779. Now let's move on to the more expensive version of the Marco Polo, whose price list starts at PLN 250, and this is a model with a 202 hp 973 CDI engine. The most expensive 203 BlueTEC 442MATIC model costs PLN 200, but of course this is not the end, because, like Mercedes, it offers many additional services, such as the ILS smart LED lighting system for PLN 136, additional air heating for PLN 250 or COMAND Online system with DVD changer for PLN 4, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Impressions and memories...
It is difficult to talk about impressions and memories when the trip has long ended, and sad thoughts associated with everyday life are swarming in my head. Therefore, I recommend watching both videos from the trip. Let me just say that the adventure was really interesting, and the realization that for about 250-300 thousand we can have a car that will not disappoint us and take us almost anywhere, offering a roof over our heads, a kitchen, a wardrobe and a place to relax, makes me play the lottery more often.
PS We invite you to watch our presentation of Marco Polo.
