The new Mercedes-Benz Vito van made its UK debut at the CV Show, which goes on sale from this month. It is available in three lengths, three weight variants, and two turbo diesel engines in five power ratings.
In addition to the panel van, the Vito crew van combines the advantages of a panel van with those of a crewbus, while the new Tourer is available in two versions – Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer Select, which come with eight seats (including driver) as standard and the potential to specify nine seats in total.
For the first time in this segment, there is the choice between front- and rear-wheel drive.
In conjunction with the 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel drive panel van’s kerb weight for the compact length with standard equipment is just 1,845 kg. At the standard gvw of 2.8 t, the front-wheel drive Vito achieves a payload of 955kg.
Payload champion is the rear-wheel drive Vito with its four-cylinder, 2.1-litre engine and a gvw of 3.2 t, offering a maximum payload capacity of 1,255kg.
The BlueEfficiency package is fitted to all rear-wheel drive models, which can help achieve up to 47.1mpg combined in the 119 BlueTEC. Enhancements include alternator management, with the battery charging during coasting or deceleration; improved underbody aerodynamics; and ECO start/stop.
Six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with torque converter optional for the 114 BlueTEC and 116 BlueTEC, and standard on the 119 BlueTEC. Vito offers the only automatic transmission in its segment with torque converter and seven gears.
Euro-5 technology features in the 1.6 litre engine in the two front-wheel drive van and crew van variants, and Euro 6 BlueTEC features on all 2.1 litre rear-wheel drive variants and all Tourer models. The Euro 6 engines use the established Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC system utilising AdBlue to meet strict emissions requirements due to become law in 2016 for vans.
Rear twin 180° doors are standard and can be locked in place at an angle of 90°. A tailgate is standard on the crew van and Tourer models, as well as being a no-cost option for panel van models.
Access to the loadspace is achieved via side sliding doors, fitted both sides as standard. A full-height bulkhead is also fitted to panel vans as standard.
