Mercedes Vito still the van out in front
Friday 22 June 2012
The Vito has been with us for almost ten years now and to the casual observer the current model looks little different to the original. That’s a positive attribute for many operators who like to keep their vans for a long time and it’s encouraged, given the reputation of MercedesBenz. It remains a smart looker, neither coming into, nor going out, of fashion.
This goes for the mechanical makeup too, where the Vito remains one of the rare light commercial vehicles that’s still rear-wheel drive, but the handling is no less secure than with a frontwheel drive rival and nor does the load height suffer either. Benefits include crisp, precise steering and a compliant ride whatever the load, plus some may prefer the grip a laden rear axle provides in slippery conditions.
Powering the Vito is a range of impressive diesels, which include emission friendly Blue efficiency range (featuring special tyres, Stop/Start, eCO power steering pump and retuned engine depending upon model) and the e-Cell electric version which cleverly retains 100 per cent of its loading space.
Most operators however will go for the “normal” smooth and peppy 2.2litre CDi in three states of tune – 95bhp, 136bhp and 163bhp – while the option of a mighty 220bhp 3-litre V6 diesel taken from the e and S Class cars makes the Vito the GTi of vans. Appropriately there is a line-up badged Sport and Sport-X for certain Vito derivatives.
Mercedes has always appealed to owner operators who use their van for work, rest and play, and the German recognises this with its Dualiner and Traveliner ranges. essentially the Dualiners can cater for up to six passengers, care of removable rear seats, while Traveliners are full-blown minibuses.
In “car mode” the Vito is very pleasant, and few will have complaints travelling in the rear. With the seats removed it’s almost as spacious as the normal van although the hefty rear seats can be mighty awkward to remove and refit on your own – as a result of them being crash-tested, according to Mercedes.
The cab is typical Mercedes – well thought-out, comfortable and solidly built, the only detriment being the quirky foot-operated handbrake which is a nightmare to use with manual transmission because you really don’t have enough feet to work the four pedals. however it, along with a dashmounted gear lever, does ensure a walkthrough cabin.
A standard Vito isn’t the largest van in its class or price range – the likes of a Peugeot expert or Fiat Scudo beat it on
Representative* both counts – but there are the options of extra-long bodies (5,238 or 5,008mm against the 4,763mm Compact model) and a choice of roof heights. Most operators go for the “long” option, and all load bays are well designed. A further option is a heavy duty pack taking the payload up to 1345kg. And you can even opt for air suspension with a lowering facility for £1165.
Out of the myriad of useful options, consider bulkheads from £57, loadsecuring rails (£140), ply lining (£260), heated and adjustable mirrors (£150) and high roof (£998). The seating and storage options are considerable, and even sunroofs are available – in fact, Mercedes says no two Vitos on the road are ever the same.