Photo: Daimler AG
Replacing the 11-year-old model series 639, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito is bigger, better and a little bit more capable than its predecessor. The recently launched mid-size van can be specified in three versions, three lengths for the panel van, three drive systems and has up to 1,369 kgs of cargo capacity.
After the German manufacturer teased us last week about it, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito has finally made its world debut and it already won us over with the things it boasts with. You can get the all-new van in front, rear or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models are the most cheap offerings of the lot, available with a transverse-mounted 1.6-liter four-pot turbo diesel churning either 88 or 114 PS. The rear-wheel and all-wheel drive models are better suited for heavy working conditions or nasty roads and come with a 2.15-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel mill that can be had in 136 PS, 163 PS or 190 PS flavors. All engines have a 40,000-km / 2-year service interval.
As for fuel efficiency, the rear-wheel drive Vito optioned with the BlueEfficiency package is able to return 5.7-liter/100 km (49.5 U.K. mpg). Expected to arrive in German dealerships as soon as October, the least expensive model of the bunch is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 109 CDI panel van, which will sport a starting MSRP as low as €17,990 ($24,162 / £14,232 at current exchange rates; without including value-added tax). With a permissible gross vehicle weight ranging from 2.5 to 3.2 tonnes (5,551 - 7,054 pounds), the all-new Vito is a better workhorse than before.
The Vito in panel van guise is the only model available in three lengths (4,895 mm, 5,140 mm and 5,370 mm) and with three drive systems and boasts the highest payload in its class thanks to the 1,369 kilograms (3,018 pounds) cargo capacity. Meanwhile, the Vito Mixto crew cab combines the advantages of a panel van with those of a crew bus, while the Vito Tourer is the family-oriented model of the lot, available in Base, Pro or Select trims. In terms of aerodynamics, the new mid-size van is more sleek in design than its predecessor and has a low wind resistance of just 0.32 Cd.
All engine choices are tuned to offer a balance of performance and frugality, while the range-topping 119 BlueTEC that produces 190 German ponies is compliant to Euro 6 emission standards. A six-speed manual box is offered as standard, but customers can also go for the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic tranny, which makes use of an advanced torque converter. On average, the consumption of diesel fuel in the NEDC cycle is 20 percent less than for the preceding generation Vito. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency is the most economical mill of them all, while all models benefit from a trick electromechanical power assisted steering system and enhancements to the kinematics. All new Vitos get a semi-trailing arm rear axle with coil springs and better damper tuning.
Other highlight features include up to eight airbags on the Vito Tourer, 16 to 17-inch disc brakes on all corners, Crosswind Assist, tyre pressure monitoring, Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Last but not least, an optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is available, providing powerful halogen headlamps, LED indicators and daytime running lights, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and cornering function for the main beam. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.
As for fuel efficiency, the rear-wheel drive Vito optioned with the BlueEfficiency package is able to return 5.7-liter/100 km (49.5 U.K. mpg). Expected to arrive in German dealerships as soon as October, the least expensive model of the bunch is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 109 CDI panel van, which will sport a starting MSRP as low as €17,990 ($24,162 / £14,232 at current exchange rates; without including value-added tax). With a permissible gross vehicle weight ranging from 2.5 to 3.2 tonnes (5,551 - 7,054 pounds), the all-new Vito is a better workhorse than before.
All engine choices are tuned to offer a balance of performance and frugality, while the range-topping 119 BlueTEC that produces 190 German ponies is compliant to Euro 6 emission standards. A six-speed manual box is offered as standard, but customers can also go for the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic tranny, which makes use of an advanced torque converter. On average, the consumption of diesel fuel in the NEDC cycle is 20 percent less than for the preceding generation Vito. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency is the most economical mill of them all, while all models benefit from a trick electromechanical power assisted steering system and enhancements to the kinematics. All new Vitos get a semi-trailing arm rear axle with coil springs and better damper tuning.
Other highlight features include up to eight airbags on the Vito Tourer, 16 to 17-inch disc brakes on all corners, Crosswind Assist, tyre pressure monitoring, Active Parking Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist. Last but not least, an optional Intelligent Light System (ILS) is available, providing powerful halogen headlamps, LED indicators and daytime running lights, as well as LED low-beam headlamps and cornering function for the main beam. Depending on the road speed, the headlamps adapt for driving on motorways or country roads by varying the light distribution.
Google News