2009 Mercedes Vito Gets 5-Star ANCAP Rating

Mercedes' Vito recently received a 5-star rating from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), following good results in front and side crash tests. The previous Vito achieved only four stars but the current model comes with a wider array of safety features, including stability control, ABS, EBD with brake assist, all of them offered as standard.

Furthermore, side and curtain airbags are also available but only as an option, according to themotorreport.com.au.

ANCAP said the passenger compartment held its shape well but protection from leg injuries for both the driver and the front passenger was marginal. However, the Vito scored 12.79 out of 16 in the offset crash test. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver, ANCAP said.

As for the side impact crash test, the body region scores out of 4 points each: head 4 pts, chest 3.87 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts. Because the car does not offer head-protecting side airbags, ANCAP conducted the optional pole impact test on a Viano which has basically the same safety features as the Vito. The result was a five-star safety rating, ANCAP explained.

“Van drivers have not always enjoyed the same safety technologies as car drivers, and we have acted to redress the balance,” said Ken Matthews, Managing Director of Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles in Australia.

“We wouldn’t contemplate compromising on workplace safety for our office-based employees or our staff on the road so why would we accept a lower level of safety for courier and delivery drivers? We know this will make a real-world difference to their work place safety every single day.”