A van for all reasons
December 1st 2004

Promising versatility and safety, nothing fits your business better is how Mercedes-Benz is heralding its new Vito. Charlotte Stonestreet went to see if the van fits the slogan

Think of Mercedes-Benz and what is the first thing that springs to mind? Luxury cars, perhaps, or maybe Formula One? Well, yes, these are areas that the brands, now part of the massive Daimler Chrysler group, are famous for but there are other, less glamourous markets that Mercedes-Benz is excelling in. One example of this is the new Vito.

Launched in 1995, the original Vito was the companys first foray into this sector of the van market and has been a major success. Manufactured at the Vitoria plant in Spain, production to date exceeds 500,000 vehicles and market share stands at around 16.2% in Western Europe.

The new model range encompasses Panel van, Dualiner and Traveliner versions in a choice of three lengths (compact: 4748mm, long: 4993mm and extra-long: 5223mm), two wheelbases (3200 and 3430mm) and two roof heights.

Maximum space

Payload allowance is up to 1.14t in spaces ranging from 4.65 to 6.49m3. When maximum space is needed, extra load space can be found under the front seats. Accessible from the rear, this means maximum load length can be increased by a further 200mm, regardless of body length.

The vans sliding side doors and rear doors are large enough to allow a standard Europallet to be loaded by forklift, while the load width between the wheel arches (1277mm) allows up to three Europallets to be loaded one behind the other.

There is a choice of three second-generation CDI diesel engines, which use proven technology from the Mercedes-Benz car range. The in-line 2148cc, four cylinder turbo engines are available with power ratings of 88bhp (65kW0), 109bhp (80kW), or 150bhp (1100kW). Offering significant increases in power and torque over the first generation Vito, all three engines deliver peak torques of 220Nm, 270Nm and 330Nm respectively over a broad rev band. What this means in practical terms is greater agility, particularly at low speeds, resulting in improved drivability.

And drivability certainly seems to be one of this vans major selling points. At the recent UK launch I was given the chance to test drive the new Vito and it did not disappoint. Although perhaps not the most eloquent description of the driving experience, to say it is very car-like does just about sum it up. The 109bhp van I drove (unloaded) felt pretty powerful and was very easy to operate.

The completely restyled cab shares many design features with the C-Class car range. The seats have fore and aft adjustment, as well as controls for adjusting the angle of the back rest and cushion. Combined with the adjustable steering, this means the driving position is comfortable for all shapes and sizes great for me, being a bit on the short side!

Standard features include driver airbag, central locking with remote control, electric windows, adjustable steering, adjustable and heated mirrors and CD-player.

The lever for the six speed manual gear box has been dash mounted to allow ease of use and also maintain cross cab access, although I still think this might be a bit difficult for the larger, less agile and even those with big feet. Also, the handbrake is no more, having been replaced by a foot operated parking brake with hand release.

Dynamic handling control

All models come with the Mercedes-Benz ESP dynamic handling control system as standard incorporating ABS to prevent the wheels locking up whilst braking; ASR acceleration skid control to increase traction and make it easier to pull away, particularly on slippery slopes; electronic brake force distribution, which prevents the brakes from being applied with too much force at the rear wheels; and hydraulic brake assist system, which shortens the braking distance in the event of an emergency stop, by instantly building up maximum brake pressure. The ESP (electronic stability program) itself is able to apply the wheel brakes individually under critical braking conditions, allowing it to counter impending vehicle over- or under-steer.

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