New Mercedes Vito three of a kind

Mercedes-Benz will launch its latest Vito van at the CV show in April.

The new Vito offers three lengths, three weight variants and five power options across two turbo-diesel engines.

Alongside the panel van a crew van variant is available as well as a Tourer minibus version in two trims, both with eight seats or an optional nine.

Claimed by Mercedes-Benz as a segment first is the choice between front and rear-wheel drive models.

Matched with the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel drive panel van with a standard gross vehicle weight (gvw) of 2.8 tonnes offers a 955kg payload. Choose the rear-wheel-drive model with the four-cylinder, 2.1-litre engine and a gvw of 3.2 tonnes and the maximum payload capacity jumps to 1,255kg.

All the engines are fitted with Mercedes’ BlueEfficiency package that offers official combined cycle fuel economy of up to 47.1mpg in the 119 BlueTEC version. The package includes alternator management, with the battery charging during coasting or deceleration; improved underbody aerodynamics; and a start/stop function.

Six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with torque converter optional on 114 BlueTEC and 116 BlueTEC models, and standard on the 119 BlueTEC.

All new Vitos come with a safety package ranging across Adaptive ESP, Adaptive Brake Lights, Attention Assist, Crosswind Assist, driver and co-driver airbags, Hill-Start Assist, reflection-style headlights with daytime running lights, Rescue Assist QR codes, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Driver comforts include Cruise Control with a Speedtronic variable Speed Limiter, a multifunction steering wheel with trip computer, and Audio 15 – an infotainment system with a high-resolution 5.8-inch TFT display, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, USB and aux-in ports, an iPod interface and SD memory card slot.

New Vito prices start from £17,855 plus VAT, which buys the 109 CDI panel van Compact.