Mercedes-Benz has officially announced its new Vito, describing it as a ‘van for all’.
It will go on sale in various configurations of mid-sized panel van, crew cab and Tourer – the last a version of the minibus.
Two turbodiesel engines will be in offer in five power options. FWD vehicles will use a new 1.6-litre unit in 88 and 114bhp sizes, while the RWD variants will be fitted with a 2.1-litre unit of either 136, 163 or 190bhp – the last pitched as the first Euro 6 engine in its class. All versions are claimed to be on average 20 per cent more fuel efficient than their predecessors.
For the first time both front and rear-wheel-drive will be available, the former suiting users with typically lighter loads to carry while rear-drive being better for heavy load applications requiring greater traction.
Mercedes is claiming the Vito’s up to 1,389kg payload as the largest in its class, allied to two wheelbases and gross vehicle weights varying from 2.8 to 3.2 tonnes.
The three vehicle lengths of 4,895mm, 5,140mm and 5,370mm are all 140mm longer than their predecessors, which is mainly the result of enhanced front-end pedestrian protection. These are allied to a maximum vehicle height of 1,910mm to ensure all versions can fit standard multi-storey car parks and automatic car washes.
Other highlights include a new body design with a Cd value reduced to 0.32, cutting fuel consumption, and a redesigned cabin offering more space to both driver and passenger.
Mercedes is also claiming new safety standards for the Vito, saying that it is the only van in its class offering both driver and passenger airbags as standard while the Tourer boasts up to eight airbags.
A UK release date, specifications or prices of the new Vito range are all still to be announced.
