MOTORING REVIEW: Vito panel van moves up a level

THE Mercedes-Benz Vito commercial vehicle has been a highly competitive performer in the mid-size van segment over the 25 years since it was introduced. The latest Vito model was introduced here last May.  

Vito is positioned within the Mercedes-Benz van range between the small Citan and larger Sprinter. Variants include a conventional load carrying panel van; a Vito Mixto van-come-crew carrier, and an all-seater Vito Tourer. 

In this latest version, the model has certainly moved up a level in terms of comfort for both driver and helper, connectivity, driver assist features and safety systems that come as standard. 

New Vito panel van would, I believe, be a big asset to a business calling to customers with its strong exterior good looks - especially in the Sothalite blue metallic exterior.

Vito’s existing customer base extends from corporate owners, van hire and fleet operators to small businesses and self-employed engineers, trades people, professional services, and parcel delivery specialists. 

Just one height is offered along with three lengths of Compact (4895mm), Long (5140mm), Extra-Long (5370mm). There are two wheelbase options. Equipment lines are BASE, PRO and SELECT.

The cabin is high and wide with lots of interior space. Just having two seats provides a big open area between both front seats for extra storage - a folded coat or large bag. Seats in black leatherette proved extremely comfy on long journeys and the manual adjustments include lumbar support. Front seat heater controls are on the doors. While there’s no overhead storage, there are three open storage areas on the dash top, good sized door bins, a lockable glovebox and big open area on the lower dash.  

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The dash is dominated by the MBUX multimedia system and its 10.25-inch touchscreen that offers numerous communication and infotainment functions and has intelligent ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistance. There are climate control buttons below the screen. A smaller colour instrument cluster is easy to read and offers an extensive range of driver information. Menus on the steering wheel allow you operate key functions such as navigation and infotainment. There's a wireless charging pad in the centre console, two small USB ports and a 12V power socket.

Transmission shift in my automatic version is with a stalk off the steering wheel and there are paddles for when you want to change to manual use. 

The wide windscreen and large side windows aid visibility. Side mirrors are located quite low down so don’t merge with A-Pillars to block your side view. 

I could get a very comfy driving position aided by the rake and reach settings on the steering wheel. Gear changes were pretty slick and I didn't really feel them move up or down. Good blind spot alerts show a red triangle in the corresponding exterior side mirror. Overhead controls include a light for the cargo area. 

The parking package with a 360deg camera helps when entering or exiting a parking space. The 3D surround view shows the entire area around the vehicle while also providing a bird’s eye overhead view. Be aware that the longer versions extend way beyond some carpark slots. Reversing parking sensors come in handy when parking. 

A full size steel bulkhead protects those in front from large moving objects in the case of an emergency stop. But there are plenty of lashing points to safely secure big heavy items. 

The high opening tailgate allows bulky load items and luggage to be loaded and unloaded easily and helps keep you dry when doing so in wet weather. The load compartment length is 2.83m, capacity 6.6 m3 and load volume 6 m3. Maximum permitted payload is 675 kg but is available up to 1,354 kg. Gross vehicle weight is 2800kg. There’s space for up to 3 Euro pallets in the long and extra-long versions. The wheelbase in my long panel van was 3200mm. 

Vito vans are powered by a 2.0 four-cylinder diesel engine or by an all-electric eVito battery equipped with a 60kWh battery. The entry 116 version puts out 158bhp and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission while my 2.0 119 CDi with 184bhp was mated to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission (with nine gears) which keeps the engine speed as low as possible in every driving situation. The suspension is designed to ensure good handling manners and stable driving dynamics even when the van is fully loaded. Claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.2 L/100kms; annual road tax is €333 and max torque 440Nm.

My Vito came with a 70-litre fuel tank, ideal for vehicles that frequently have to cover long distances. 

The entry level gets 17-inch steel wheels, heated exterior mirrors, Active Brake Assist, twin rear barn doors and twin sliding doors while my SELECT version had 17-inch light alloys wheels, Multibeam LED headlamps, chrome radiator grille, leather steering wheel and interior, and surround lighting. Digital extras available include pre-installation of Live Traffic Information and Remote Services Plus that uses a wide range of Mercedes me connect services. Packages include an anti-theft protection package and Guard 360deg vehicle protection.  

Vito’s towing capacity supports up to 2500kg (braked), and 750kg (unbraked). 

Vito is priced from €35,106; my Select 119 CDI Long RWD from €49,948 ex VAT (B2B).