The Mercedes Vito

The Mercedes Vito is now available to order with Euro 5 engines.  What does this mean?  This means that you can be reassured that the Vito now meets the most stringent emissions standards set for a commercial vehicle.  Does this mean that the engine is totally new and may be prone to teething issues?  Unlikely, since the OM651, as it is lovingly known by the techies at Mercedes-Benz Vito has already been seen in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and in many of the company’s passenger cars.

The Euro standards are about reducing the amounts of particulates that are sent out into the atmosphere, rather than reducing CO2.  In fact, the reduction in the particulates and NoX usually comes at a price – higher fuel consumption and therefore higher Cos emissions.  Not with the newest Vito  - thanks to the oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).

This has been helped through the introduction of a new ECO gearbox that makes the whole driveline more efficient – the standard six speed gearbox across the Vito range is an industry first – no other four cylinder van can make this claim.  Buyers that opt for the four-cylinder Vito can choose from three engine outputs – the 95PS 110Cdi, the 136PS 113Cdi and the 163PS 116Cdi.  If you have money to burn, then go for the 6 cylinder 224PS Vito 122Cdi which gets the Vito to 60mph is just 9.1 seconds – for a van!  But if you really, really have money to burn then go for the V6 petrol with 258PS on tap.

It is when you look into the level of detail that the Mercedes-Benz engineers have gone into to make sure that the Vito is economical and reliable that you realise the difference between the Vito and any other van.  Variable vane turbocharging is standard across the range.  This technology, which was supercar territory just a few years ago means that the turbo works equally well at low and high speeds – none of the turbo lag that us more experienced drivers can remember. 

This use of quality technology continues within the depths of the engine – The Vito uses ‘Lanchester Balancing’ to make sure the engines run smoothly – again no other van maker includes this technology in their four-cylinder vans.  Not content with a smooth running engine, the engineers have turned their attention to the bolt-ons, such as oil pumps, fuel pumps and coolant pump.  These all use technology that helps to reduce fuel consumption by only working when needed, rather than all the time.

Although the new Mercedes Vito doesn’t look much different to the previous model, the changes are significant.  If you get the chance to test drive one and compare it to the competition, then do so.  If you can afford the Vito you will not be disappointed – you will be selling the family car!