The New Mercedes Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz has brought its compact and stylish Vito van range bang up to date with the launch of a new generation model range. A smart new design has brought a fresher, more modern look to the exterior – and tough new moulded bumper sections bring added practicality – but the really important changes are under the skin. New generation Vitos are powered by an all-new range of EU5-compliant four-and six-cylinder engines that not only meet the latest emissions standards but deliver significant improvements in fuel economy as well as welcome boosts in power and torque.

The Mercedes Vito has long been hailed as one of the safest vans on the road, but the new range features a raft of enhancements to its standard equipment, such as a variable road speed limiter and Bluetooth mobile phone capability, designed to increase safety and help operators stay compliant with all the latest rules and regulations. There should be no doubts about the reliability of the latest Vito, or its drivetrain either, after test engineers performed no fewer than five million in-service trial kilometres.

Model designation: The naming of individual models has changed to reflect their increased power outputs. The range now begins with the 95hp 110CDI which, along with the 136hp 113CDI and the 163hp 116CDI, is driven by a new four-cylinder engine. The flagship of the line-up is the V6-powered 122CDI, which pumps out an impressive 224hp. As before, all models are available as panel vans, as Dualiners which come with a second row of seats, and as Traveliner minibuses which can seat up to nine passengers and a driver.

New engines: At the heart of the EU5 Vito are two state-of-the-art, common-rail, turbo-charged diesel engines – the four-cylinder 2.1-litre OM651, which drives through a new, six-speed manual gearbox, and the V6 3.0-litre OM642, which comes with a five-speed automatic transmission as standard. All versions offer considerable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, compared to the models they’ve replaced – the new Vito 110CDI, for example, emits 13 per cent less CO2 than the Euro 4 109CDI, while the new 113CDI and 116CDI Vitos now fall comfortably below the 200g/km threshold.

Efficient transmission: Manual variants now feature a new gearbox designed specifically for van applications – the six-speed ECO Gear. This improves flexibility and maximises fuel economy, as well as being smoother and quieter to operate and able to handle higher torque inputs.

Increased economy: Impressive improvements in fuel consumption have been achieved across the new range. All models are significantly more efficient than their outgoing equivalents – as much as 4.5mpg better in the case of the new 110CDI.

Raising standards: The standard specification of all models has been enhanced and now includes features such as a new radio/CD player with integrated Bluetooth mobile phone compatibility, a multi-function steering wheel with Trip Computer, and a Speedtronic variable speed limiter. Revised switchgear, door handles and seat fabrics also help to provide a stylish, yet practical and hardwearing environment.

Economic ownership: All Mercedes Vito vans models enjoy a three-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard, as well as a 12-year anti-perforation bodywork warranty. Service intervals are optimised by the ASSYST on-board service computer, which can extend maintenance requirements according to the vehicle’s operational pattern. And as with previous Vito models, strong residual value is likely to contribute to competitive ownership costs.

Pricing: Full pricing will be available in due course.