Mercedes Vito Review

Mercedes-Benz Vito 120CDi (LWB) panel van

Manufacturer’s RRP: £19,425 (excluding VAT)

A smooth, comfortable drive coupled with a solid, dynamic load space.

Are you looking for a van with that little bit extra in comfort and drive? The Vito has the answer; it's the ultimate all-rounder with bucket loads of neat features to make your daily grind that little bit easier.

A look of prestige	Large, spacious interior
An impressive payload	Can hold three Euro pallets
A luxurious and spacious cabin	A solid bulkhead
Integrated Sat Nav	The box challenge

Technical

The six cylinder diesel engine comes with common-rail direct injection (CDI), demonstrating a generous pulling power little affected by heavy loads. We road tested our long wheel based Vito with a 500kg load amounting to 50% of the maximum load capacity, which for our model was 950kg, and it faired remarkably well. At high speeds the Vito was able to gain momentum quickly and it manoeuvred out of tight spaces like a dream

Cabin

Entering the cabin, you'll find that auto-transmission comes as standard in this model - a rare find in most of the latest vans on the market. Also as standard is a five speaker sound system, adjustable seats and an adjustable steering wheel. There are countless extras which can be purchased at a price - a satellite navigation, an integrated phone system, air conditioning for both passengers and heated seats to name but a few. The dash mounted 5 speed gear stick leaves plenty of room for your day to day luggage, and for coffee breaks, there's no less than three cup holders conveniently scattered throughout the cabin. The low cabin access height saves valuable time climbing in and out of the vehicle, and proves to be a safer option for female drivers and smaller passengers.

Load

With the capacity to hold three Euro pallets, a wide tailgate and 180 degree hinged rear doors, the Vito is versatile and receptive to a variety of loads. There's even enough space to house 54 standard sized boxes subject to requirement. Boasting two wheel bases, three body lengths and a choice of two roof heights, the Vito is the height of individualism. With just about every gadget on offer, the Vito clearly has the ability to cope with any type of transport job or loading situation. And we were delighted by its price - a standard £19,000 coupled with lower than average repair costs

Safety

The Vito has ABS, BAS and EVP as standard. The powerful brakes make for a shorter stopping distance and the van is easier to control even during emergency braking. There are three point seat-belts with tensioners for the driver and passenger and a drivers airbag, with a passenger airbag available on request

Verdict

The Vito provides the optimum in prestige and comfort whilst demonstrating a thoroughly enjoyable and smooth ride and a versatile load space

Data file
Engines : 120CDi
Gearbox : 5 speed automatic as standard
Power Output : 204bhp/150kW @ 3800rpm
Maximum Pay Load (Kg) : 950
Load Space (m3) : 4.65
Loading Area : length/ height/ width (m) 2420 x 1277 x 1350 (2620 if underseat through loading facility is used)
Service Intervals : 2 years / 18,000 miles

Vansunited.co.uk verdict : *****