Following the release of Mercedes-Benz’s new V-Class luxury passenger veichle, the company has released its new commercial version, the Vito.
According to Mercedes-Benz, this is the first time that both front- and rear-wheel drive versions will be offered in this segment. Mercedes-Benz will also offer two turbodiesel engines, with a total of five different power ratings between these two powertrains.
As before, different body styles will be available. That best known example is probably the Vito panel van, followed by the Vito Crew bus. The latter combines a tradition crewcab upfront with panel van section at the rear, offering buyers the option to transport passangers as well as goods. Next in line is the Vito Tourer which is aimed at only transporting people.
Engine range
The Vito 109 CDI and 111 CDI will each develop 65 kW and 85 kW respectively from a 1,6-litre turobodiesel engine. These vehicles will be front-wheel driven, aimed at light use.
Next up is the the more powerful, rear-wheel drive models, aimed at heavier loads and towing. The 2,15-litre turbodiesel will be available in the 114 CDI (101 kW), 116 CDI (122 kW) and the 119 BlueTEC (142 kW).
Sending torque to the front or rear wheels will be a six-speed manual gearbox, or a 7G-tronic Plus automatic transmission as an option on the 114 CDI and the 116 CDI. The automatic transmission will be standard on the 119 Bluetec.
Payload and safety
The range will also offer a payload capacity of up to 1,37 tonnes, which results in a maximum gross vehicle weight of 3,2 tonnes for the top of the range unit. Two wheelbases, three lenghts and up to three weight variants will also be on offer.
Other highlights include a claimed reduction in fuel consumption of up to 20 per cent compared to the previous generation, and standard safety equipment such as adaptive ESP, attention assist and crosswind assist. The Vito Tourer also comes with up to eight airbags to protect its passengers.
The final specification and model range of the new Mercedes-Benz Vito might differ for the South African market. However, expect the new Vito to arrive in South Africa before the end of the year.