Tough, indestructible and dependable - day-in, day-out, the Mercedes-Benz Vito applies itself uncomplainingly to the rigours of the tasks on hand. The commercial vehicles lineup of Mercedes-Benz gets updated with the release of the new Vito, which follows the introduction of the 2011 Viano. The most obvious change on the new Vito’s exterior is the redesigned set of headlights, which lends a white collar look to the commercial vehicle.
The Vito also gets fitted with new front and rear bumpers. The most significant changes are found in the technology aspect. The van is made much more efficient as it now has an engine range that complies with the Euro VI emission rules.
Mercedes-Benz has undertaken a comprehensive revamp of the Vito van, which is now yet more economical and kinder on the environment, yet more practical and more dynamic. New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent while enhancing performance. The fully reconfigured chassis is tailored to the transportation of goods or passengers, according to the model concerned. The driver's workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Mercedes-Benz Vito crewbus are more attractively appointed than ever. The new Mercedes Vito is readily recognisable by its new "face", combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle.
The van’s fuel consumption is improved by 15%; it also has less CO2 emissions. The engines being offered include four and six cylinder unit with an output from between 95 and 258 hp. All engines are mated to a six speed gearbox.
The new Vito uses a retuned chassis and suspension, increasing its payload. Various suspension configurations are offered for the high-payload panel van and the comfort-orientated crewbus model. The model offers more comfort to its driver and passengers as its interior has more ergonomic controls, a new color mix and improved soundproofing.
The scope of choice further includes different weight variants, door combinations and the Mercedes-Benz Vito long with high roof. The versatile Mercedes-Benz Vito is available as a panel van, a crewbus with various seating configurations and the Mixto, a combination of panel van and crewbus. All three basic variants come in three different lengths. Models tailored to specific industries and equipment packages for the most diverse areas of use round off the broad spectrum covered by the multi-faceted Mercedes-Benz Vito.
All variants benefit from the full everyday practicality of the Mercedes-Benz Vito. With an overall height of just 1.90 m, every rear-wheel-drive Vito with a standard roof fits easily into standard garages, multi-storey car parks, underground car parks and car washes. The inherent advantages of the rear-wheel-drive concept ensure impressive agility even for the long Vito model variants.
The clear layout of the instrument panel and the clearly legible instruments have been retained - there are some things which simply defy improvement. The shift lever features new contours, however. Depending on the equipment variant, the knob now sports a high-gloss badge with chrome surround. In the upper control panel on the centre console, pushbuttons have replaced the previous rocker switches to facilitate intuitive operation while at the same time providing a more attractive appearance. The seat heating is now more finely adjustable, offering three levels as opposed to the previous two. The overhead control unit has been upgraded with two reading lamps in certain equipment variants. In the Mercedes Vito crewbus equipped with additional heat exchanger or rear air conditioning, corresponding new controls are also incorporated together with a display.
Four-cylinder CDI: robust, economical, clean, powerful and smooth-running
At the core of the new generation of engines is the four-cylinder in-line unit which has the internal code OM 651. It is available in three power variants for the Mercedes-Benz Vito:
Vito 110 CDI (figures differ according to variant)
Power output: 70 kW (95 hp) at 3800 rpm
Max torque: 250 Nm at 1200-2400 rpm
Fuel consumption in acc. with NEDC: 7.7 l/100 km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 7.4 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions: 203 g/km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 195 g/km)
Top speed: 158 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 18.1 s
60-100 km/h in fifth gear: 14.0 s
80-120 km/h in sixth gear: 20.5 s
Vito 113 CDI (figures differ according to variant)
Power output: 100 kW (136 hp) at 3800 rpm
Max torque: 310 Nm at 1400-2600 rpm
Fuel consumption in acc. with NEDC: 7.4 l/100 km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 6.9 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions: 195 g/km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 182 g/km)
Top speed: 176 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 13.4 s
60-100 km/h in fifth gear: 12.5 s
80-120 km/h in sixth gear: 18.2 s
Vito 116 CDI (figures differ according to variant)
Power output: 120 kW (163 hp) at 3800 rpm
Max torque: 360 Nm at 1600-2400 rpm
Fuel consumption in acc. with NEDC: 7.4 l/100 km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 6.9 l/100 km)
CO2 emissions: 195 g/km (BlueEFFICIENCY: 182 g/km)
Top speed: 191 km/h
Acceleration
0-100 km/h: 11.5 s
60-100 km/h in fifth gear: 10.0 s
80-120 km/h in sixth gear: 14.6 s
This represents an overall rise in power output and torque in comparison to the predecessor models, with major increases in some instances. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced substantially - by up to 15 percent, depending on the engine variant. Apart from attaining surprisingly good values in absolute terms for its size and weight, the Mercedes-Benz Vito clearly leads its class in terms of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
Drivers of vans from Mercedes-Benz are not required to compromise on comfort. Common rail injection, the low-vibration forged crankshaft running on five bearings and the rear camshaft drive provide the foundation for the engine's surprisingly smooth running. All four-cylinder engines also benefit from Lanchester balancing, with two counter-rotating shafts running under the crankcase, driven by spur gears. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer in this vehicle class to deploy balancer shafts in all four-cylinder engines of its vans - commercial vehicles from Mercedes-Benz embody the same pioneering quality for which the brand's passenger cars are renowned.
Long maintenance intervals also contribute to the Vito's sustainability and economy. The ASSYST service computer which comes as standard calculates oil-change intervals on a flexible basis according to the actual use of the vehicle. The average interval across all engines stands at 30,000 km or two years. Higher mileages are also possible between oil changes, depending on the intensity of use and the individual driving style.
The Vito 4x4 with permanent all-wheel drive and variable power distribution by means of the 4ETS traction system also benefits from numerous innovations. A new 3-point bearing for the front-axle transmission and an increased oil volume reduce vibration and wear on the all-wheel drive. Helical gearing for the differential provides for smoother running. As previously, the Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4 is available exclusively in conjunction with the two higher power variants of the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission (Vito 113 CDI/116 CDI 4x4). The Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4 now also complies with the Euro 5/III emissions standard.
