Mercedes Vito Review
The Mercedes-Benz Vito - it just sounds classy doesn't it? Well, it certainly looks it too. Sleek but powerful, sturdy yet graceful.
It's being wowing anyone who looks at it since 1996 when it was first launched, but today it's now a top-end light commercial vehicle (LCV), available as a panel van, chassis cab, or multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), carrying either cargo or up to eight passengers.
In the Mercedes-Benz van fleet, it is positioned right in-between the larger Sprinter and the smaller Citan.
Second generation 2003
When the second generation of Vito was launched in 2003, it included the useful option of turning into an eight-seat people carrier from a standard six-seater by fitting two three-seater benches in the rear.
With all the seats removed, it can accommodate up to 4,610 litres of cargo with a payload of 930kg. Impressive, right? Well, curiously this has led it to becoming the vehicle of choice for many nations around the world to use as an emergency vehicle, like an ambulance for one! In China, you'll see the Mercedes-Benz Vito with blue flashing lights on top, mainly as it's such a reliable and spacious vehicle.
Why else? It's because Mercedes-Benz has always treated safety and security as paramount. The Vito is no different. Its safety and security is second to none.
As standard, it comes with two head-on airbags and front side airbags, with front window airbags available as an option.
Electronic stability control (ESP), traction control system (ASR), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBV) and brake assist (BAS) are all fitted as standard. If BAS is activated, the hazard lights flash to warn following motorists that the driver is undertaking an emergency braking manoeuvre.
Not enough for you? Each seat is fitted with a three-point seatbelt with belt tensioner and force limiter and an adjustable head restraint. You'd have to go a long way to find a safer vehicle to get inside to undertake a journey.
The 2013 Geneva Motor Show
During the year 2013, a number of special editions were launched, including the Grand Edition Vito which was revealed at that year's Geneva Motor Show.
Essentially, the 2013 Geneva Motor Show was a little taster to the exciting 2014 third generation being launched as a full size MPV, boasting changes to a number of hi-tech features like "Attention Assist" ;and "Crosswind Assist", and the "Intelligent Light System" (LED indicators, LED daytime running lamps, LED low-beam headlamps, main beam with cornering light functions).
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2014 International Commercial Vehicles show.
How does the Mercedes-Benz Vito fare?
After all the waxing-lyrical about its style and its reliability, its superb anti-theft mechanisms, and it's wonderful advances in finding more storage space with each generation released, what are the general reviews like?
Well, as the AA gave it 9 stars out of 10, it pretty much set the trend of a blitz of great feedback:
- "Image is everything in the world of business and it should come as no surprise that the Viano is the big cheese in the executive travel world." - The AA
- "With its rare combination of spacious seating and generous luggage capacity, the Vito is a paragon of practicality. Eight stars out of ten." - The RAC
- "Capable of carrying eight in comfort, massive and versatile interior, superb diesels" - Parkers
- "The Vito is a high-quality product, constantly closing the price gap to its rivals, and it's a great choice if you prioritise comfort, refinement, technology and a general classy feel." - Autoexpress
