2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito safest ever

Mercedes-Benz has launched its new 2011 Vito van range in Australia, now in a simplified line-up and priced from $37,990 for the 110 CDI model. On sale from February 14, there are now 13 Vito models in the range, which is down on the previous 20 models in a bid to reduce confusion for buyers.

The 'compact' and 'extra long' size designations have also been renamed SWB and LWB respectively, and Mercedes-Benz has also given its new 2011 Vito a nip and tuck, with updates to the front bumper and headlights.

All models come with adaptive ESP that can sense how heavy and where loads are located in the cargo area -- and respond accordingly. Together with ABS, ARS, BAS, EBD, plus a driver's and passenger's airbag as standard, it's not surprising Mercedes-Benz is calling the Vito Australia's safest van.

Independently tested by ANCAP and awarded a five-star safety rating when optioned with a $1300 bulkhead and side airbags, the new model is safer than all others in its class. Without side airbags the Vito has a four-star safety rating, but Mercedes-Benz argues that this is still higher than the average safety rating for vans in Australia of 3.2-stars.

The new 2.2-litre engine is offered in three power levels (70kW/250Nm, 100kW/310Nm, 120kW/360Nm) along with a range-topping V6 that grinds out 165kW/440Nm and holds the mantle of Australia's most powerful van.

All engines are now Euro 5-compliant and fuel consumption has been reduced by nine per cent across the range, with an 11 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

All models comes with a six-speed manual. Stop-start functionality can be optioned with the five-speed automatic, though the top range V6 122 CDI comes standard with the auto.

The entry-level model in the Vito range is the 110 CDI, and for the record the naming convention for vans is thus: the first digit (1) stands for its payload, and the second two digits denote its horsepower when adding a zero, so the 110 CDI is a one-tonne van with a 100hp (70kW) diesel engine.

Priced at $37,990, the entry-level Vito 110 CDI is powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that outputs 70kW/250Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual with stop-start functionality that Benz reckons can slash fuel usage by 10 per cent. Combined fuel economy is 7.7L/100km. It also comes as standard with ABS, EBD, adaptive stability control, twin airbags, air-con, CD stereo, heated electric mirrors, electric windows, remote central locking, twin sliding side doors and 16-inch tyres and rims.

Next in line is the $39,490 113 CDI, which has a more powerful engine tune, outputting 100kW/310Nm, yet uses less fuel, just 7.4L/100km. It includes the same features as the 110 CDI while adding Bluetooth telephony, a multifunction steering wheel, an improved stereo, and SpeedTronic cruise control system.

The 116 CDI fetches $44,490 and is the most powerful four-cylinder model in the range outputting 120kW/360Nm, and comes packed with the same items as the 113 CDI.

Last but not least is the Mercedes-Benz Vito 122 CDI, it's 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine developing 165kW/440Nm and costing $55,990. It adds 17-inch alloy wheels, and comes as standard with the five-speed automatic gearbox.

The SWB models have 5.2 cubic metres of cargo space while the LWB have 6.2 metres of space, and have payloads of up to 1180kg.
There is also the Vito Wagon, a nine-seater people mover based on the commercial Vito that comes standard with all the bells and whistles you could think of, and has seen its price dropped from almost $60k to $52,990. It has four anchor points for child seats, comfort suspension, six airbags, a five-speed auto, and is powered by the 113 engine, with 110kW/310Nm.

Stay tuned for our first drive of the new 2011 Vito.

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