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NEWS
Mercedes-Benz unveils new Vito
A new look, new power and a new front-wheel-drive model headline a host of updates to the Mercedes-Benz Vito rangeMercedes-Benz has launched its new Vito at a gala premiere in Berlin, Germany, with the new-look platform sporting a variety of updates and enhancements.
While the basic choice of two wheelbases, three lengths and three formats (van, crewcab and wagon) remains, the new Vito is 140mm longer than its predecessor thanks to an extended front section said to afford a higher level of protection for pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Joining the rear-wheel-drive and Euro-spec all-wheel-drive models for the first time since the first generation is a front-wheel-drive Vito with a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Two power outputs are available in this configuration: the Vito 109 CDI produces a claimed 65kW/230Nm while the Vito 111 CDI produces a claimed 84kW/270Nm.
Mercedes-Benz says the lighter front-wheel-drive layout delivers an extra 120kg of payload compared to the previous model and 60kg more than the new rear-wheel-drive model, with a maximum payload of 1289kg for the 3.05-tonne GVM version. It's also the first time front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive options have appeared together in this segment, says the maker.
The entry-level Vito 109 CDI will hit showrooms in Germany priced from €17,990 ($A25,700); Mercedes-Benz says this undercuts the price of the previous entry-level model by a significant (but undisclosed) margin.
The all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive models are powered by a revised version of the existing 2.15-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, with Mercedes-Benz offering three power ratings for the unit: 100kW/330Nm for the Vito 114 CDI, 120kW/380Nm for the Vito 116 CDI, and 140kW/440Nm for the Vito 119 BlueTEC.
The maker says the new Vito 116 CDI BlueTEC delivers the performance of the previous V6 model – now dropped from the line-up – but with the fuel economy of the four. Mercedes-Benz says it's also the first engine in this class to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, which it does by employing a selective catalytic reduction system that injects AdBlue solution into the exhaust gas flow. The technology is already used extensively in the truck world.
The 1-6-litre engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission while the 2.15-litre engine will be available in either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed torque-converter auto.
Mercedes-Benz claims a certified fuel economy of just 5.7L/100km for the Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency. Available for rear-wheel-drive Vitos powered by the 2.15-litre engine, the BlueEfficiency package incorporates an ECO start/stop function, optimised alternator management and fuel pump, tyres that have been optimised to minimise rolling resistance, and underbody panelling to further enhance aerodynamics.
The maker also claims an impressive average reduction in NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) fuel consumption of 20 per cent.
Services intervals for all Vito engine variants, meanwhile, have been extended from 30,000 kilometres to 40,000.
Mercedes-Benz says the new Vito delivers an improved ride thanks to a series of suspension tweaks, while the electro-mechanical power steering system has also been refined.
The standard Vito van shares its cargo bay dimensions with its predecessor and offers cubic capacities of 5.5m³, 6.0m³ and 6.6m³ depending on the wheelbase. All-up weight for the Vito van comprises varying GVMs of 2.5, 2.8, 3.05 and 3.2 tonnes, with the latter off-limits to the smaller 1.6-litre engine.
The Vito Mixto crewcab sees a removable two- or three-person bench seat slotted behind the driver and front passenger and adds windows between the B and C pillars. The second-row seating features a quick-release ratchet system for easy removal or installation, with the load capacity switching between 3.1m³ and 4.1m³ accordingly.
That leaves the Vito Tourer, a wagon that is available in three grades: Tourer BASE, Tourer PRO, and Tourer SELECT. The Tourer BASE is a bare-bones people mover with the most basic level of appointment, while the Tourer PRO and Tourer SELECT add extra layers of refinement.
Standard safety appointments include multiple airbags (up to a total of eight in the Tourer), seat belt reminders, stability control, crosswind assist, tyre pressure monitoring and Mercedes-Benz's Attention Assist, while options include parking assist, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and collision prevention assist.
While the new Vito range will be released in Europe in October 2014, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has said the new models won't reach Australian shores before the second half of 2015. The Australian line-up and specifications for the new Vito range will be confirmed closer to its local release.
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Written byRod Chapman
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