Mercedes-Benz Viano 2005 Review

What we liked
>> Rear drive handling and tight turning circle
>> Commercial toughness
>> Sophisticated drivetrains

Not so much
>> Low speed ride harshness
>> Commercial ambience and finish
>> Van styling origins

OVERVIEW
As the company launches no less than four wagon variants based on this new Vito, this rear drive strategy starts to make sense for a whole new spectrum of commercial and family owners.

Based on the same long Vito body as the high roof van but without the extended roofline, the new wagons come as a commercial grade Vito wagon or luxury Viano wagon. The company makes a point in distinguishing these work-oriented vehicles from its front drive Chrysler Voyager people mover which is more car-like in its approach.

Mercedes-Benz takes some pride in claiming that the new Vito wagons start with an optimum 50:50 weight distribution. Because of their long wheelbases and short overhangs, this is maintained when the vehicle is fully loaded. It also means that traction remains the same, even increases, the more you load the new Vito especially going up steep hills. The more you loaded the old front drive models, the more traction was reduced. This has big implications for those who have people carrying requirements and a need to tow as well.

Independent rear suspension allows the Vito to escape the truck-like feel of a van this size.

Mercedes-Benz then exploited the rear drive to radically reduce the turning circle despite a significant boost in size. Given the Vito wagon’s 4993mm long body and 1901mm width, the turning circle is tight at only 11.8 metres. In Australia, the Vito’s rear drive also allows operators to tow a luggage trailer or specialist equipment such as a boat or sports gear up to 2000 kg without compromising traction in steep or slippery conditions.

So why the sudden interest in the Australian market? Mercedes-Benz sees a potential market for just 400 per annum of both wagons with sales evenly shared between the Vito and Viano versions but this is all about grabbing a foothold in a market on the rise. Since entering this market in 1998, M-B has watched sales leap from 1000 to 4000.

As Australians age and local tourism grows, the need for small commercial multi-passenger wagons will increase dramatically as boutique wineries, personalized accommodation, tourist attractions, entertainment or conference centres and other venues provide their own transport for guests and their luggage. Rising petrol prices will hasten this shift.

Already Mercedes-Benz cites the example of a corporate client that uses a Viano as a mobile office to transport its executives as a group during site inspections so they can discuss the findings along the way. Decentralisation of government welfare services is also generating a growing need for this type of vehicle. An overloaded Toyota HiAce van with little crash protection is no longer acceptable under occupational health and safety. It’s significant that Toyota has also massively lifted its game in this area over the last 12 months.

Because the latest Mercedes-Benz models feature the very latest in diesel technology, none of this could have happened if Australia didn’t clean-up its poor quality fuels in the lead-up to Euro III emissions levels for 2006. It’s no secret that the efficient new generation direct injection diesels can cause their owners grief if they are fed poor quality fuel. Mercedes-Benz is counting on improved fuel quality to leave some of their in-service problems behind. Australia will be seeing much more of these efficient new European models when they no longer have to be downgraded for local sale.

Mercedes-Benz is also banking on its style and safety DNA backed by proven engines and transmissions from its prestige passenger cars to give the new Vito/Viano wagon range an edge in this market. Styling features the almost clichéd ice hockey stick styling line around the rear pillars that defines just about every wagon import on the Aussie market in 2005. Will it date every model that features it in five years time?

The local arm is also hoping for some conquest sales from larger family groups who would normally purchase a large 4WD but now need six or seven adult-size seats in a rugged getaway package.

It is this context that the packaging of the new range starts to make real sense. The new range comes from Vitoria in Spain, built in a 1950s DKW factory that Mercedes-Benz and VW once shared under the old Auto-Union venture that later evolved into Audi, hence the front drive layout of previous models. After Daimler-Benz took it over in 1976, it was totally upgraded recently by Daimler-Chrysler for the switch to the rear-drive Vito.

FEATURES
The different packaging approach between the Vito and Viano versions of the wagon define a clear line in expected usage.

The Vito wagon seats eight in 2-3-3 configuration using Quickfit anchorages so that it can converted back to a van in an instant. A front bench is optional to lift seat capacity to nine but you lose the walk-through facility. Luggage space is quite generous while each seat is a full size individual seat with a head restraint and generous leg room to provide equal accommodation regardless of position.

Although the cloth trim and general ambience are biased towards practicality and heavy usage, it still has an air of class about it. There are wide-opening sliding doors on each side and rear side glass that hinges from the top for extra ventilation. There is a basic single CD player, Tempmatik air-conditioning front and rear, front electric windows, remote central locking, luxury roof trim, full cabin lining, luxury driver and front passenger seats, backrest pockets, overhead reading lights, front and rear cup holders and hose-out plastic lined floor backed by foam insulation. Front and rear fog lights, headlight beam adjustment, tachometer and heated electric mirrors are also included. Bulletproof is a word that comes to mind but with a soft touch.

Outside appearance for the Vito version is also fairly basic with rugged grey plastic bumpers and side strips, steel wheels and full wheelcovers. Mercedes-Benz will paint them for you and add alloys but at least you get the choice of rugged simplicity. In the darker colours, the grey plastic can provide a welcome break to all the paint and can look quite smart but the optional alloys are essential to move it away from a plumber’s van.

The Vito and Viano share the same Diesel but the Vito makes do with a 3.2lt V6 petrol while the Viano gains a 3.7lt V6 which it needs for the extra weight.

By comparison, the Viano goes from the Vito’s neat bank worker’s uniform to a party dress. It comes in two levels: Trend and Ambiente.

The standard Viano seating is for seven (2-2-3) but you can boost this to eight (2-3-3) or six lavish lounges (2-2-2) where the centre two can be swiveled around conference style. The standard seating offers easier rear access but otherwise makes little sense when there is room to spare for a three seat centre row. The Viano also has different sliding rail anchorages that provide greater flexibility in load carrying and seating arrangements.

The Viano Trend offers 16 inch alloys that go up to 17 inch if you order the 3.5 Trend petrol (yes, it has a 3.7-litre engine but M-B often creates an anomaly between engine size and model name), tinted windows, colour-coordinated body protection, roof rails, chrome grille highlights and electric mirrors with integrated turning indicators.

Inside, there is cruise control with Variotronic speed limiter, door sill panel trim, front reading lights and multiple interior lights in overhead grab handles, multi-function steering wheel controls, power rear side windows, Thermotronic climate control, trip computer, velour trim, “silverstone” interior trim, front centre console and carpet.

The Ambiente adds 17-inch alloys across the board, six-stacker CD, courtesy lights in all doors, burr walnut wood effect trim, leather covered steering wheel and auto selector lever, leather trim, front seat back pockets and rear air suspension. It also brings extra airbags.

Despite the best efforts to hide the Vito origins in the Viano, the gaps in the trim and some textures give the game away but it is not a bad attempt.

The Diesel 115 CDI Vito Wagon costs $54,990, the 119P petrol version costs $58,990. The Viano CDI Trend costs $61,990 and the petrol version $67,890. All come with five speed automatic. The Ambiente package adds $6900 which is reasonable as it would cost most of that just to cover seven seats in leather. It means that the top model won’t leave you much change out of $80,000 which is right up there for van-based transport. There is also a huge list of extras including extra curtain airbags, front and rear sunroofs, additional sliding windows in each side door and foldaway table.

COMFORT
There are two simple words describing the comfort in the Vito/Viano: space, and lots of it, and relative silence. The seats are classic German, large, relatively flat and firm and perfectly suited for big Aussies when the benchmark is a 1.94 metre male. This is not your cramped people mover but luxury coach level accommodation. There is also reasonable luggage space so that it doesn’t have to be packed on top of the passengers and in-cabin storage with its clever compartments and cubby holes is outstanding.

Flush glass, reinforced roof and floor pan, smooth body fittings and a low Cd of 0.33 all contribute to a welcome lack of drumming and booming too often typical of this type of vehicle.

The driving position, instrument panel and auto selector are not car-like at all but show more thought than most when they are positioned to bring car-like convenience within the expanse of such a large cabin. The driver has a commanding view of the road and each passenger enjoys a panoramic view thanks to a huge glass area but the vertical sides ensure that radiant heat from the sun is minimised. The opening rear side windows are particularly useful allowing an independent air flow without unduly increasing wind noise. The air-conditioning or climate control systems have front and rear outlets.

The independent rear suspension also provides a controlled ride and more confident handling than most vehicles of this type and it is especially good with the Ambiente’s air suspension. The ride is typically German firm at low speeds which means that it is no magic carpet but the upside is that there is no sway at speed and the vehicle feels reassuringly stable. There is no hitting the bump stops or crashing through if large bumps or dips are encountered and no fore and aft pitching which is good for such a long vehicle.

After an early morning start, I decided to sit in the third row to test if there was any car sickness-inducing pitching over the rear wheels but because the third row is inside the wheelbase the ride was at least as good as the centre row. With a cool wisp of air streaming over my face from the side windows and legs fully stretched, I slept soundly and had to be wakened for my turn at the wheel. That just simply wouldn’t happen for a large adult in the third row of a LandCruiser or Patrol.

SAFETY
Mercedes-Benz made a point of emphasizing that it has applied the same comprehensive safety approach to the Vito/Viano wagons as it does for its passenger cars. The extended nose and front airbags with wheels and suspension module mounted forward of the driver contribute to outstanding front crash protection. The company claims that the generous space between passengers in conjunction with 3 point inertia reel belts for each seat are also critical to high safety levels. The Ambiente goes further with front side airbags.

Seat mountings are anchored to the side and cross members which are then welded to the floor plate. All the pillars, side walls, rear wings, roof frame and side door cells are joined to create an extremely strong passenger compartment protected by the nose which is filled with two deformation boxes and the front axle module. It’s a clever package.

Primary safety is taken care of with ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS, ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist), quality tyres, large 300 mm ventilated front disc and 296 mm rear disc brakes and the 50:50 weight distribution. The low centre of gravity and wide track are not always encountered in this type of vehicle.

MECHANICAL
The switch to rear drive allows the Vito/Viano twins to be offered with a range of proven large passenger car engines and transmissions.

The diesel in both Vito and Viano is the latest CDI four cylinder in-line unit of 2.2-litre capacity with turbocharger and common rail direct injection. It delivers 330Nm of torque from as little as 1800 rpm and a power output of 110kW which is outstanding for this size. Fuel economy of 8.8lt/100 km is also exceptional.

The Vito’s 3.2lt V6 petrol engine is the multi-valve unit with 140kW and 270Nm of torque from 2750rpm seen in various E and C-class passenger cars. It charts a neat line between smooth performance and economy and will run on basic ULP but prefers Premium.

This engine is upgraded for the Viano to 3.7-litres as for the S-class and delivers 170kW and 345Nm from 2500rpm. Fuel consumption jumps to 12.5 litres per 100 km but it will top 191km/h and rocket from zero to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds. It has power to spare for this type of vehicle.

The standard auto transmission is the proven five-speed auto with fifth gear as an overdrive ratio. It also features the passenger car sequential manual shift override which allows the driver to manually select ratios by moving the lever sideways. There is a ratio for virtually every situation, important given the weight and load capacity of these vehicles.

A manual on some models may be available on special order. There is also an all wheel drive version due mid-2006 which is under consideration for Australia. It could be the perfect vehicle for snow resorts or sand tours.

M-B expect Vito wagon sales to comprise 85 per cent diesel/15 per cent petrol whereas the Viano is expected to sell an even split between diesel and petrol. Once buyers reach to the Viano, it is expected that slightly more than half will choose the better equipped Ambiente hence the higher expected take-up of the more powerful petrol engine than for the Vito.

COMPETITORS
>When the Vito/Viano twins appear on paper to offer little more than a well-equipped and more manageable people mover such as a Toyota Tarago or a Chrysler Voyager which both start at around the $50,000 mark, the intended usage needs to be carefully identified.

The Tarago has rock solid resale, low running costs and is roomy given how compact it is. It is front drive which limits towing and slippery hill work but it covers a huge range of applications. The Chrysler Voyager is more of the same only it comes with V6 grunt and amazing space in the long wheelbase versions. Owners are very happy with both.

At a more practical level, the new range of Toyota HiAce Commuter buses offer outstanding people carrying capacity and round town agility for less money. There are also some great new Ford Transit 12 seat buses with powerful and efficient diesels and a choice of six-speed manual or five-speed auto for under $50,000.

Volkswagen comes closest in defining the middle line between the bus-like 12 seaters and the people movers while offering a choice of a frugal diesel or powerful V6 petrol except its Caravelle range is front drive. It doesn’t yet have the cachet of the Vito/Viano range when it looks more commercial but the latest Transporter/Caravelle range is a class act.

M-B lists the big four wheel drives and large crossovers right down to the Territory as potential rivals. I am not so sure that the recreational crossover dream is so easily satisfied in a vehicle that started life as a commercial van.

As for M-B’s claim that it has the same styling values as other Mercedes-Benz models, it doesn’t. While it’s sleek at the front, its deep high sides at the rear say commercial not private. On that basis, you would choose the Voyager every day.

Yet it does offer outstanding dual purpose capabilities when it can be used as dirt bike or work transport then used to carry a sports team or family group in relative safety. For a large family who want to tow a trailer full of camping gear, bikes, boat or even a large pop top with much lower fuel costs than a big 4WD, the Vito/Viano starts to make real sense. It offers a more rugged image than the dressing gown and fluffy slipper image of your average people mover and the three pointed star means you won’t be accused of slumming it. Around town though, it would be a real hassle to park and garaging it could be a problem.

M-B is hoping that many Australians have already ridden in one overseas and understand what it offers. If you had to be taken to the airport in a hurry or take a longer tour in a more personalized environment, there is not much else that does it any better while offering the three pointed star’s feel good factor. It would also make a great renter for a social group travelling around the country.

ON THE ROAD
This is the bottom line. Where the Japanese and Korean people movers feel like they have been built to a price (all that is except the wonderful rear drive previous Tarago which Toyota couldn’t afford to build anymore), the Vito/Viano feel quite substantial if slightly agricultural. They are not ponderous but five metres of length and almost two metres of width and height is a lot of vehicle. All weigh in at over 2000 kg which is reassuring when there wouldn’t be enough crash protection if they weighed much less.

They create the sense on the open road that you could pretty well keep driving overland to Europe, that coach-like feel keeps coming up over and over. Once you come to terms with its size, you can drive it confidently even through the twisty bits at speeds that won’t hold up other drivers. The launch route was drizzly and very slippery but not once did the Vito/Viano put a foot wrong. All engines were impressive. The Vito wagon’s smaller V6 seemed smoother than the Viano’s bigger version which seemed harsher than I remembered it in the passenger car range. The diesel was the standout performer. It was quiet and as refined as the petrol engines yet was very lively and felt unstoppable.

The auto was what you would expect of Mercedes-Benz - it did the job efficiently without any quirks or irritations to distract the driver.

Vision and driving position were outstanding but it took a while to work out how to get the best out of the heating and ventilation system. In fact, the whole approach in a number of systems was different enough from other vehicles that my colleagues and myself found ourselves constantly going back to the handbook to figure something out.

Both the Vito and Viano wagons demand time to fully appreciate what they can offer. Their relaxed and quiet cruising and splendid view of the road are instantly apparent but it takes some distance to appreciate just how much is gained in stability and surefootedness by trading off a slight loss of ride quality.