Mercedes-Benz Vito 2011 Review

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Yet even with what is arguably the safest and most advanced van in its class, Mercedes-Benz is conscious of market share, with the company's senior executive of vans, Campbell York, stating: "We can't afford to lose even one customer, and that's why we've simplified the range, dropped prices, improved equipment levels and technology.

York also took a swipe at Asian rivals, talking up the idea of a high-tech van with all the features available to passenger car buyers: "There's a common theme that people are looking for more than just a box on wheels - tin and rubber are only two small components. We've taken a great van and made it better."

Two chassis sizes are also available – short and long-wheelbase - measuring 4763mm and 5238mm lengthwise respectively. Crew cab models measure 5008mm long.

The entry-level model is the 110 CDI ($37,990) that comes packaged with the 250Nm four-cylinder turbodiesel, and a six-speed manual gearbox with stop-start function. All models specified with the six-speed manual come with a stop-start system that kills the engine when the Vito is stationary, which 'Benz reckons can save big bucks at the bowser for drivers doing high mileage, with fuel economy improvements of up to 15 per cent.

Standard features for the entry-level Mercedes-Benz Vito 110CDI include twin airbags, ABS, EBD and adaptive stability control (sensing how heavy loads are and adapting accordingly), plus air-conditioning, a CD-stereo, electric mirrors and windows, remote central locking, twin sliding side doors and 16-inch wheels.

Step up to the Vito 113 CDI ($39,490) and a more powerful 100kW/310Nm engine tune is added along with Bluetooth connectivity, a multifunction steering wheel to answer said wireless phone calls, an improved stereo, and SpeedTronic cruise control system.

Next in line is the most powerful four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel Vito in the range, the 120kW/360Nm 116 CDI ($44,490) which is equipped identically to the 113 CDI.

The biggest engine in the 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito range is the 122 CDI ($55,990) with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine developing 165kW/440Nm. It also gets a bit more equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with cornering function, LED daytime running lights and a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The five-speed auto cog swapper is an option on all other models except the 110 CDI.

As well as the SWB models, there are also LWB models and Crew Cab models. The full price list is as follows:

Short wheelbase
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 110 CDI SWB - $37,990
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI SWB - $39,490 (automatic - $41,990)
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI SWB - $44,490 (automatic only)

Long wheelbase
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI LWB - $42,990
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI LWB - $45,490 (automatic only)
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI LWB - $45,490 (automatic - $47,990)
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 122 CDI LWB - $55,990 (automatic only)

Crew Cab
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI - $45,990
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI - $48,490 (automatic only)
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz Vito 122 CDI - $58,990 (automatic only)

As mentioned, a stop-start system comes as standard with all manual models, and it works well. It's a bit strange at first when the engine cuts out the first time you stop at the traffic lights -- you think "what have I done" -- but after a while you appreciate the silence when the engine stops.

Both turbodiesel engine offerings, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder and 3.0-litre V6, feature common rail fuel injection and power outputs have been increased across the range, while fuel consumption has dropped by an average of nine per cent across the range, with CO2 emissions reductions of 11 per cent.

The 2.2-litre oiler is offered in three guises, the entry level 110 CDI (70kW/250Nm), the mid level 113 CDI (100kW/310Nm) and high output 116 CDI (120kW/360Nm). These three engines have claimed economy figures of 7.7, 7.4 and 7.4L/100km respectively.

The range-topping 122 CDI outputs an impressive 165kW/440Nm, making the Vito Australia's most powerful van. Meanwhile the beefy V6 uses just 8.6 litres of diesel for every 100km travelled.

All models are rear-wheel drive, and feature independent front and rear suspension which has been given several tweaks in 2011 to improve ride quality and bump absorption. The front MacPherson struts get new springs, dampers and towers, along with an anti-roll bar, and at the rear new springs and dampers combine with new control arms.

PACKAGING

The SWB models offer 5.2 cubic metres of cargo space while the LWB models have 6.2 cubic metres of space. Both have payloads of up to 1180kg.

The SWB Vito has a cargo bay measuring 2222mm in length and 1411mm in height, while the LWB models boast 2679mm long and 1411mm high cargo areas.  Wheelbases are 3200mm (SWB) and 3430mm (LWB).

Moving around to the front of the Vito and settling into the driver's seat, you'll be greeted with an excellent view of the road ahead, not to mention a tilt- and reach-adjustable steering wheel. The driver's seat is comfortable with rudimentary adjustments, while a number of storage functions make everyday chores just a little bit easier; giant bottle holders in the doors, two pen holders and cubbies for clip boards and such.

Ergonomics are remarkably good for what is a bash-about delivery van, with the gear shifter within easy reach and steering-wheel mounted audio and Bluetooth telephony buttons. The glovebox is also very deep, perfect for useless (or precious) junk picked up on an average delivery day.

There is also the Vito Wagon, an eight (or optionally nine) seater people mover based on the commercial Vito. It comes standard with all the bells and whistles you could think of, and includes four anchor points for child seats, comfort suspension, six airbags, a five-speed auto. It is powered by the 113 engine, with 110kW/310Nm and is priced at $52,990, an almost-$7000 price drop.

SAFETY

There's also plenty of gear designed to help drivers avoid a bingle, and much of it comes as standard.

Working in combination with four-wheel disc brakes, things like electronic brake force distribution (EBD), ABS, acceleration skid control (ASR) and brake assist (BAS) ensure that grip levels are always at an optimum. Add to that list an adaptive electronic stability program (ESP) that can tell how much load is in the cargo bay and you've got a vehicle in which you won't easily lose control.

Driver and passenger airbags are also standard.

Asian rivals include the Mitsubishi Express, Hyundai iLoad and Toyota HiAce, with the latter two models being the market leaders with a whopping 27 and 40 per cent market share respectively.

Driven across sub standard country roads with numerous features including disintegrating shoulders, potholes by the baker’s dozen and unsealed surfaces to boot, the Vito proved to be a consummate performer. When MB van division boss Campbell York said "We're not afraid to put our vans on crummy roads," he wasn't fibbing.

The ride quality was excellent for a van, and the composure with which it nonchalantly rode over deep pot holes was remarkable. Barely any movement was felt in the vehicle when crossing deep ruts and crags in the road, which bodes well for delicate cargos. The balance of the chassis was surprising (some passenger cars could learn a thing or two from the Vito.)

When punting along winding, rain soaked roads near Gippsland in Victoria, the Vito's windscreen wipers proved to be excellent at clearing water from view, covering about 90 per cent of the windscreen.

Vito steers predictably and handles surprisingly well in trying conditions, delivering plenty of traction before the stability control or anti-lock brakes needs to chime in.

All the diesel engines proved to be willing performers, with the 116 and 122 CDI delivering big ticket performance - the kind that makes you grin when you bury the right foot. The 110 felt a little lacklustre, while the 113 had ample (but not arresting) performance with a strong bottom end that would no doubt come in handy with a full load.

On the race track, three different experiences set up by Mercedes-Benz, all designed to highlight different areas of the Vito's performance. Up first was the drag strip - there were no surprises that the V6 was a real weapon - followed by skid pan work in the wet.

This next experience was a real eye opener, as we had the chance to try driving the Vito around a series of cones with stability control switched on, and then off. Drifting the Vito is fun but a little perilous without the ESP, and when stability control was switched on you could feel the vehicle retarding engine torque and pulsing individual brakes when needed, which on the drenched skidpan ensured the Vito steered exactly where you pointed the front wheels.

Finally there were hot laps of the track with numerous 'braking points' designed to show how quickly the Vito can stop. This was an enjoyable exercise for not only did it prove how quickly the Vito could pull up from around 120km/h to standstill (in pouring rain), but also how well it cornered and how quickly it could travel without becoming unpredictable. For its size, the Vito is astonishingly nimble.

The German automaker reckons the Vito's updated chassis "raises the benchmark for ride comfort and driving safety to a new level". While such hyperbole would normally be an exaggeration, in this instance it is pretty close to the truth - the Vito van is satisfying to drive, thanks to one of the best chassis setups in the business and exhibits the kind of ride comfort most car drivers would comment favourably upon. For drivers who spend a lot of time on the road, this can only be a good thing.

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