More V6 power for facelifted Benz Viano

Mercedes-Benz has ditched the 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel in the Viano peoplemover and made the V6 variant standard.

But the V6 in the Viano is now an upgraded powerplant developing 165kW, rather than the 135kW produced by the previous V6. A direct-injection turbodiesel displacing 3.0-litres, the new V6 is good for 440Nm of torque and, driving through a five-speed automatic transmission, uses 8.6L100km of fuel in combined-cycle testing. On the same test, the updated Viano emits 226g/km of CO2.

The revised Viano can be identified by a subtle facelift, including daytime running lights and a new design of 17-inch alloy wheel. While the seven- or (optional) eight-seat peoplemover will be purchased principally by the hospitality industry, Benz claims the Viano is also likely to appeal to extended families in need of the extra seating capacity, but who can't afford a Benz R-Class or GL.

Priced at $74,990, the new Viano 3.0 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY comes with Benz's Comand APS (Cockpit Management and Data System), featuring a 6.5-inch display, HDD navigation, voice recognition for audio/phone/nav, 4-gig HDD music register, MP3-compatible CD audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and phone keypad.

Other standard features include: electrochromatic mirror, remote central locking, cruise control/speed limiter, front/rear sunroofs, auto-on/off headlights, multi-function steering wheel (audio/trip computer/vehicle settings/phone/navigation), electric windows/mirrors (with heating), luxury climate control, rain-sensing wipers, burr walnut trim and leather seat trim.

Safety equipment comprises adaptive brake lights, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, ABS, traction control, Brake Assist, stability control and six airbags (front, side-impact and side-curtain -- all for front-seat occupants only). Despite the lack of airbags behind the B pillar, the Viano has still been rated a five-star vehicle for crash safety by ANCAP.

The prestige importer provided the Carsales Network a brief drive of the new model last week and the Viano proved a comfortable tourer on the open road, as well as a relatively practical vehicle for carting bods around town.

Given what the Viano offers, in terms of mixing commercial vehicle packaging and passenger car mechanicals, it represents good value. The V6 is a strong performer, but there can be some gruffness if and when the transmission changes up too soon. It's an engine that is altogether happier with a few more revs than the transmission will necessarily permit when it's on a fuel-saving crusade.

As far as dynamics go, the Viano provides surprisingly communicative steering, which comes as no surprise to this writer, based on a previous drive of the commercial-focused Vito, which is the commercial version of the Viano -- without all the additional seating.

Seating in the Viano is not especially supportive during cornering, due to the lack of side bolstering, but ease of access compensates to a large degree. For a vehicle that rides fairly high off the ground, stepping up into the driver's seat is not at all difficult, courtesy of the step under the doors and the relatively low H-point. Controls are easy to use and the instruments are highly legible, but the Viano could do with a footrest for the driver's left foot.

In the second row seat there's outstanding room to stretch out, with a hollow below each of the front seats to poke one's toes. As with the front seats, access is straightforward for persons of any stature.

Even with the adult-level accommodation in the third row seat, there remained substantial luggage space in the rear. If there's one concern, it rests with the weight of the tailgate, which was not powered in the vehicle tested. It's large and heavy, meaning it could be fouled by vehicles or obstacles close behind the Viano and might be a test of stamina for some users.

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