Vito gets more muscle

Mercedes-Benz has introduced what it says is the most powerful one-ton van in Australia.

The all-new Vito 120 CDi offers 150kW and 440Nm from its 3.0 litre V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine. Mercedes-Benz claim a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 8.3sec along with 9.2lt/100km fuel consumption.

The Vito is also claimed to be the top-selling European one-ton van in this country, last year selling 1851 units -- a rate which DaimlerChrysler expect to see matched or exceeded this year.

The new Vito range also sees an upgrade for the entry-level 109 CDi, which now offers 70kW and 250Nm -- up from 65kW/220Nm. The 115 CDi 2.2-litre four-cylinder two-stage turbocharged engine is unchanged, producing 110kW and 330Nm, but the 109 petrol engine has been discontinued. The 109 CDi is offered with the choice of six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions while the 115 and 120 have the five-speed automatic as standard, with no manual option offered.

All engines are Euro 4 emissions compliant.

The Gross Vehicle Mass rating rises to 2940kg, up from 2770 kg.

All Vito models are now offered with Adaptive Electronic Stability Programme as standard. First seen on the new Sprinter range introduced late last year, adaptive ESP takes into account the mass and centre of gravity of the vehicle during operation and alters its almost instantaneous operation to accommodate -- even adapting to loads which are not fully secured.

The Vito van range comes in two wheelbases (3200 and 3430mm), three lengths (4748mm Compact, 4993 Long and 5223 Extra Long) and either three or six-seater configurations. In the Crewcab, the second row of seaters can be easily removed to accommodate more cargo.

An eight (or optionally nine)-seater Vito Wagon is also available on the 115 CDi long platform.

Pricing starts at $38,700 for the 109CDi manual Compact, rising through 12 alternatives to the 120 CDi Extra Long auto at $56,270. The eight-seater Vito wagon tops the price-list at $57,950.

Air-conditioning, driver’s side air-bag, ABS brakes and a factory-fitted Becker sound system are all standard fitment. The factory warranty has been upgraded to cover three years or 200,000km and vehicles are available from dealers now.

Look out for CarPoint/Carsales launch review of the new 'yee-hah' V6 Vito next week.

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