Road Tested By Hugh Maguire.
I need to start this review with a confession! I normally do not review commercial vehicles. After all its an area that has specific requirements, as those reading the review are concerned more about payload than style and cost and reliability rather than fancy standard kit. So when Mercedes invited me to road test her new Vito panel van I was somewhat reluctant. However upon reflection I thought that the fact that I was not a regular road tester of commercial vehicles might actually bring somewhat of a different viewpoint. So here we are. This week I am road testing the Mercedes Vito panel van. The model in question is the Vito Select long Panel Van with a 119 CDI diesel power plant. Mercedes offer the Vito in three body styles, Panel van, five seat Vito Mixto crew van, and multi-seat Vito tourer.
So how does it look?
Well its a panel van! So it looks like a van. Mind you the front does boast the familiar Mercedes “face” so it does stand out from other vans as being just that bit more distinctive.
What is it like inside?
With two seats (some vans boast three) in the cab area I was genuinely surprised at just how comfortable and well equipped the new Vito has become.
The elevated driving position is just perfect. The drivers seat has electric adjustment for lumbar support as well as a foldable armrest and the leather multifunction steering wheel is adjustable for both reach and rake.
There is a refreshing (i don’t like the digital displays) set of analogue instruments for speed and engine revs as well as a digital configurable menu for other information such as trip info etc. The centre console boasts a 10.25 inh touch screen with very good functionality and connectivity.
The Vito Select boasts a truly comprehensive suite of standard kit highlights of which include, alloy wheel, heated seats, keyless start, blind spot indicators, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, auto dipping LED headlights, climate control, a decent stereo system and numerous safety features such as lane assist, and rear cross traffic detection. A reversing camera and park assist are other worthy features of the Vito but this list is by no means the complete specification.
Behind the driver and passenger is a full metal panel separating the load area from the cab.
Gripes: Every time you realise the seatbelts they retract and slam into that metal bulkhead with a metallic bang. Also I was surprised at the lack of handy storage in between the two front seats. Theres a small open box below the centre console ( which should have a rubber mat to stop items rating and rolling around) but the floor between the front seats is just that, a floor. There should really be a big storage area for all those items one needs in a working van.
What’s under the bonnet?
A 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel producing some 190 PS and driving the rear wheels through an 9-G ironic auto gearbox. Over my 500km or so it returned a consumption of 7.6 litres per 100km.
Whats the Load area like?
Very big, with a flat floor, with easy access via the huge rear tailgate and two sliding side doors. At night a row of bright LED’s and a separate light illuminate the load area vey well. I really tried its usability loading a large variety of household goods into the van as well as numerous loose heavy items. In all cases the Vito proved easy to load and the fact that it has two sliding side doors means easy access even when loaded.
Payload is up to 1354kg with a gross vehicle weight of between 2.8 and 3.2 tonnes depending on model.
Verdict
The new Vito Select panel van proved to be surprisingly comfortable, good to drive, very well equipped and of most importance a very capable load carrier. The new Vito Select Panel van is priced from €49,948 ex VAT.