2014 Mercedes-Benz Vito Unveiled

by Leisure Wheels

30 July 2014

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the latest version of its popular Vito van.

Predictably, the design of the new Vito sticks pretty closely to that of the recently-released V-Class (in South Africa sometime in 2015), but can be seen as a slightly more utilitarian iteration of that vehicle.

Not that the Vito won’t offer a lot, mind you. The Vito panel van will be the only model in its class available in three lengths and with three different drive systems. With up to 1369 kg of cargo capacity, it will have the highest payload in its class as well.

Meanwhile the Vito Mixto featuring a crewcab combines the advantages of a panel van with those of a crewbus. The new Vito Tourer sees Mercedes-Benz opening an entirely new chapter in passenger transport. There are three versions available: the functional and rugged Vito Tourer BASE, the versatile Vito Tourer PRO and the premium Vito Tourer SELECT. By virtue of this complete model family, the Tourer can be tailored to accommodate all types of passenger transport.

It will be the first vehicle in its class to be available with a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel and now front-wheel drive too. The correlation is clear: the new front-wheel drive system in the range is very light. When unladen or carrying only a light load, front-wheel drive offers better traction. The purchase price is also highly attractive. Proven rear-wheel drive is the right solution for all applications involving heavy weights, high towing capacities and exceptional driving dynamics.

All-wheel drive is necessary when high traction is required, including in tough conditions or off surfaced roads. Due to the new integral design of the all-wheel drive, the vehicle height of the Vito 4×4 is the same as on models with front or rear-wheel drive.

The new Vito with front-wheel drive is made for the following profile: predominantly solo operation with maximum payload at low to medium gross vehicle weights. Keeping costs as low as possible is also a priority. It has a transverse-mounted, compact four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres and which is available in two power ratings: the Vito 109 CDI with 65 kW (88 hp) and the Vito 111 CDI with 84 kW (114 hp).

In cases where demands on performance are high, use will be intensive, gross vehicle weights are high or trailer towing will be demanding, the right choice is the new Vito with rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine with a 2.15-litre displacement. It is available at three power output levels Vito 114 CDI, 100 kW (136 hp); Vito 116 CDI, 120 kW (163 hp), and Vito 119 BlueTEC, 140 kW (190 hp). As the first Euro 6 engine in this class the Vito 119 BlueTEC occupies a special place.
Six-speed manual transmissions handle power transmission as standard. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with torque converter is optional for the Vito 114 CDI and Vito 116 CDI and standard equipment on the Vito 119 BlueTEC and the Vito 4×4 with all-wheel drive. For vans it is the world’s only automatic transmission with torque converter and seven gears.