Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Sep 01, 2010

- Drive system: economic engines and BlueEFFICIENCY technology cut costs
- Chassis: the new chassis offers ride comfort tailored to the user's needs
- Interior: a practical and comfortable workplace with upgraded appointments
- Exterior: unmistakably Vito – the new Vito sports a striking new face

Tough, indestructible and dependable – day-in, day-out, the Mercedes-Benz Vito applies itself uncomplainingly to the rigours of the tasks on hand. This is a van that knows its business. Mercedes-Benz has undertaken a comprehensive revamp of the Vito van, which is now yet more economical and kinder on the environment, yet more practical and more dynamic. New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent while enhancing performance. The fully reconfigured chassis is tailored to the transportation of goods or passengers, according to the model concerned. The driver's workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Vito crewbus are more attractively appointed than ever. The new Mercedes Vito is readily recognisable by its new "face", combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the robustness of a commercial vehicle.


Drive system: economic engines and BlueEFFICIENCY technology cut costs

The central innovation featuring in the latest Vito is a completely new drive offering particularly economical and environmentally friendly operation. All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard. Fuel consumption has fallen markedly once again, accompanied by cuts of up to 15 percent in CO2 emissions, depending on the engine variant. Further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions are possible with the optionally available BlueEFFICIENCY technology. This innovative package, which is available as an option for the Vito panel van and comes as standard for the Vito crewbus licensed as a passenger car, is a unique offering in the vans segment. The new four-cylinder engines rated at 70 kW (95 hp) in the Vito 110 CDI, 100 kW (136 hp) in the Vito 113 CDI and 120 kW (163 PS) in the Vito 116 CDI are provided with balancer shafts for impressively smooth running.

All diesel engines are equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter, a particulate filter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. The new ECO Gear six-speed manual transmission for all four-cylinder models offers a broad gear ratio spread for optimum performance and enables low fuel consumption and emission levels.

Top of the range among the diesel engines is the V6 in the Vito 122 CDI, which combines smooth running with impressive output and high tractive power. With a power output of 165 kW (224 hp), it now offers even better performance, while combining economy with environment-friendliness. The Vito 126 and its V6 petrol engine rated at 190 kW (258 hp) offer superior power and comfort.

The new chassis is even more robust and offers ride comfort tailored to the user's needs

The rear-wheel drive has benefited the Mercedes-Benz Vito's driving dynamics and handling ever since the current model series was first introduced. The new Vito impresses with a completely new and perfectly tuned chassis. Both the front and rear axles have only their basic construction in common with the previous models. The new chassis sets new standards in driving stability and robustness, ride comfort and driving safety in the Vito's class. The Vito panel van/Mixto and Vito crewbus come with a rear axle configured to the respective areas of use. The Vito continues to lead the way, offering an unparalleled high standard of safety and an unmatched scope of assistance systems as part of the standard scope of equipment.

Interior: a practical and comfortable workplace with upgraded appointments

The host of new features inside the Vito all boil down to even simpler operation, enhanced comfort and an even higher-quality look and feel.

The Vito is more user-friendly than ever, featuring a new shift lever, pushbuttons in the upper control panel of the centre console and an optional upgraded overhead control unit, for example. Numerous new items of equipment enhance the Vito, offering added scope for individualisation and assistance first and foremost for the driver. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel with new control buttons and matt chromed spoke trims is available as an option for the Vito. A new generation of radios is now optionally available for all model variants. Rear Seat Entertainment is now on board the Vito crewbus to keep the rear passengers duly entertained and informed. The Vito covers the full spectrum of media wishes, from an entertaining film to an informative presentation for business associates.

A new colour concept for the interior panelling including floor coverings and a new interior lighting system enhance the appearance of the Vito crewbus at the rear and further enhance the Vito's hallmark high functionality.

Exterior: unmistakably Vito – the new Vito sports a striking new face

Mercedes-Benz has also incorporated numerous new highlights into the exterior design. The new "face" of the Vito features a yet more striking and distinctive look, in keeping with the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz while at the same time exuding the robust character of a commercial vehicle. New reflector headlamps offset the radiator grille. The daytime driving lights which come as standard are integrated with their own light source in the headlamp housings, together with the fog lamps. The new-generation Vito is optionally available with a combination of Bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime driving lights, cornering lights, Add-Light system and a headlamp cleaning system. The Vito's front bumper also comes in a new, upgraded design featuring a honeycomb look, for example. The grained surface highlights the Vito's robust character. The bumper is optionally available in a painted and smoothed finish in the vehicle's exterior colour.