Vans offer huge load carrying capacity. The definition for a van goes something like this: A van is an enclosed boxlike motor vehicle that has rear or side doors and side panels for transporting people. Often a van is used for transporting goods or livestock.

Now days your typical van often looks like an overturned fridge on wheels! Mercedes, thankfully, have given a little more thought to the design of their vans. Most people like to own something a little special, so Mercedes have realised this and have designed their big machines with a bit more style than your general run of the mill –fridge on wheels. You will notice that the Mercedes Vito has a nice nose that is pronounced. When ever I have driven a van I have noticed that I am less than two feet away from an impact – if the worst happened. I like vans with noses; they always give you a little more security when you find yourself sitting in their front seats. The Mercedes Benz is wonderfully built, and the first thing you appreciate when slipping inside this van is the feeling of security. You know you are in a safe environment. The foundation of the Vito’s safety is in the body itself. The construction has a durable support structure and high-stability passenger cell. This combination of strength and rigidity was optimised in the design phase to enhance all-round crash safety. The front section of the big van’s body comprises two deformation boxes welded to the longitudinal support beams. This ensures that maximum energy is absorbed during a frontal collision. Other crash scenarios were performed in the Vito’s development phase, such as side and rear-end collisions. The results speak for themselves, and underline the Vito’s exemplary safety standards. On the road, the Mercedes Benz Vito feels as safe, and as solid, as a rock. The van has a super chassis that ensures that the van body remains balanced, and in control, in all road-work. Grip levels are superb, and this is what all Vito drivers will enjoy. It is a great asset to know that the van is as good as it is when you are transporting important commodities from A to B, or for that matter human life itself. The dynamic control systems ADAPTIVE ESP, ABS, ASR, EBV and BAS offer exceptionally high safety standards. In the event of an accident, vehicle occupants receive optimum protection from sophisticated seat-belt systems and premium airbags. The Vito features, as standard, 3-point seat belts for all the seats inside the van. The driver and front passenger are also provided with seat-belt pre tensioners that instantly tighten the belt against the body in the event of a collision.

The van has plenty of power for getting the job done. There are a number of 4-cylinder CDI engines. And, the Vito now features a V6 CDI engine that has a superb maximum power of 150 kW. The base model has a responsive and very economical 70 kW engine, while the middle power output stands at 110 kW. The choice is yours. The essential torque figures are strong in all engines, with the most powerful engine producing a whopping 440 Nm. On all diesel engines, the new piezo diesel injectors significantly reduce fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and engine noise – whilst at the same time delivering enhanced engine performance, smooth running and a perfectly coordinated engine transmission unit. There is also a very smooth 170 kW 18 valve dual overhead cam 6-cylinder petrol engine that is linked to either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission.

The interior of the Mercedes Benz Vito is designed as a work horse, with hook points throughout the luggage compartment to ensure your cargo is stable. The Vito also offers quite an array of options to meet all your particular needs. On the inside you can get the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system which integrates the audio system with a navigational system. There is a multifunction steering wheel that incorporates the audio system, the Multifunctional COMAND system and even the optional phone system. There is a host of different seats you can choose from, some including heat and leather. If bulky cargo will be the hauled there is a protection grille behind the driver’s seat to protect you against falling or shifting items. There is a choice in climate controls, and even a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Outside, you can choose from 180 degree opening rear doors, electronic tilting/sliding sunroof, headlight washers and even Parktronic, which will aid you when parking your Vito.

With a wide array of options, the Mercedes-Benz Vito is one of the world’s top vans. Check one out today!

Current model series include:

• Mercedes Benz Vito

For any more information on the Mercedes Benz Vito, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mercedes dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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