Nip and tuck for Merc’s Vito

The Vito is locally available in three variants namely, the Panel Van, Mixto and Tourer and it’s a well-known vehicle in the commerce, service and trade industries.

From the outside, a nip and tuck facelift boasts a new radiator grille design – with and without the chrome option. The options of the Vito facelift include Active Brake Assist, painted bumpers and a Driver Assist Package.

On the inside, the designers have updated the entire interior with a new fabric, a white stripe pattern on the seat cushion and backrest while the sides and headrest are finished off in a long-lasting black.

The Vito facelift includes new ventilation nozzles (like the more expensive V-Class) with a turbine look on the left and right edges of the dashboard. In conjunction with the optional chrome package, the central dashboard is now framed by an element in piano lacquer finish. With this option, the surrounds of the new ventilation nozzles also come in a chrome design. To round off the interior, a heavy-duty and waterproof floor covering provides improved dampening and an anti-slip surface for entering and exiting the vehicle.

The facelift also extends the range of infotainment systems. The new Vito uses digital radio reception for all radio options. This means that crystal-clear and interference-free radio reception is even possible over long distances in consistently good quality. The new Audio 30 and Audio 40 infotainment systems meet many customer requirements, with a 7-inch touchscreen with Smartphone Integration via Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.

The new optional Active Brake Assist can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving ahead, and initially gives a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver responds, the assistance system builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no response, the system actively assists with braking manoeuvres. In urban traffic, Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or crossing pedestrians.

Drivetrain choices remain unchanged.

• Pricing and specification:

Vito Panel Van:

Vito 111 CDI - R573 041 (1.6 L with 84 kW/270 Nm).

Vito 114 CDI - R597 056 (2.1 L with 100 kW/330 Nm).

Vito 116 CDI - R677 085 (2.1 L with 120 kW/380 Nm).

Vito Mixto:

Vito Mixto 111 CDI – R668 489 (1.6 L with 84 kW/270 Nm).

Vito Mixto 116 CDI – R895 584 (2.1 L with 120 kW/380 Nm).

Vito Tourer:

Vito Tourer 111 (Base) – R621 283 (1.6 L with 84 kW/270 Nm).

Vito Tourer 111 CDI PRO - R762 263 (1.6 L with 84 kW/270 Nm).

Vito Tourer 114 CDI PRO - R794 399 (2.1 L with 100 kW/330 Nm).

Vito Tourer 116 CDI PRO - R901 634 (2.1 L with 120 kW/380 Nm).

Vito Tourer 116 CDI SELECT - R1 071 429 (2.1 L with 120 kW/380 Nm).

Vito Tourer 119 CDI SELECT - R1 109 788 (2.1 L with 140 kW/440 Nm).

• Competitors:

Volkswagen Kombi/Caravelle, Toyota Quantum/Hi-Ace, Ford Tourneo Custom, Kia Grand Sedona and the Hyundai H-1.