SECTOR: Van   PRICE: From €17,990   FUEL: 6.0l/100km   CO2: 170g/km

Mercedes claims a first for offering front, rear and four-wheel drive models in this sector of the van market. Vito went on sale in most European markets in September 2014 and right-hand-drive sales have recently followed.

For front drive models, Mercedes is using the Renault-Nissan 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel, similar to that in the Renault Trafic and Vauxhall Vivaro. This engine provides the two lower power ratings for the van, with 88hp and 114hp, badged 109CDI and 111CDI. Mercedes 2.15-litre diesel has been revised to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations and is available in three power ratings; 136hp (114 BlueTEC), 163hp (116 BlueTEC), and 190hp (119 BlueTEC).

All engine options are available with all three body lengths and weights. The three lengths are designated Compact, Long and Extra Long and each is available as a panel van, crew van or passenger carrying Tourer. Tourers are available with two trim choices; Tourer Select and Tourer PRO. Prices start from €17,990 (ex-taxes) for the 109 CDI panel van. Perhaps surprisingly it is the larger engined 116 and 119 BlueTEC models that are the economy champions, both returning 6.0l/100km on the combined cycle. All rear drive models get the option of Mercedes’ BlueEFFICIENCY package, which includes alternator management, improved under body aerodynamics and automatic engine Stop/Start. Alternator management ensures that the battery is only charged during coasting or deceleration. 2.15-litre engines are Euro 6 compliant from the start, requiring the AdBlue additive. The 1.6-litre engine is available as a Euro 5 compliant engine initially. The four gross weight ratings are 2,500kg, 2,800kg, 3,050kg and 3,200kg.

There’s a lot of standard equipment in the Vito spec including Attention Assist to ensure the driver remains alert, Crosswind Assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Other equipment includes cruise control, a speed limiter, a trip computer and 5.8-inch dashboard display. Bluetooth connectivity, USB and aux in ports, iPod interface and SD memory card slots are also available. In the load area, twin rear doors, two side loading doors and a full height bulkhead are all available.

Unfortunately we didn’t drive one of the new front-wheel drive models, but were able to sample a 114BlueTEC variant as a Long van and Long Tourer in the entry-level PRO spec. The van was loaded to 500kg. Even so, the 136hp engine gave respectable performance on a mix of roads including motorway. Noise levels were low in the van and eight-seater Tourer, while ride and handling felt as though they could be a match for the Ford Transit Custom. A load always helps to improve ride quality but the unladen Tourer also provided a smooth ride.

The weight took up a good deal of the load space but minimal taper to the body sides helps maximise available space and there are sturdy looking tie-down eyes in the floor and lower body sides. There was plenty of room for the driver with comfortable seat adjustment, although the fixed twin passenger seat in the van limited legroom.

What we think:

The new Vito has class leading potential, and is a capable challenger to the Ford Transit Courier. With potential for low running costs, it seems to offer plenty of fleet appeal.