Vito revamp delivers more powerful diesel
BY NEIL MCDONALD | 22nd Feb 2007
The range-topping turbo-diesel will be available in the 120 CDI and is part of revisions to the range to improve safety, power and efficiency.
The 3.0-litre 120 CDI develops 150kW at 3800rpm and 440Nm between 1800rpm and 2400rpm and is the same engine as that available in the E-class sedan and M-class off-roader.
Mercedes-Benz claims it is the most powerful one-tonne van available locally.
The engine will be available in either a Van or Crew Cab configurations, fitted with the Extra Long body.
This V6 offers an impressive turn of speed, accelerating to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds and returning 9.2L/100km combined.
To differentiate it from other Vitos, the 120 CDI gains 17-inch light-alloys, colour-coded bumpers, leather steering wheel and gear knob and dark tinted windows on the Crew Cab model.
As part of the 2007 upgrades all Vitos now have air conditioning and adaptive electronic stability program as standard.
The adaptive ESP takes into consideration the mass and the centre of gravity of the vehicle in extreme conditions. It is already available in the Sprinter range.
Apart from the addition of a more powerful turbo-diesel at the top end, the entry 109CDI gains 5kW more power and 30Nm more torque, from 65kW/220Nm to 70kW at 3800rpm and 250Nm between 1400rpm and 2400rpm.
The 115 CDI comes with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine but employs two-stage turbocharging, producing 110kW at 3800rpm and 330Nm between 1800 and 2400 rpm.
Four variants are available - the Compact Vito, Long Vito with High Roof and Extra-Long Vito.
There are two wheelbases (3200 mm for the Compact and Long with High Roof, 3430 mm for the Extra-Long), three lengths (4748mm for Compact, 4993mm for the long with High Roof and 5223mm for the Extra-Long).
The range has a GVM rating of 2940kg while the Compact, Long Vito with High Roof and Extra-Long offer load volumes of 4.65 m3, 6.49 m3 and 5.68 m3 respectively.
The Crew Cab offers seating for up to six occupants as well as 3.65 m3 of load space.
Up to 1712mm of loading length is available behind the second row of seats and even more cargo space is available with the second row removed.
The Crew Cab is fitted with seating for five as standard, with an optional front bench-style seat for three.
The Vito Wagon is available with the 115 CDI turbo diesel in a long body configuration, the eight-seater Vito Wagon (two individual front seats with two rows of three seats behind) is available with an optional bench-style front seat for three.
The two rows of rear seats can be folded flat.
The Vito diesels employ common rail direct injection technology as well as intercooling for the incoming fuel/air mixture.
Apart from the standard air conditioning standard equipment includes an in-dash CD stereo, remote central locking, driver’s airbag, six-speed manual for the 109 CDI and Extra-Long panel van 115 CDI, a five-speed automatic for the 115 CDI and 120 CDI, wide-angle mirrors, power steering, 16-inch tyres and rims (17-inch on the 120 CDI), adaptive ESP, height adjustable driver’s seat, height and reach adjustable steering.
All models have four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts with stabiliser are fitted at the front and coil springs with shock absorbers at the rear.
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz Vito pricing: | |
| 109 CDI Compact | $38,700 |
| 109 CDI Long High Roof | $43,060 |
| 109 CDI Extra Long | $41,780 |
| 115 CDI Compact (a) | $46,540 |
| 115 CDI Long High Roof (a) | $50,430 |
| 115 CDI Extra Long (a) | $49,260 |
| 120 CDI Extra Long (a) | $52,540 |
| 109 CDI Compact | $42,740 |
| 109 CDI Extra Long | $45,460 |
| 115 CDI Compact (a) | $50,220 |
| 115 CDI Extra Long (a) | $52,940 |
| 120 CDI Extra Long (a) | $56,270 |
| 115 CDI Long (a) | $57,950 |