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Since its South African launch back in 2003, the Mercedes-Benz Vito has become a familiar offering for most commercial applications. It has long been the go-to for most shuttle services for hotel concierges due to its versatility, and the brand hopes to expand on this with the latest model, which was recently unveiled to the media in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. Built at the Vitoria plant in Spain, along with the V-Class, it remains the second-largest plant in the company’s Van family.
Boasting a cleaner and more refreshed front visage, thanks to the new grille and headlights, the Vito comes in two body derivatives: The Mixto Select is aimed at those who prefer the versatility of having both utility and passenger space, thereby negating the need for a bakkie, for instance. Then there’s the Tourer Select, which is aimed more at family-oriented individuals and those in the shuttle services industry, such as hotels, etc. The Tourer Select has space for up to eight individuals, making it ideal for bigger families where a 5-seater vehicle simply won’t suffice.
Cabin appointments are of good tactile quality, but don’t expect any frills that you would associate with the more luxurious V-Class. That said, you still get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen replete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, while ahead of the driver sits a 5.5-inch TFT screen that beams most of the vehicle’s vital information, including cruise control and the suite of active and passive safety items onboard. These include Attention Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Keep Assist, to name a few.
Powering the Select range is the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre turbodiesel powerplant with 140kW and 440Nm driving the rear wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It is a good performer with ample torque that comes in at just 1,500r/min and is available for a broad band in the rev range. Towing capacity, meanwhile, is rated at 3,200kg making it ideal for towing a caravan and the like with relative ease.
On the road, the Vito remains steady and surefooted for the most part, dispensing a fairly cushy ride quality belied by its commercial vehicle underpinnings. The gearbox handled its shuffling duties with aplomb, and I was very impressed with how the vehicle handled some gravel roads considering its rear-wheel-drive configuration. The automated side door and boot opening provide easy access to both the rear passenger and boot quarters, so most people can operate these with ease.
I quite like the array of accessories that one can specify for the model, ranging from bike and roof racks to an off-road kit that comes with a slightly raised ride height and tyres geared for more hostile road conditions. As much as it's purposeful, it also looks very cool! Thankfully, all these accessories are locally sourced and homologated specifically for Mzansi conditions. There are three wheel options measuring 17 inches in diameter, and these are a no-cost item for buyers, which is great for the buyer’s peace of mind.
Overall impressions of the Mercedes-Benz Vito count quality, a polished drive and that revered badge on its snout. The Mixto is available for R1,264,200 and the Tourer for R1,360,000. The latter is slightly pricier than its closest rivals, namely the Hyundai Staria at R1,263,900 and the Toyota Quantum VX weighing in at R1,241,400. Both models, in my opinion, offer slightly plusher cabins compared to the Vito, which might be enough to sway some buyers. But for those looking for a premium badge while forgoing better cabin appointments, then the Mercedes-Benz Vito makes a compelling case for itself.
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