IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

There's nothing quite like a Mercedes Vito Crew Van. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 28

The Mercedes Vito Crew Van combines utility with passenger versatility - and can throw in a bit of unexpected luxury at the same time. It's an unusual combination.

Backgroundword count: 96

Think of a crew van - in the unlikely event that you ever do - and it's improbable that your mental picture would be anything like as nice as the Mercedes Vito Crew Van model we look at here. Particularly the leather-lined 'Premium Night Edition' version tested in this particular case. But not all crew vans are used for transporting men in hard hats between building sites. This particular Vito can combine chauffeur and delivery duties all in one. Which might make it a great fit for quite a few businesses. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 132

As usual with a Vito, the powerplant is a 2.0-litre diesel unit mated to 9G-TRONIC auto transmission. The ordinary 116 version gets this powertrain in 160hp form with 380Nm of torque. The plusher 'Premium Night Edition' variant we tried gets this engine in uprated 187hp guise, with 187hp and 400Nm of torque. And over bumps and around corners? The ride might be a slightly firmer than you're used to but it's an undeniably supple and well-controlled one you'll quickly adapt to and appreciate. Overall, we'd struggle to name a crew van rival that rode better or was more refined. There's also the fact that, a little unusually in this class, this van is rear rather than front driven, meaning more rewarding handling than you might be expecting and a tighter turning circle.

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