RE-VITO-ISED (some text hidden) new_mercedesvitovan_2015

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 82

The Mercedes Vito is a van that knows its business. This 'W447'- series MK3 model, launched in 2015, offered the option of front wheel drive and a smaller 1.6-litre diesel engine to Vito customers for the first time, as well as greater efficiency from the more familiar 2.1-litre diesel rear-driven variants. It was also smarter, quieter, better equipped and safer than its predecessor. But does the 2015-2020-era version of this quality mid-sized LCV make sense as a used buy? Let's find out.

Modelsword count: 4

Van 1.7, 2.1 (diesel)

Historyword count: 165

One of the things you learn early on in business is that the cheapest options aren't always the best ones. And that the way you deliver your goods says plenty about them. Both things explain the appeal of the Mercedes-Benz of medium range vans, this model, the Vito. It was first launched in third generation form in 2015. The Vito model line dates all the way back to 1996 when the first generation 'W638'-series model first hit the showrooms, replaced by a second generation 'W639'-series design in 2003. Both those LCVs could only be had in rear-driven form, but from launch in 2015, this MK3 Vito widened its appeal by also offering front wheel drive to customers of its lowest-powered engine. That proved to be a good move, leading to over 530,000 sales of this 'W447'-series design in its first five years of production. There was a wide-ranging facelift in mid-2020, but it's the earlier 2015-2020 versions of this MK3 model we look at here.

What You Getword count: 515

Basing any van on an up-market MPV is always going to help its aesthetics - and so it proves here. The Vito is essentially the commercial vehicle version of Mercedes' V-Class luxury MPV, so as with that MPV, you get slippery aerodynamics and a purposeful look, with an arrow-shaped bonnet flowing down into a nose section that, with greater crash protection, accounts for this MK3 model's extra 140mm of length compared to its predecessor. The Vito's wide door opening and well placed step mean that getting in is a simple enough manoeuvre and once seated aloft, you'll find a cab that's immaculately constructed and typically functional. That quality feel is exemplified by the smart three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, which isn't set at such a bus-like angle as you'll find in some competitors. Through it, you view clear, round, classy dials separated by an information display. We also highly rate the seats. Trimmed in tough black 'tunja' fabric, they're much more comfortable in this MK3 model than they were before, partly because the base cushion was made bigger and the backrest fashioned to be larger. And partly because a change to the contour of the bulkhead meant that they could be reclined by 83mm more than they could previously be. What about the business end? Well as usual with a mid-sized van, twin rear doors come as standard and can open out to either 90 or 180-degrees. All versions of this Mercedes come with a choice of either 2.8 or 3.05-tonne Gross Vehicle Weights: go for a standard 2.8-tonne front-driven variant and you'll be able to haul up to 955kgs about. A rear-driven Vito though, can do much better. You get an additional 3.2-tonne Gross Vehicle Weight option with this configuration and the result is the potential to carry a maximum payload capacity that could be as much as 1,255kgs - a class-leading figure. And loading capacity? Well, since Vito buyers don't get a choice of roof height, this'll depend entirely between buyers' choice of body length. The shortest 'Compact' bodystyle gives you 5.8m3 of capacity and 2,586mm of loadbay length. Move on to the 'Long' variant and you get 6.3m3 and 2,831mm of length. Finally, the 'Extra Long' version gives you a spacious 6.6m3 and 3,061mm of loadbay length. Three dimensions are the same for all Vitos though. First, there's a loading sill height over which you've to lump your cargo - that's 557mm. Then, the loading bay height - 1,195mm. And finally, the loading bay width - 1,685mm from side to side or 1,270mm between the wheelarches - just wide enough to slide in a Europallet. In fact, the most spacious 'Extra-long' derivative would easily allow you to fit three Europallets in line in here. Talking of pallets, you can also fit one in through the sliding side doors - there's one each side provided as standard. Keeping costs down will be a major priority for potential owners, people who'll be pleased to hear that from the launch of this model, Mercedes claimed across-the-board fuel economy gains of around 20% for this improved Vito.

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