Item: Mercedes Vito
Rating: 2
Author: What Car? Team

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Introduction

Performance & drive

Interior

Passenger & boot space

Costs & verdict

The availability of front-wheel drive and a smaller engine may make the Mercedes Vito considerably cheaper to buy than it once was, but it’s still at the very top end of the segment for price.

Parts, too, can be expensive, but running costs are some of the most reasonable around. The 116 CDI model is the most economical option,&nbsp;with official fuel consumption of 49.6mpg, while the 111 CDI we recommend returns a still highly commendable 45.6mpg.

Generous standard equipment also helps compensate for the high prices, with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist, a speed limiter and a 6.0in&nbsp;colour display for the infotainment system all included.

That said, we’d recommend adding Blindspot Assist. And it’s worth noting that if reversing isn’t your forte, the optional reversing camera is particularly sharp.

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One of the many changes made to this Mercedes Vito compared with previous versions is that it's available with front-wheel drive, in which case&nbsp;it's powered by a 1.6-litre diesel engine sourced from Renault.

This engine meets Euro 6 emissions standards and develops 87bhp or 113bhp, depending on which version you choose,&nbsp;with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard, and a seven-speed automatic available as an option on the higher-powered model.

Alternatively, you can still have rear-wheel drive, combined with Mercedes’ own 2.1-litre diesel in 134bhp, 161bhp or 188bhp forms.

While the 161bhp 2.1-litre diesel is the most frugal engine option (at least officially) and the 188bhp 2.1 is certainly the most powerful, it’s actually the 113bhp 1.6 (badged 111 CDI) that we would opt for.

Unlike the 87bhp 1.6, which feels right at its limit, the 113bhp variant provides enough grunt to move a fully laden Vito with ease. What’s more, the 1.6 is a quieter engine than the 2.1.

Whichever you go for, the suspension is on the firm side for a van that plays a dual role as a people mover, but it stops short of being uncomfortable, and that firmness makes the Vito feel sportier than some rivals to drive,

True, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">Ford Transit Custom</a> remains more rounded, while the rear-wheel-drive Vito feels that bit more assured than its front-wheel-drive sister, but the&nbsp;handling in both is sharp and the extra weight over the front axle adds more directness to the front-wheel-drive Vito’s steering.

For younger siblings, it can be hard to prove yourself against a larger, older, and more successful sibling. It's a feeling the Mercedes Vito must know all too well.

You see, it might be smaller than the big-selling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter</a>, but it's got no less of a tougher job to do. In fact, given that competition among the medium sized van market includes the big-selling <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">Ford Transit Custom</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/transporter/van/review/n18205">Volkswagen Transporter</a>, you could argue that it has something of a mountain to climb.

And this Vito starts from the back foot, because the old van had a reputation for being expensive to buy and run. This new version aims to change that, largely by adding a new front-wheel drive variant with reduced weight, improved fuel consumption and an improved load capacity.

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Keep reading the next few pages of this review to find out how the Mercedes Vito&nbsp;compares with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-medium-vans-2021/n20726">best medium vans</a>&nbsp;in terms of performance, interior quality, day-to-day usability and, of course,&nbsp;load-lugging ability. We'll also let you know whether it should be on you or your company's shopping list.

And remember, we can help you find the best leasing deals through the free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-leasing/">What Car? Leasing</a>&nbsp;section, where you can get a quote for whichever make and model of&nbsp;car or van fits your personal or business needs.

Inside, the Vito borrows heavily from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/v-class/estate/review/n17287">Mercedes V-Class</a> passenger car, so it’s very well put together. However, as a working vehicle where the priorities are durability and practicality, it falls short. The&nbsp;toughened versions of traditional Mercedes switches for example, make the already lacklustre interior feel downright dull in comparison with&nbsp;rivals.

There are three open storage areas beneath the windscreen, and two cup holders, while a small tray beneath the gear lever is ideal for phones, keys, papers or notebooks. It’s just a pity the door pockets are narrow and there’s no overhead storage, because this means keeping things out of sight can be an issue.

The seats are firm and supportive, but it’s worth considering the optional and highly adjustable Comfort seats if you'll be doing big journeys regularly. A steering wheel that’s adjustable for reach and rake is also an option.

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

VITO

It's pricey, but if brand and image are your thing, the Mercedes Vito is head and shoulders above the rest.

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Buying a van at the right operating weight to suit your needs is very important, which is why the Vito has a range from 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes for the front-wheel-drive version and up to 3.2 tonnes for the rear-wheel drive.

Despite the big difference between the highest gross vehicle weight vans, rear-wheel-drive&nbsp;improves the maximum payload by only 80kg, supporting a capacity of up to 1369kg. This is because of the additional weight of the rear-wheel-drive setup.

Front-wheel-drive Vitos are actually 120kg lighter than the previous-generation model, and 60kg lighter than the current rear-wheel drive, which gives them a maximum payload of 1289kg.

The three body lengths of Compact, Long and Extra Long mean the Vito&nbsp;can measure 4895mm, 5140mm or 5370mm, and carry maximum load lengths of 2586mm, 2831mm and 3061mm respectively.

Despite now being 140mm longer than the previous-generation model, largely for pedestrian safety, the Vito’s load space actually remains unchanged, with load volumes of between 5.8m3 and 6.9m3.

Sadly, the lack of a high-roof option limits practicality compared with the best rivals. For example, the largest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/transporter/van/review/n18205">Volkswagen Transporter</a> can move 9.3m3 but still carry 1061kg, so anyone considering a Vito should carefully consider the type and weight of loads they are going to carry.

Twin sliding side doors are standard, and there’s the option of either 180-degree twin doors or a hatched rear opening.

The latest Mercedes Vito is a stylish choice in the medium ban market, but while it's capable enough in some areas, rivals have it well licked in most others. It's an expensive choice, too.

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Mercedes Vito review

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Buying advice for the Mercedes Vito covering running costs, MPG, Fuel Economy, Reliability and Safety, from the expert What Car? review team.

The availability of front-wheel drive and a smaller engine may make the Mercedes Vito considerably cheaper to buy than it once was, but it’s still at the very top end of the segment for price.,Parts, too, can be expensive, but running costs are some of the most reasonable around. The 116 CDI model is the most economical option, with official fuel consumption of 49.6mpg, while the 111 CDI we recommend returns a still highly commendable 45.6mpg.,Generous standard equipment also helps compensate for the high prices, with a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, Crosswind Assist, Hill Start Assist, a speed limiter and a 6.0in colour display for the infotainment system all included.That said, we’d recommend adding Blindspot Assist. And it’s worth noting that if reversing isn’t your forte, the optional reversing camera is particularly sharp.For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

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