Van dealer Rossetts Commercials has commissioned Britain’s first Mercedes-Benz Vito 4x4.

Rossetts has added the mid-sized Dualiner model, with second row of seats, to a demonstration fleet that also includes a Sprinter 4x4 and Sprinter 6x6 developed by Oberaigner – the Dealer is the sole UK agent for the German all-wheel drive specialist.

The factory-built Vito 4x4 is only available in left-hand configuration and not offered within the existing Vito model range sold by Mercedes-Benz retailers in Britain. Its permanent all-wheel drive set-up employs a development of the Mercedes-Benz 4-ETS (Electronic Traction System), which is integrated with the Adaptive ESP technology to provide traction management.

The significantly modified version now being offered by Rossetts Commercials is based on this left-hand drive model, but also incorporates Oberaigner’s enhancements to the four-wheel drive system. Most notable among these is the addition of mechanically operated differential locks for improved off-road capability.

Both Sprinter and Vito 4x4 van models are aimed at building and utilities contractors, and municipal operators, whose vehicles often have to work on rough sites and in challenging conditions. 

Rossetts group van sales manager Mike Sanders said: “While they may not have to brave heavily rutted terrain, many operators need 4x4 vehicles that can cope with snow and ice, or negotiate muddy fields, in order to transport tools, equipment and workers to difficult-to-access locations.”

The Vito 4x4 is also available as a panel van, and with a choice of 136 hp or 163 hp outputs from its 2.1-litre engine, which drives through an automatic transmission. The Sprinter 4x4 comes with gross weights of 3.5 or 5.0 tonnes, and as a chassis cab or chassis crewcab, as well as with a panel van body. It can be specified with 129 hp or 163 hp versions of the 2.1-litre engine, or as a 190 hp 3.0-litre V6.

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