Mercedes-Benz says that, by expanding its product range, it has made its best-seller from the midsize vans segment even better.
Among the highlights are high-torque four-cylinder diesel engines for the Vito Tourer with passenger car approval.
In comparison to the predecessor, the new OM 654 engine range reduces emissions and consumption values whilst also optimising noise and vibration comfort, says the manufacturer.
The power units, already familiar from the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range, will see their first ever usage in a commercial vehicle at Mercedes-Benz Vans.
Furthermore, the Vito is also very much keeping up with the increasing pace of the digital world. Following on from the Sprinter, many of the digital services offered as part of the Mercedes PRO connect ecosystem will also be made available in Vito variants with combustion engines from Summer 2019.
A communications module with permanently-installed SIM card ensures that the technical pre-requisites for this are already in place.
The products from the Mercedes PRO connect connectivity and fleet management solution aim to help increase efficiency, lower operating costs and improve the availability of vehicles while also facilitating communication between the entire fleet.
Customers will also be able to choose from four additional exterior colours and further 17, 18 and 19-inch light-alloy wheels.
On top of that, there are also comfort functions such as Highbeam Assist Plus, new roller sliding bases for affixing the seats and the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system and Breakdown Management function. Visually, the design of the instrument cluster has also been adjusted.
"The Mercedes-Benz Vito is the versatile all-rounder among the midsize vans with a permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 3.2 tonnes,” said explains Pia Herkewitz, product/marketing management for Mercedes-Benz midsize Vans. “Its payload and its diverse variety are among the highest in the segment.
“With the new power units and equipment options available to order from March, we're improving the versatility of this all-rounder even more for our customers, and all while keeping the purchase price and operating costs low.
“With the connection to Mercedes PRO connect, the Vito will also become part of the 'Internet of Things', thus creating new possibilities for fleet managers."
From March 2019, customers will be able to order the Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer with the four-cylinder engine of the OM 654 model series. This engine replaces the previously used OM 651 engines with the same power rating.
In the smallest version, the engine produces 100 kW (136 hp) and 330 Nm of torque (combined fuel consumption 7.0-5.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 186-153 g/km).
The middle option delivers 120 kW (163 hp) and 380 Nm of torque (combined fuel consumption 7.0-5.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 186-153 g/km) and in the top-of-the line engine with 140 kW (190 hp) and 420 Nm of torque (combined fuel consumption 6.9-5.7 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 181-151 g/km).
The changes to the new Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer will also see the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission being used for the first time.
The automatic transmission with torque converter replaces the previous 7G-Tronic and comes as standard with the new diesel engines.
The driver can use the Dynamic Select switch to select the drive programs "Comfort" and "Sport" and thus influence the shifting behaviour. Alternatively, "M" mode allows the driver to shift manually using the Direct Select steering wheel gearshift paddles. From autumn 2019, a manual transmission will be available.
All new engine variants are equipped as standard with rear-wheel drive.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
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