Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI
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The Vito immediately won friends thanks to its suave interior, stylish dashboard and ample internal space, and the fact that our test vehicle came fitted with the most powerful engine in the group test probably did it a few favours.
As the smallest GVW van in our test, the Vito might also have had the edge in providing entertainment during the twisty sections of roads on the Welsh route, but its solid performance in every category of the scorings – topping the dynamics and fuel consumption categories, as well as narrowly missing out on first place in our driveline category – underlines the breadth of its abilities across the board.
The refinement of the Vito over the variety of road surfaces experienced en route didn’t go unnoticed by our testers, who scored it highly for its ride comfort and road holding. Braking and steering also impressed, with several testers commenting on the car-like feel and excellent steering feedback and turn in.
The cab’s appearance and functionality also received praise for its build quality, sensible one-touch electric windows and comfortable centre armrest. However, the Vito’s driving position did come in for some criticism for being too low, too tight to the gear lever housing and with insufficient seat travel. There were also the usual disparaging comments about the mechanical footbrake, and some criticism was levelled at the youthful gearshift, which due to its lack of miles felt tight and notchy between the gates.
An absence of storage was also noted – although poor storage applies to most vans in this category – but practical touches such as the pen holder on the centre console and sunglasses-sized cubby on the roof show consideration for the end user. So too does the steering wheel, which in addition to having a number of useful controls for the infotainment system also adjusts for height and reach – a feature much needed in the Vauxhall Vivaro.
Although our testers’ heads weren’t turned by the wealth of power on display in the Vito, during the ups and downs of the route, the availability of 310Nm of torque and 134hp low down in the rev range might have helped keep the Mercedes ahead of the competition in terms of fuel consumption. But the sensible gearing with six ratios and Eco stop/start system to cut power during idling was enough to give the Mercedes a slender lead in the economy test.
The highest praise was reserved for the cruise control and speed limiter function, which was universally liked for its simplicity and ability to take the strain out of motorway driving. Claiming the top spot in two out of four categories and praised by our all of our testers, the Vito is certainly a worthy winner among our group of 3-tonne panel vans.
While the Transporter might have had the edge over the Vito in our scoring, the emphasis placed on fuel consumption and its consistent performance in every category was enough to see the Vito lead the overall ranking tables. It’s not surprising then that when pressed to pick their overall winner and put their own money into one of our group, three out of four testers said the Mercedes-Benz would be their van of choice.