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Price: I ' Engine: Euro-4 2.1-litre common-rail turbo-diesel Power/torque: 95/250Nm

4th December 2008
Page 36
Page 36, 4th December 2008 — Price: I ' Engine: Euro-4 2.1-litre common-rail turbo-diesel Power/torque: 95/250Nm
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Transmission: Six-speed manual NW: 2,940kg Payload: 1,122kg Load volume: 4.7m3

Last year's group van test saw MercedesBenz's Sprinter Sprinter triumph, but, whereas the Sprinter has enjoyed great sales success, the Vito hasn't managed to make such an impact on the market.

This is surprising for a vehicle that is well designed and finished, from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality.

What set the Vito apart from most of the competition in the test was its RWD configuration, which should help traction and steering.

Driveline

Being the vehicle with the least power in the group just 95hp didn't help the Vito's cause, although the impact wasn't great enough to affect its overall driveability rating, which was one of the best in the group.

However, as with the Volkswagen's, the Vito's 2.1-titre engine suffered from excessive noise when revved, and wasn't helped by gear ratios that were far too widely spaced in fifth and sixth. This negative was in contrast to the actual shift action, which was stick and accurate, allowing for quick changes in town.

Traction was predictably strong, with the Vito feeling unperturbed by quick changes in direction.

Dynamics

The aforementioned RWD set-up played a big part in the Vito's road manners, with several testers praising its road-holding ability. It felt secure and wieldy for its size, tracking the road with confidence, though the vague steering which suffered from over-assistance lacked feedback in the corners.

There was also the ride: generally good on smooth roads, but lacking a degree of compliancy on more challenging surfaces, crashing a little too keenly into bumps and potholes (which was a consequence of the RWD set-up).

Cabin

Did you really expect the Mercedes to fail here? No, neither did we. The test drivers rated it highly in the comfort stakes, praising the instrument layout and visibility, along with the quality of build. The low driving position was admired by some, while others thought it un-van-like and therefore out of place. The wide mirrors helped visibility.

Several couldn't get to grips with the foot-operated parking brake, which was awkward to operate on hills. This was joined in the negative department by the engine noise, which radiated into the otherwise quiet cabin when revved over 3,000rpm,

The verdict

The Vito may not be the first van you think of when shopping in the medium-sized market, with sales numbers reflecting the public's apprehension of taking on a van that many think is expensive to own.

However, it became apparent on the test that its combination of sound cabin, capable chassis and superior build add up to a desirable package that far outweighs the supposed cost.

Particular praise was reserved for the car-like drive, which was felt to be simple and easy to adjust to, while RWD offers distinct advantages in certain situations.

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