The latest addition to Mercedes-Benz’s Vito range, the V6 powered 120 CDI, represents the top end of the family transporter market in South Africa. It’s powerful, agile, comfortable and spacious – in short, everything you could want in a family vehicle.

This Mercedes-Benz Vito features a new engine

So what makes the newcomer different from other Vitos? Mainly, it’s the new 2 987 cc V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine under the bonnet. It has a power output of 150 kW at 3 800 r/min and 440 Nm of peak torque available from 1 600 to 2 400 r/min. It also boasts a standstill-to-100km/h sprint time of under 10 seconds and a top speed of almost 200 km/h. Not bad for an eight-seater vehicle.

An extra edge in its design

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Looks-wise the 120 CDI sport has all the attractive lines of the rest of the Vito line-up, but with an edge. Alloy wheels give it a low slung and purposeful stance, while accessories such as carrier bars and a rear-mounted bicycle rack and tow hitch clearly state that it’s ready to tackle whatever leisure activity you might be planning.

Optional mud flaps can be added to see off any road debris on back roads and to add to its sporty character, all bumpers and side strips have been colour coded to add that final touch.

Comfortable, spacious interior

The interior of the Vito 120CDI Sport can seat seven passengers, plus the driver in comfort. In standard seating configuration luggage space is an ample 735 litres, but given the versatility of the interior and seating, many seating arrangements – such as the lounge configuration and various luggage options – are just a few adjustments away.

You can even go so far to convert it into a crew cab which allows camping or scuba diving gear to be loaded.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito has all the luxury features

All the bells and whistles are standard. A radio/CD player, central locking, air-conditioning and cup holders add to the high-end feel of the interior and ensure that life inside is as comfortable as could be. A luggage net can be added to the cargo area to ensure that valuable items remain in place.

And don’t you just love dual sliding doors?

They make getting in and out so much simpler and in this case really emphasise the Vito’s lifestyle-oriented nature.
 
If you want to pimp your ride even more, you can also add an iPod kit, a Garmin Nuvi 710 GPS to get you where you’re going and a Bluetooth car kit to facilitate hands-free talking.

You’ll agree that comfort levels are high, but what of safety?

This aspect has also been taken care of, with the Vito 120 CDI Sport boasting disc brakes all round, an electronic stability program (ESP) and a dynamic handling control system incorporating ABS and acceleration skid control (ASR), EBD (electronic brake force distribution),  BAS (hydraulic Brake Assist system) and AAS ( start-off assist). Passive safety features include three-point seat belts with tensioners for all occupants and driver’s and passenger airbags.

The Vito 120 CDI Sport retails for R420 000 (excluding VAT) and is covered by the standard two year/ 200.000 km warranty, whichever occurs first. And should you be driving a Vito and ever need emergency roadside assistance, a 24-hour emergency number is available that connects you directly to the Customer Response Centre.

Incidentally, the entire Vitorange is sold and serviced throughout Mercedes-Benz’s passenger car and commercial vehicle dealer network in Southern Africa.