Electrical Contracting News (ECN) October 2016 | Page 39

VAN REVIEW

DON’T VETO THE VITO
Russell Drury puts Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size van, the Vito, through its paces.

A

s a journalist the
occasions when I find
myself in need of a van
are somewhat minimal
(I am either shackled
to my desk or zipping
about in my trusty
hatchback chasing the
latest news for ECN’s dedicated readers).
But with a new house purchased and a
move date confirmed, a perfect opportunity
to test one out presented itself.
The van I chose for the job was the
Mercedes-Benz Vito. Opting for the Crew
version (it is also available as a Panel van),
it proved a very able assistant as I spent a
few days shuttling my belongings across
south Cambridgeshire, and I had begun to
rely on it by the end of the week and was
sad to lose it.

Design
It is difficult to get too carried away with
the aesthetics of a van – it is designed
for practicality after all – but as vans have
evolved from the ‘box on wheels’ shape
over the years it’s safe to say Mercedes-

Benz has been up there among the leaders
as far as styling is concerned. The Vito
boasts a sleek profile, well enhanced by
the wing shaped headlights that sit either
side of a striking radiator grille – bearing
the famous three pointed star – which
gives it a powerful presence on the road.
Access to the load area can be gained
via sliding doors on either side and a
choice of hinged doors or a tailgate option
at the back. Triangular windows are a
signature feature of the Vito. Known as
van windows, they are found at the bottom
ends of the left and right A-pillars. Equally
typical are the large exterior mirrors
affording an excellent field of vision. Both
mirrors have an additional, integral wideangle section which can be beneficial
when changing lanes or manoeuvring.

Interior
The high cab position gives the driver a
clear view of the road and there is plenty of
headroom for taller drivers. The angle and
height of the three-spoke steering wheel
are adjustable either as standard or as
special equipment depending on the model.

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