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Controls to operate the radio , navigation system , telephone and instrument cluster can all be found on the steering wheel which prevents the driver from having to dangerously reach across the dashboard . Mercedes-Benz fully appreciates the reality that a van ’ s cockpit often doubles-up as a tradesman ’ s office , so there is plenty of stowage space for phones , tablets , notebooks and stationery as well as driver ’ s and passenger ’ s cupholders .
The media console in the middle of the dashboard is easy to use and navigate
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and features a monochrome screen at its centre , showing the radio display , media options , satnav and a rear view picture if a reversing camera is installed .
The Vito Crew van is available in three length variants . Loading length measures between 1.40m and 1.87m and the load area covers between 1.86m ² and 2.63m ². While the Panel van may be the most natural choice for tradesmen , the Crew version with the rear seats taken out , creating a useful smaller load area behind the cab , is a credible alternative if
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you want to keep smaller items separate from the larger load area at the back . For professionals who are sticklers for organisation in their van this therefore might be the option for you .
Performance
The Vito is available with either sixspeed manual transmission or sevenspeed automatic transmission with torque converter .
A six-speed manual transmission transmits power in the Vito with frontwheel drive and OM 622 . The ratios are tuned specifically to the vehicle and cover a range from i = 4.182 to 0.549 along with the need for high starting performance when laden and for less revving – and therefore more economical , quieter driving – at higher speeds .
The Eco Gear six-speed manual transmission is standard in conjunction with rear-wheel drive and the Mercedes- Benz OM 651 engine . With its wide spread and ratios from i = 5.076 to 0.675 it ensures maximum traction when moving off as well as low revs – and therefore a quiet , fuel saving driving style – at higher road speeds .
The optional 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with torque converter is likewise designed for maximum fuel economy . It is available as an option for the OM 651 with the bottom and midpower rating and as standard for the most powerful version .
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I found the automatic 116 a little slow off the mark at roundabouts at first but once you ’ re familiar with its capabilities it is very nimble around town for a mid-size van . I made frequent use of the cruise control and speed limiter functions and the all round ride when driving at motorway speeds is smooth and comfortable . Safety features such as the distance warning function and the blind spot assist are also excellent inclusions helping towards a stress free drive . A comfort suspension , including less taut springs and more sensitive shock absorber control is provided as an option for the Crew van .
The audio parking sensors seemed a little oversensitive on occasions , sometimes leaving me unable to work out what I was ( apparently ) about to hit no matter how many times I twisted my neck around . However , given the number of wing mirrors and rear lights that have fallen victim to the pillars in the ECN car park over the years , this is perhaps not such a bad thing !
Verdict
A tradesman will spend much of their working week in their vehicle . It must therefore combine functionality for the job in hand with performance and efficiency , as well as providing a pleasant and comfortable working environment , whether you ’ re on the road , making a phonecall or simply taking a lunch break . The Vito ticks all the boxes .
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