The third generation of the popular minivan was presented at the Paris Motor Show in October this year and is already available in the Ukrainian dealer network. Vito is the absolute leader in its segment; since the release of the first model in 1995, more than 1.2 million units have been sold.
The new Vito combines capabilities for various fields of activity – trade, passenger and cargo transportation, small and medium-sized businesses. Vito is the only representative of its segment offering three length options and the same number of drive versions. The load capacity indicators are also noteworthy. For example, the rear-wheel-drive Vito in long-wheelbase version can carry up to 1369 kg. In the cargo-passenger van version, the car has the advantages of both a van and a minibus. Vito sets new standards in the field of cargo-passenger transportation. The Tourer modification can be made in the most wear-resistant and functional Vito Tourer BASE version, the absolutely universal Vito Tourer PRO, and the elegantly individual Vito Tourer SELECT. Offering a whole line of various versions, the model is able to satisfy the individual requirements of each customer in the field of passenger transportation.
Compared to its predecessors, the third-generation Vito offers a qualitatively new level of comfort previously unavailable in this class. Wide comfortable seats and plenty of space are provided for the driver and front passenger. The instrument panel is designed with the highest ergonomic and functional requirements in mind. Its symmetrical shape with a clear and concise structure is the basis for the safest possible vehicle control.
At the same time, the central console is made using high-quality materials previously unavailable in this segment. When developing the interior space, engineers paid special attention to the convenience of placing and storing items of various sizes, because for many drivers Vito will become both a place of work and personal living space.
The new Vito is available with turbodiesel engines of two different displacements, offering five power options.
Operation mainly without a trailer, with maximum load at total mass variants from minimum to medium, with priority on the lowest possible costs – this is the profile of the new Vito with front-wheel drive and a transversely mounted engine. This compact four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1.6 liters is offered in two power versions: 88 hp and 114 hp.
If high dynamic performance, intensive use, and trailer use are required, the right choice would be the Vito with rear-wheel drive and a four-cylinder 2.2-liter engine. It is offered in three different power modifications: 136 hp, 163 hp, and 190 hp. In standard configuration, the rear-wheel-drive Vito is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. The automatic 7G-TRONIC PLUS is offered as an option for models with the 2.2-liter engine and is installed as standard on all-wheel-drive versions. Thus, Vito is the world's only minivan with a seven-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
The new Vito can be equipped with one of three drive options – front, rear, or all-wheel drive. The appearance of the front-wheel-drive modification in the model line is quite simple to explain – in this version, the car is the lightest. With light loading, front-wheel drive provides advantages in traction. Also, the winning side of this version is its cost. The rear-wheel-drive model will be the best choice for customers who need a car with high dynamics and for regular transportation of heavy loads. All-wheel drive, in turn, gives absolute confidence in maximum safety in severe weather and road conditions. Thanks to the new integral design of the all-wheel-drive system, the height of the Vito 4Matic remains the same as that of the front- or rear-wheel-drive modifications.
As an option for the cargo-passenger Vito and as standard for all Vito Tourer versions, a comfort suspension is provided. It features less stiff spring tuning and more responsive shock absorber characteristics. As an option for the new Vito, an intelligent lighting system is available. The Intelligent Light System, unique in the minivan segment, includes LED turn indicators, LED daytime running lights, as well as LED low beam, high beam, and cornering lights. Depending on speed, the headlights adapt to driving on highways and country roads.
The new Mercedes-Benz Vito sets radically new standards in the field of safety. The car has responsive steering, powerful disc brakes on both axles, and the ADAPTIVE ESP electronic stability system.
Already in the basic version, Vito has airbags for the driver and front passenger and a seat belt reminder indicator for the driver and front passenger. The Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT modifications are additionally equipped with window and side airbags to protect the chest and hip area in the front seats. Also, for the Vito Tourer version, window airbags in the rear of the cabin are offered for the first time. With an arsenal of eight airbags in maximum configuration, the passenger Vito Tourer sets new standards in its segment. The car is also standardly equipped with the Attention Assist driver fatigue detection system, tire pressure monitoring function, and a crosswind stabilization system. The latter almost completely compensates for the effect of side wind gusts on the car body. Optionally, Vito can be equipped with an active parking assistance system, a system for warning of unsafe distance, a blind spot monitoring option, and a lane keeping system.
The new Vito is already available in Ukraine. AvtoKapital, the General Representative of Daimler AG in Ukraine, invites everyone to get acquainted with the new addition to the Mercedes-Benz model range at the showrooms of official dealer enterprises.
