Mercedes creates a special Vito

MERCEDES-BENZ has released an exclusive version of its Vito van, which is restricted to 60 units in Australia and is claimed to offer $2500 worth of extra value for no additional cost.

Priced from $55,940 (plus statutory and dealer charges), the special Vito is based on the 115 Compact Crew Cab and features unique ‘luna grey’ metallic paint, chrome grille treatment, Limited Edition decals, a build number and Limited Edition gift pack and certification of authenticity.

The Vito Crew Cab can seat up to six people, with the 115 CDI variant using a 2148cc four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 110kW at 3800rpm and 330Nm from 1800-2400rpm. It drives the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission fitted standard.

Other standard items on the vehicle include 17-inch light alloy wheels, tinted windows on the dual sliding doors and rear tailgate, a folding rear seat, roof rails, a multi-function steering wheel and colour-coded bumpers.

Air-conditioning, cruise control and a single-CD stereo are also onboard, along with a high level of standard safety equipment that includes ABS brakes with EBD and brake assist, electronic traction and stability control, and twin front airbags.

Thorax airbags for the front occupants and window airbags protecting both front and rear occupants are available as an option.

The vehicle also has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Mercedes-Benz will be hoping the limited model will boost showroom traffic at its truck dealerships.

To the end of April, Vito sales are down 1.7 per cent over the same period last year, in a segment that is up 27.4 per cent year to date.

The big mover is the Hyundai iLoad, which with a 269 per cent rise this year that now sees it threatening Toyota’s HiAce for market leadership, while Volkswagen’s Transporter is also up 48 per cent with the introduction of a new model.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific senior executive for Mercedes-Benz vans, Campbell York, said: “The Vito has proven that it is not just Australia’s safest van, but one that can mix it with high performance exotica at Classic Adelaide.

“It now adds a touch of exclusivity and luxury to its well proven workhorse credentials with the availability of 60 limited edition vans.”