Mercedes trims Viano fuel consumption

MERCEDES-BENZ’S Viano will get BlueEfficiency fuel-saving technology and a new six-speed transmission to deliver fuel consumption improvements of up to 15 per cent when the face-lifted high-end people-mover arrives in Australia from November.

Improved suspension, fresh interior furnishings and new features to complement external cosmetic updates are also included in the mid-life make-over revealed along with a face-lifted Vito van in Germany last week.

No pricing or powertrain details have yet been announced for the new Viano in Australia, where Mercedes-Benz Australia currently sells just one grade, the Viano Ambiente, powered by a 110kW 2.2-litre CDI four-cylinder diesel engine with a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.7 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions at 231 grams per kilometre.

In Germany, the Viano is offered with a range of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all of which have been fettled to cut fuel consumption and meet Euro 5 emissions requirements.

BlueEfficiency measures include on-demand activation of ancillaries, engine idle-stop and low-rolling-resistance tyres.

Mercedes says the suspension has been “revised in every detail”, which is likely to mean a recalibration of the existing all-independent coil-spring (and height-adjustable rear air spring in upper-spec models) hardware.

From top: Mercedes-Benz Viano, Mercedes-Benz Vito.

New interior features for the Viano update include fibre-optic lighting and LED reading lights and new options such as a rear-seat entertainment system.

Interior trim is new, as is the dashboard control buttons and four-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Mercedes-Benz says noise reduction measures have been taken to significantly quieten the cabin.

New headlights follow current Mercedes-Benz styling cues, while the rear-end gets a new treatment.

Mercedes-Benz Australia sold 80 Vianos in the first six months of 2010, up 74 per cent on the same period last year.

Priced at $72,826 (plus delivery and statutory charges), the so-called multi-purpose van is currently one of the most expensive people-movers on the market, trumped only by the top-of-the-range Chrysler Grand Voyager Limited V6 ($73,990) and Limited CRD ($77,990) and Volkswagen's Multivan Highline range ($73,990-$77,990).