Mercedes-Benz has made its stylish Vito van range even more attractive by extending the manufacturer’s warranty and launching a dynamic new Sport model. All Vitos registered from January 1st now qualify for a class-leading, three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. This replaces the previous warranty, which was limited to 125,000 miles, and brings the Vito into line with its ‘big brother’, the Mercedes Sprinter, which also enjoys three-year, unlimited cover. Mercedes-Benz Van Sales and Marketing Director Steve Bridge says: “When the Vito was launched it was felt that customers would typically cover lower mileages than operators of the larger Sprinter. But we believe it now makes more sense – and demonstrates our faith in the product – to extend the warranty to cover unlimited miles.” Meanwhile, the stunning new Vito Sport 115CDI makes a mockery of the proverbial warning against mixing business with pleasure, by offering a package that’s truly the best of both worlds.With a specification that includes luxury touches such as cruise control, air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and electric windows, as well as exterior features such as 17-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres, fog lights, metallic paint and extensive chrome trim, the Vito Sport is sure to be a big hit with style-conscious van users. Based on the regular Vito van or the luxurious Vito Dualiner Comfort model, which features side windows and seating for a driver and five passengers, the latest addition to the Mercedes range will appeal strongly to ‘lifestyle’ buyers too. Steve Bridge says: “At heart the Vito remains a serious commercial vehicle, and even the new Sport model is more than able to earn its keep in the most arduous applications. “But now it’s also capable of becoming a comfortable and stylish family car at the weekend. With a luxurious passenger compartment and cavernous load area it offers the perfect ‘work and play’ combination for today’s busy professionals. It’s a blend that also makes it a viable, and even more practical, alternative to ‘lifestyle’ off-roaders or pick-up trucks. “And with rear-wheel drive, a powerful 150bhp engine – which can be kept in check with the standard cruise control and speed limiter – and class-leading safety systems, it’s also cracking fun to drive!”
All Vito Sport models are powered by torquey yet frugal 2.2-litre, common-rail turbo-diesel engines, driving through six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmissions.
The Vito Sport is available in Compact or Long body lengths, and as a panel van with dual front passenger seat, or Dualiner with three additional seats in the rear. Like all Vitos, the new model comes with an arsenal of safety equipment as standard, including traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution, and the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Programme
