Picture Key


1. Seats are trimmed in black leatherette.


2. Infotainment package includes sat nav.


3. Automatic transmission is stalk-controlled.


4. Driver’s seat is heated. 2 Driving


Why on earth does Mercedes still insist on equipping Vito with such a peculiar parking brake? To apply it, you press a small pedal in the footwell. To release it, you tug a lever on the dashboard to the accompaniment of a loud bang. It’s all very odd, idiosyncratic and rather unnecessary. With Vito’s automatic transmission you use a stalk on the steering column to engage Drive, Reverse or Neutral. One potential drawback of this approach is that you will confuse it with a windscreen wiper; something we did on a couple of occasions until we got more comfortable with this approach. If you want to switch to manual then you press the Dynamic button on the dashboard which allows you to go up and down the box using paddles on either side of the steering column. You can go manual while Vito is still in


The Final Verdict Design


Cabin Ride Refinement Load area Handling/performance Engine/transmission Standard equipment Operating costs 3


1 4


automatic Drive mode if you so wish, but if you do so you will not always be permitted to change to a higher or lower gear.


The Dynamic button also allows you to choose from two power settings: Comfort and Sport. The former is fine for most applications, and allowed us to accelerate up some of the steepest hills in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean


without any loss of momentum, even when heavily laden. The latter delivers some real punch, and as a potential licence-loser should be employed with caution. We stuck with Vito’s automatic setting for most of our time with the vehicle. We found the manual paddles awkward to use, and took quite a while to get familiar with them. Vito’s handling is safe and


dependable enough, but tightening up the steering so it delivers more response would make it a lot sharper. The ride wasn’t overly impressive, with too much bumping, thumping and rumbling from the suspension. Better sound insulation for the interior of the cabin wouldn’t come amiss, but noise wasn’t a serious issue.


Operating 7/10 Smart and versatile – a two in one. But why retain that oddball parking brake? 8/10 Comfortable with plenty of passenger space 6/10 Not its strongest suit, with too much grumbling and rumbling from the suspension 7/10 7/10 8/10 Noise levels could be better suppressed, but it’s not a deal-breaker Not sure about the lack of a bulkhead Former is acceptable but could be sharper, latter is well on top of the job 7/10 Well matched, but we found the manual steering wheel paddles awkward to use 8/10 No lack of useful kit, with the accent as always on safety 8/10 Unlimited mileage warranty and roadside rescue service should keep costs down What Van? subjective rating 8/10


If you’re looking for a van for work and family, then this could be the one Overall Rating 74/100


Vito is protected by a three year/ unlimited mileage warranty with roadside assistance included for the duration. The MobiloVan assistance package in fact lasts for an extraordinary 30 years, albeit subject to terms and conditions. Service intervals are set at two years/24,000 miles. Fuel economy? We achieved around


36mpg, marginally better than the official WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) figure of 35.8mpg.


Good to see a spare wheel is provided. Not so good to see a lack of side rubbing strips, which leaves the vehicle’s lustrous black metallic paintwork vulnerable to knocks and dings.


@whatvan May 2024 WhatVan? 29


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