Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-new Vito, the mid-size light commercial vehicle that shares underpinnings with the V-Class minivan.

The new Vito has one of the highest payloads in its segment and an average fuel economy as low as 5.7 l/100 km (41.2 mpg US). The figure corresponds to the rear-wheel drive Vito fitted with the BlueEfficiency package.

The same package is also standard in all Vito Tourer models that have an automatic transmission, are registered as passenger cars, or are variants equipped with the model series’ most powerful engine.

The new Vito is the first vehicle in its segment to offer a choice of rear-wheel, all-wheel, and front-wheel drive systems. The new front-wheel drive Vito is the lightest, cheapest model in the range, while rear-wheel drive is the solution for jobs involving heavy loads or trailers, and situations where very dynamic handling is required. Finally, the all-wheel drive system is the choice for tough driving conditions and on unpaved roads.

The front-wheel drive variants are equipped with a compact, transverse-mounted 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine available in two states of tune: 88 PS and 114 PS. Rear- and all-wheel drive models get a 2.15-liter four-cylinder diesel available in three output ratings: 136 PS, 163 PS, and 190 PS. All the different new Vito engine variants benefit from a long maintenance interval of up to 40,000 km or two years.

Following in the footsteps of the larger Sprinter, the Vito will become the second global model for Mercedes-Benz Vans, with the automaker planning to conquer new markets including North and Latin America.

The new Vito will arrive in German dealerships in October 2014, with other European countries following soon after. Prices for the Vito 109 CDI panel van will start at €17,990 ($24,177) in Germany, excluding value-added tax.

By Dan Mihalascu

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