VIDEO: Vito Select becomes more affordable alternative to V-Class

Last year, Mercedes-Benz slashed its V-Class range to only one model. But the V300d’s whopping price tag of almost R2.3-million means that few can afford the luxury of a Mercedes family van.

Now, the three-pointed star has spruced up the 119 model of its Vito, a more commercially orientated van range, into a more comfortable family offering.

Called the Vito Select, the new addition is offered in two derivatives: Mixto and Tourer.

The former is a five-seater with 4.1 square metres of cargo space, and the latter is an eight-seater with 1.7 square metres in the rear.

The seats in both derivatives can be moved or even removed for ultimate versatility.

Priced at R1 264 200 and R1 360 000 respectively, the Mixto and Tourer Select are more expensive than family vans like the Ford Tourneo, VW Kombi and Hyundai Staria. But it is a premium product and is specced much better than more entry-level models of the previous generation V-Class used to be. And even better, these specifications are included and not an endless list of optional extras.

ALSO READ: Overhauled Mercedes-Benz V-Class solidified as ‘S-Class of vans’

Powering the Vito Select

Both derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque. The twist is sent to the rear wheel by 9G-tronic transmission, something Mercedes feels sets them apart from competitors. Another strong selling point is that its service intervals are 25 000km.

A striking exterior feature of the Vito Select is the black grille with chrome accents flanked by multibeam LED headlights. The use of black trim in not only the grille but also lower bumper line, door handles, side mirrors and roof rails create an overall impression that is rugged with a touch of class compared to the new V-Class’ elegantly sculpted styling.

The Mixto also gets gloss black stripes on the body colour panels that replaces the Tourer’s third side windows which almost look like an extension of the blacked-out windows in the sliding doors.

ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz has a Sprinter and Vito for every load, big or small

The wheels on the bus go…

The two five-spoke rim options offered on both the Vito Select Mixto and Tourer is a combination of brushed aluminium and black, further adding to the generous use of black elements. A third 20-spoke rim option featuring no black elements are available on the Tourer at no extra cost.

Two new hues in the form of Vintage Blue and Alpine Grey have been added to the colour palette which also includes Arctic White, Hyacinth Red Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, Jupiter Red, Rock Crystal White Metallic and Obsidian Black Metallic.

Inside, black leather seats and steering wheel along with some piano black and brushed chrome finishes are what you’d expect of a premium van, but the plastics do tend to lean a bit to the hard side. The two analog dials flanking a colour 5.5-inch TFT-display in the instrument cluster and rotary aviation-style side air vent are very much straight out of the previous generation V-Class. Speaking of which, didn’t even have the Vito Select’s keyless entry and start.

ALSO READ: Mercedes-Benz V-Class V300d Special Edition is a class act

Creature comforts galore

A highlight is the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen featuring the MBUX system, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Creature comforts include electric heated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charger, electric sliding side doors and tailgate. The Vito Select does not have a centre storage box that double acts as armrest. It features foldable armrests on the inside of the front seats. Two cup holders have further been integrated into the centre console.

In addition to the standard safety systems, the Vito Select comes with plenty of driver assistance features. These include active lane keeping assist, attention assist, blind spot assist, cruise control and 3D camera system. The Parking Package also enables to park the van by itself.

Comfortable family mover

The Citizen Motoring‘s recent 300km-odd launch drive from Durban through the scenic KwaZulu-Natal midlands was the type of trip the Vito Select is made for. It’s a comfortable cruiser for big families that is out and about or for smaller ones with lots of gear,

Built in the same platform as the V-Class, the Vito Select takes to the freeway like a duck to water. With generous torque available from 1 400rpm and a supersmooth gearbox, the undulations between Durban and Pietermaritzburg was no match. Fuel consumption of 7.5 litres per 100km for the entire trip also looked very promising.

Chunkier tyres than the V-Class and a generous ground clearance also showed that there is no need for a four-wheel system on normal gravel tracks. The Vito even sailed over fairly bumpy stretches with ease on our way to some hikes and ziplining.

Mercedes-Benz’s pricing has become a sticky point in a tough economy. But the Select shows that Merc is not as out of touch with reality as many have come to believe. It is a peach of a van that offers everything a family could need.

Vito Select pricing

• Vito Mixto Select – R1 264 200
• Vito Tourer Select – R1 360 000

*Pricing includes five-year/100 00km warranty. PremiumDrive five-year/100 000km and seven-year/140 000km maintenance plans are offered additionally at R48 530 and R75 038 respectively.