With the new V-Class only offered in flagship V300d guise, Mercedes-Benz was left with a gap in its line-up for a more accessible family van. Enter the Vito Select, writes The Citizen’s Jaco van der Merwe.
Photo: Jaco van der Merwe
Based on the 119 model of Mercedes-Benz’s more commercially oriented Vito van range, the Vito Select is offered in Mixto and Tourer models. The former is a five-seater with 4,1m² cargo space and the latter an eight-seater with 1,7m² in the rear. The seats in both can be moved or even removed for ultimate versatility.
Priced at R1 264 200 and R1 360 000, respectively, the Mixto and Tourer are more expensive than their peers, but much better specced than entry-level models of the previous-generation V-Class. And even better, these specifications are included and not part of an endless list of optional extras.
Both derivatives are powered by a 2ℓ turbo-diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque. The twist is sent to the rear wheel by 9G-tronic transmission. Another strong selling point is its 25 000km service intervals.
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 impression that is rugged with a touch of class.
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 analogue 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, that model didn’t even have the Vito Select’s keyless entry and start.
A highlight is the 12,3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen featuring the MBUX system, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Creature comforts include heated electric front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charger, and electric sliding side doors and tailgate.
In addition to the standard safety systems, the Vito Select comes with driver assistance features like active lane keeping assist, attention assist, blind spot assist, cruise control and 3D camera system. The Parking Package also enables parking the van by itself.
Our 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 families of more than five out and about, or for smaller ones with up to three mountain bikes stowed inside.
Built in the same platform as the V-Class, the Vito Select is a solid ride that takes to the freeway like a duck to water. With generous torque available from 1 400rpm and a supersmooth gearbox, the van took the undulations between Durban and Pietermaritzburg in its stride. Fuel consumption of 7,5ℓ/100km for the entire trip also looked very promising.
Chunkier tyres than the V-Class and a generous ground clearance showed there is no need for a four-wheel system on normal gravel tracks.
The Vito 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 Vito Select shows that the three-pointed star 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 Mixto Select R1 264 200
Vito Tourer Select R1 360 000
Pricing includes a five-year/100 00km warranty.
PremiumDrive five-year/100 000km and seven-year/140 000km maintenance plans are offered at an additional R48 530 and R75 038, respectively.
