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The What Van? Road Test: Mercedes-Benz Vito (2020)
Date: Monday, September 20, 2021
Interior and equipment
Accommodation in the three-seater cab for all the items drivers end up carting around with them includes: a lidded and lockable glove-box and three shelves of varying sizes that sit on top of the dashboard. You’ll find a cubby-hole to the left of the steering wheel plus bins in each of the doors with a moulding that can hold a flask or a big bottle of water.
One of the two cup-holders mounted on the dashboard features a removable ash-tray that can slot into either of them. The cigarette lighter is positioned down towards the floor, however, and not terribly easy to get at, presumably in a laudable bid to deter smokers from lighting up.
The driver’s seat and the steering wheel are both height-adjustable, and allow a comfortable driving position to be achieved. The seat’s electrically-adjustable lumbar support helps.
The centre passenger’s position is rather less appealing however. Occupy the middle seat and you will find your right knee is uncomfortably close to a plastic moulding which bulges out from the fascia, and plays host to the gear lever.
It’s a shame that the centre seat’s back cannot be flipped down and turned into a handy desk.
If you opt for Progressive trim then you get reversing sensors, a reversing camera, heated and electrically-adjustable exterior mirrors, cruise control, driver and front passenger airbags and two USB ports positioned on the fascia.
Our Vito came with an optional Plus Package, which includes Tempmatic air-conditioning (which really ought to be standard) full wheel covers, and a parking pack which helps you manoeuvre into tight spaces. Also installed as an extra was the aforementioned Audio 40.
Mercedes has for sometime made safety a priority in its light commercials, and the latest Vito is no exception. As well as active brake assist you benefit from attention assist, which prompts you to stop and grab a cup of coffee if it thinks you are getting drowsy.
Crosswind assist is installed to ensure you are not blown into the adjacent lane on a motorway or dual carriageway if you are suddenly hit by a gale.
Front fog lights are included in the deal as is headlight assistant, which switches the dipped beams on and off automatically in line with the prevailing conditions. Sensors ensure the windscreen wipers are triggered if it starts to rain.
In addition to the foregoing, and traction control, Vito’s onboard safety portfolio encompasses ABS, ESP, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist System, Trailer Stability Assist, and Hill Start Assist.
Our test van’s 16in wheels were shod with Michelin Agilis 51 195/65 R16C tyres. They are protected by pressure monitoring.
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