Fuel saving these days is top of any transport company’s to-do list; finding that optimum quality/price relationship is a high priority. This doesn’t necessarily mean focussing solely on securing a favourable fuel price but also paying close attention to fuel consumption costs and choosing adequate commercial vehicles.
Mercedes recently showcased the latest model in its range of Vito vans at the Hannover Commercial Vehicle Show; touting it as a very competitive choice of commercial vehicle in terms of fuel economy.
Main features of the new Vito van
The 1.6-litre, four cylinder engine, version seems to be a more efficient model than its predecessor. Mercedes claims it will lead to a 20% overall saving in this area compared to the older Vito. The engine is the same as Renault’s Trafic, and Vauxhall’s Vivaro, vans.
The lower running costs, and reduced fuel consumption capabilities of the latest Vito are the results of an innovative transmission system and a low-friction rear axle, in conjunction with the electromechanical steering and auxiliary units.
The Vito has always been seen as one of the “thirsty” ones, as much as any other Mercedes van, but its smaller versions—the 1.6 and 2.1 litre models—prove to be particularly ideal for lightweight urban use.
A Mercedes-Benz Vito van at its presentation in Brussels in 2010. Photo Credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/irekia/5056337863/
The new Vito van manufactured in the Spanish plant of Vitoria has already been tested. The 1.6 lire engine model has had adjustments made to its combustion process and fuel injectors, achieving considerably fuel economy.
Mercedes engineers designed the new Vito for maximum fuel efficiency, which can be obtained when purchasing the Vito BlueEFFICIENCY models. The BlueEFFICIENCY versions incorporate innovative design features for maximising fuel economy and are available for the new Vito with rear-wheel drive and standard on all new Vito Tourers with automatic transmission, in conjunction with the most powerful engine. The certified figure of 49.6 mpg for the Vito 116 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and truck registration is unmatched in this vehicle category.
Safety and hardware are very important factors for a commercial vehicle, but efficiency cannot be ignored nowadays; the Mercedes Vito van promises to deliver this.
Tests have yet to be carried out in the UK and Ireland, but are coming soon as it won’t be long before the latest Vito is available for purchase here, where it is capable of challenging the Ford Transit van: the dominant vehicle in this category for some considerable time.
The new Mercedes Vito will be available for purchase in the mid-spring of 2015.
