Road Test Mercedes Vito

Spanish-made Vito has undergone a complete model change bringing more of the stuff buyers want in a safer, more economical, roomier and better looking package.

The new model arrived last year and it features, among other things, ABS, electronic stability program, anti slip control and electronic brake force distribution as standard across the range. A drivers airbag is also standard.

It is full of work related solutions to transporting passengers and goods and is ideal for mixed applications.

Three models are available, the 65kW 109, 110kW 115 and 140kW 119 in various body styles including compact, short and long wheelbase and high roof. The 109 and 115 are both diesel four cylinders of 2.2-litres capacity but with different boost settings. The 119 is a 3.2-litre V6 petrol.

All have the essential remote central locking, power steering and power windows and all drive through the rear wheels.

We were able to get hold of a short wheelbase crew cab 109 priced at $37,500. It's something of a hybrid in terms of goods and passenger transport.

While still offering enough load space for a pallet there are two seat rows with full size seating and three point belts for five, potentially six.

The side sliding doors have fixed glass windows but the load space is blind.

While the interior is utilitarian in terms of floor coverings and upholstery, it is comfortable and easily accessible. The front compartment is modern and car-like incorporating many Benz passenger car features such as the foot operated park brake.

The dash layout facilitates work offering plenty of storage compartments and easy to operate controls including a centre console mounted gearshift.

The engine is a four cylinder, twin cam turbo diesel delivering 65kW and 220Nm of torque, not a lot on the face of it but the six speed manual transmission optimises performance while contributing to 1000km per tank fuel economy.

We were able to load 'er up with about half a tonne of stuff and four passengers and while progress wasn't as sprightly as when unloaded, the Vito still hummed along the freeway at a good clip. It hardly dented fuel economy.

Plenty of engine and transmission noise gets into the cabin but it is after all a commercial vehicle.

Particularly pleasing is Vito's tight turning circle. Prices start at $33,990.