By Khulekani Dumisa

Mercedes-Benz has announced the updated Vito which is locally available in Panel Van, Tourer and Mixto.

Exterior changes

The Vito spots a new radiator grille design – with and without the chrome option – that is available when ordered in conjunction with selected factory options. The options of the Vito facelift include Active Brake Assist, painted bumpers and a Driver Assist Package.

Interior Upgrades

The hard-wearing and elegant “Caluma” fabric replaces the previous “Tunja” fabric. It features a white stripe pattern on the seat cushion and backrest, while the sides and headrest are finished off in a long-lasting black.

The Vito facelift includes new ventilation nozzles (similar to the class-leading V-Class) with a sporty turbine look on the left and right edges of the dashboard. In conjunction with the optional chrome package, the central dashboard is now framed by an element in high-quality piano lacquer finish. With this option the surrounds of the new ventilation nozzles also come in a chrome design.

To round off the star performer’s interior, a heavy-duty and waterproof floor covering provides improved dampening and an anti-slip surface for entering and exiting the vehicle.

Improved infotainment

The facelift also extends the range of infotainment systems. The new Vito uses digital radio reception for all radio options. This means that crystal-clear and interference-free radio reception is even possible. Mercedes-Benz says the new Audio 30 and Audio 40 infotainment systems will meet many customer requirements with a 7-inch touchscreen with Smartphone Integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A smartphone can be charged via the USB interface.

Safety

The Vito Facelift extends its range of safety assistance systems. The Vito Panel Van was the first van to be equipped as standard with airbags and seat belt reminders for both the driver and co-driver. Adding to features like Crosswind Assist and Attention Assist, the Vito introduces the new optional Active Brake Assist that can detect the risk of a collision with a vehicle driving ahead, and initially gives a visual and acoustic warning. If the driver responds, the assistance system builds up brake pressure appropriate to the situation. If there is no response, the system actively assists with braking manoeuvres. In urban traffic, Active Brake Assist also reacts to stationary obstacles or crossing pedestrians.

Pricing

The Vito Panel Van

• Vito 111 CDI Panel Van                  R573,041
• Vito 114 CDI Panel Van                  R597,056
• Vito 116 CDI Panel Van                  R677,085

The Vito Mixto

• Vito 111 CDI Mixto                           R668,489
• Vito 116 CDI Mixto                           R895,584

The Vito Tourer

• Vito 111 Tourer (Base)                   R621,283
• Vito 111 CDI Tourer PRO               R762,263
• Vito 114 CDI Tourer PRO               R794,399
• Vito 116 CDI Tourer PRO               R901,634
• Vito 116 CDI Tourer SELECT          R1,071,429
• Vito 119 CDI Tourer SELECT          R1,109,788

Vito ServiceCare

All new Mercedes-Benz Vito facelift vehicles come standard with a 5-year/100,000km ServiceCare BestBasic contract.

ServiceCare Complete

The Mercedes-Benz ServiceCare Complete is an all-inclusive maintenance package that offers additional comprehensive protection for the Vito facelift, resulting in increased certainty, mobility, much-needed predictability and flexibility.