Mercedes-Benz Vito wins the Arctic Van Test

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

- Independent motoring jury conducts a van test in Finland
- Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI wins first place
- The new Vito performs impressively

Stuttgart, Germany/Finland, Feb 28, 2011 – Even in snow and at extremely low temperatures, the new Mercedes-Benz Vito was able to show its strengths and prevail against its competitors. As in previous years, at the invitation of the Finnish motoring magazine "Auto, tekniikka ja kuljetus", motoring editors from Finland, Sweden and Norway tested vans in the weight class up to three tonnes.


The numerous criteria were divided into familiar categories such as handling, fuel consumption, load capacity and performance, plus aspects specifically relevant to cold regions, e.g. cold-starting ability, heating and mirror/window defrosting.

At the end the new Mercedes-Benz Vito 116 CDI had clearly gained most points, and won the title. This success was aided by the numerous new features with which the new generation has been equipped since September 2010.

The centrepiece is a completely newly developed, particularly economical and environmentally friendly engine, which impresses with its refinement thanks to balancer shafts. The new six-speed ECO Gear manual transmission has a wide ratio spread for excellent performance, as well as low consumption and emission values. The driving dynamics and handling of the Mercedes-Benz Vito benefit from rear-wheel drive. In addition, the new Vito has the benefit of a completely newly developed, optimally configured suspension.

Even more operating convenience, greater comfort and a higher-quality atmosphere round off the list of further developments in the interior of the Vito. Whether the new shift lever, the push-buttons in the upper array of the centre console or the upgraded, optional overhead console – the Vito is more user-friendly than ever.

There are also numerous new exterior highlights on the Mercedes-Benz Vito. New reflector headlamps frame the radiator grille, with the standard daytime running lamps, which have their own light source, and foglamps integrated into the housing.

In the sum of its attributes, the new Vito was able to convince the testers and demonstrate that reliability and robustness are also a matter of course in extreme winter conditions.

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