Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing and specifications for its new Vito range.

The range offers three lengths, three weight variants and two turbodiesel engines in five power ratings, with prices starting from £17,855 (ex VAT) for the 109 CDI panel van Compact.

It launches in the UK on April 14 at the CV Show.

In addition to the panel van, the Vito crew van combines the advantages of a panel van with those of a crewbus.

For more focus on passenger carrying, the new Tourer is available in two versions - Vito Tourer Pro and Vito Tourer Select, which come with eight seats (including driver) as standard and the potential to optionally specify nine seats in total.

Payload        

There is the choice between front- and rear-wheel drive. In conjunction with the 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine, the front-wheel drive panel van's kerb weight for the compact length with standard equipment is 1,845 kg. At the standard gvw of 2.8 tonnes, the front-wheel drive Vito achieves a payload of 955kg.

The rear-wheel drive Vito with its four-cylinder, 2.1-litre engine and a gvw of 3.2t, offers a maximum payload capacity of 1,255kg.

Economy

BlueEfficiency package is fitted to all rear-wheel drive models, which can help to achieve up to 47.1mpg (combined) in the 119 BlueTec.

Enhancements include alternator management, with the battery charging during coasting or deceleration; improved underbody aerodynamics; and eco start-stop function.

Six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission with torque converter optional for the 114 BlueTec and 116 BlueTec, and standard on the 119 BlueTec.

Emissions

Euro 5 technology features in the 1.6-litre engine in the two front-wheel drive van and crew van variants, and Euro 6 BlueTec features on all 2.1-litre rear-wheel drive variants and all Tourer models.

The Euro 6 engines use the Mercedes-Benz BlueTec system utilising AdBlue to meet the strict emissions requirements due to become law in 2016 for vans.

Safety

Standard safety equipment includes: adaptive ESP, adaptive brake lights, attention assist, crosswind assist, driver and co-driver airbags, hill-start assist, reflection-style headlights with daytime running lights, rescue assist QR codes, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Thorax and window airbags are standard for the Vito Tourer Pro and Select, and optional on the panel and crew van.

Interior

Standard features inside includes cruise control with Speedtronic variable speed limiter, multifunction steering wheel with trip computer, and Audio 15.

This system comes with a high-resolution 5.8-inch TFT display, and includes Bluetooth hands-free system and audio streaming, USB and aux-in port, iPod interface, and SD memory card slot.

Exterior

Rear twin doors are standard for the van models, which can be opened back to the 180° position or locked in place at an angle of 90°.

A tailgate is standard on the crew van and Tourer models, as well as being a no-cost option for panel van models.

Access is also achieved to the loadspace via side sliding doors, fitted to both sides of the vehicle as standard, with a wide entry. In addition, a full-height bulkhead is fitted to panel vans as standard.