DaimlerChrysler has unveiled a new Viano minivan range alongside new Vito panel van and crewbus models.
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Compared to their predecessors, the new model series cover a far broader range of applications so there is a choice of three vehicle lengths (4,748 mm to 5,223 mm) and two different wheelbases (3,200 mm and 3,400 mm), with four engine models available for the Viano and five for the new Vito.
The engine models on offer include either two or three CDI diesel engines, whose outputs range from 65 kW/88 hp to 110 kW/150 hp, and two six-cylinder petrol powerplants generating 140 kW/190 hp and 160 kW/218 hp, with power being transferred to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. The previous models were front-drive.
The new rear-wheel drive offers enhanced traction for all vehicle loads and the decision to mount the engines longitudinally opened up the possibility of further enhancing passive safety at the front end as early on as the design stage. Both Viano and Vito are equipped as standard with disc brakes all round and standard specification of all models also includes ESP dynamic handling control system, incorporating the ABS Anti-lock Braking System, ASR acceleration skid control, electronic brake force distribution and the hydraulic Brake Assist system.
Three-point seat belts are standard all round with belt tensioners and belt force limiters also standard for the driver and front passenger, as is a full-size airbag on the driver’s side and, depending on the model variant, on the front passenger side. Options includes a twin-size airbag for the front passenger side and windowbags, while new thorax sidebags are available in conjunction with optional luxury seats.
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By GlobalDataA dash-mounted selector lever or gearshift lever is retained in a fully redesigned dash panel and a multifunction steering wheel is now available as an option, and fitted as standard on the Vieno Ambiente minivan line.
The passenger compartment is fitted with a rail system, whose 25-mm hole pattern allows for simple fitting, fore-and-aft adjustment and flexible repositioning of the individual seats and bench seats. In addition to this, both the individual seats and the segments of the bench seats can be folded flat or tilted fully forwards. The seats can be positioned to face in any direction, meaning that a face-to-face seating is also possible.
The Vito is offered as either a panel van version for transporting goods and materials, or as a crewbus for commercial passenger transport or for mixed applications. These two variants are joined by the Vito Mixto which has been specifically designed for carrying up to six people plus large quantities of material at the same time.
The three vehicle lengths and two different roof heights which are available increase the load capacity to as much as 6.49 m³ (previously max. 4.8 m³), whilst allowing the Vito to carry loads up to 2 897 mm in length. The panel van’s sliding doors are also large enough to allow Euro pallets, for example, to be loaded from the side by fork-lift truck. The load width between the wheel arches is 1 277 mm, allowing up to three Euro pallets to be loaded one behind the other.
The crewbus models in the new Mercedes-Benz Vito range are also available in a choice of three vehicle lengths. This means they can carry up to eight passengers plus driver, with a luggage capacity of up to 970 litres.
The new Viano and Vito will make their respective public debuts at the International Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf in August, the IAA in Frankfurt in September and the RAI Commercial Vehicle Show in Amsterdam in October with order books for both model series opening before in mid-June.
Market launches start in autumn 2003 and production will, as before, be at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Vitoria, Spain, where the manufacturing facilities have been practically doubled in size in preparation.
A completely new body shop equipped with 550 state-of-the-art robots has been installed, along with a new paint shop and a new assembly line. In parallel to this, a claimed “revolutionary” quality management concept is now being practised at the plant.
