Vito Select combines work with luxury

UPGRADE: COMES WITH DRIVER ASSISTANCE FEATURES

- Jaco van der Merwe

Mercedes-Benz last year slashed its V-Class range to a single model. But the V300d's whopping price tag of almost R2.3 million means a few can afford the luxury of a Mercedes family van.

Now the three-pointed star has spruced up the 119 model of its Vito, a more commercially oriented van range, into a more comfortable family offering.

Called the Vito Select, the new addition is offered in two derivatives; Mixto and Tourer.

The former is a five-seater with 4.1m² cargo space and the latter an eight-seater with 1.7m² in the rear.

The seats in both derivatives can be moved or even removed for ultimate versatility.

Priced at R1 264 200 and R1 360 000, the Mixto and Tourer Select are more expensive than family vans like the Ford Tourneo, VW Kombi and Hyundai Staria.

But it is a premium product and is specced much better than more entry-level models of the previous generation V-Class used to be. And even better, these specifications are included and not an endless list of optional extras.

Both derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque. The twist is sent to the rear wheel by a 9G Tronic transmission, something Mercedes feels sets them apart from competitors.

Another strong selling point is that its service intervals are 25 000km.

A striking exterior feature of the Vito Select is the black grille with chrome accents flanked by multibeam LED headlights.