Merc hits the spot with Vito Select

With the new V-Class only offered in flagship V300d guise, Mercedes-Benz was left with a gap in its line-up for a more accessible family van. Enter the Vito Select, writes The Citizen's Jaco van der Merwe.

- Jaco van der Merwe

Based on the 119 model of Mercedes-Benz's more commercially oriented Vito van range, the Vito Select is offered in Mixto and Tourer models. 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 can be moved or even removed for ultimate versatility.

Priced at R1 264 200 and R1 360 000, respectively, the Mixto and Tourer are more expensive than their peers, but much better specced than entry-level models of the previous-generation V-Class. And even better, these specifications are included and not part of an endless list of optional extras.

SMOOTH DIESEL POWER

Both derivatives are powered by a 2l turbo-diesel engine that produces 140kW of power and 440Nm of torque. The twist is sent to the rear wheel by 9G-tronic transmission. Another strong selling point is its 25 000km service intervals.