As Mercedes-Benz gets set to launch the new Vito commercial range, there’s an attractive finance offer on the runout range, says motoring editor Andy Russell.

The New Mercedes-Benz Vito offers a broad range, starting from £17,855 excluding VAT, with three lengths, three weight variants and two turbo diesel engines in five power ratings. It is available as a panel van, a crew van combining the advantages of a panel van with those of a crewbus while for more focus on carrying passengers, the new Tourer is available in two versions. Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT come with eight seats (including driver) as standard and the option of nine.

Being launched in the UK on April 14 at the Commerical Vehicle Show, for the first time in this segment, New Vito offers the choice between front and rear-wheel drive.

In conjunction with the 88hp and 114hp Euro 5 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel 109 and 111 CDI, the front-wheel drive panel van’s kerb weight for the compact length with standard equipment is just 1,845 kg. At the standard gross vehicle weight of 2.8 tonnes, the front-wheel drive New Vito has a payload of 955kg.

The payload champion is the rear-wheel drive Vito with its four-cylinder, Euro 6 2.1-litre engine – with outputs of 136hp, 163hp and 190hp in 114, 116 and 119 CDI – and a gross vehicle weight of 3.2 tonnes and a maximum payload of 1,255kg.

The BlueEfficiency package is fitted to all rear-wheel drive models, which can help achieve up to 47.1mpg combined in the 119 CDI 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 optional for 114 and 116 BlueTEC, and standard on 119 BlueTEC.

New Vito, like the whole Mercedes-Benz commercial range, is big on safety with standard equipment including adaptive electronic stability program (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 tyre pressure monitoring. Thorax and window airbags are standard for Vito Tourer, and optional on panel and crew van.

Standard features inside include cruise control with variable speed limiter, multifunction steering wheel with trip computer and Audio 15 with high-resolution 5.8in TFT display, Bluetooth hands-free system and audio streaming, USB and aux-in port, iPod interface and SD memory card slot.

Rear twin doors are standard for van models, which can be opened back through 180 degrees or locked in place at 90 degrees. A tailgate is standard on crew van and Tourer models and a no-cost option for panel vans.

Easy access is also achieved to the loadspace via sliding doors both sides of the vehicle as standard. A full-height bulkhead is fitted to panel vans as standard.

Interior trim is in hard-wearing black tunja fabric as standard, with black leatherette optional.

Flexible Service Care plans for the New Vito remain at current Vito pricing. On the road, Service24h is a free callout service as part of the standard new van 30-year free roadside assistance cover.

Orwell Truck and Van has branches at Ipswich, Colchester, Newmarket and Norwich. Visit the website at www.orwellmercedes-benz.co.uk