The Multi-talent
With the Viano / Vito model range (2003 to 2014), Mercedes-Benz offers a spacious saloon for all cases in which a lot of space for passengers and luggage is demanded. The Mercedes also impresses with a high level of reliability and achieves the class victory among the minivans in the DEKRA Used Car Report 2017.

The Maxi-Van, available in three lengths, offers a variety of possible uses. The Vito, a box van with three seats and a separate loading area, and the Mixto with six seats and a smaller trunk, are particularly suitable for industrial transportation tasks. The minibus with up to nine seats is suitable as a shuttle for celebrities as well as for trips on children’s birthdays or with bowling groups. 

A sliding door on the right-hand side makes getting in and loading easier. The individual seats can be folded, moved longitudinally and removed, giving rise to a load volume of up to 3.5 cubic meters. The leisure version Marco Polo with a tiltable sunroof, four beds and a completely furnished kitchen completes the range. 

The high-torque CDI four-cylinder engines cut a fine figure that, with acceptable consumption, cover a performance range from 136 hp/100 kW in the 2.0 CDI to 224 hp/165 kW in the 3.0 CDI. The only petrol engine, a 258 hp/190 kW-strong six-cylinder engine with a five-speed automatic transmission and standard consumption of 11.9 liters, is relatively rare on the market. The basic diesel engine and the 2.2 CDI with 163 hp/120 kW were also ordered with 4Matic four-wheel drive.

The rear-wheel drive ensures strong traction as well as precise steering free of torque steer. All in all, the van is characterized by safe driving characteristics, although the version with the short wheelbase operates with greater flexibility than the long version.

Even basic versions of the Viano are equipped with the most important things, such as air-conditioning, ESP, light sensors, and rain sensors. The higher equipment packages bring more comfort, for example leather upholstery or air suspension, and also offer increased safety thanks to extra airbags.

Commentary 2017
The Viano/Vito is the all-rounder at Mercedes when it comes to plenty of space. Be it as a car for large families or as a van for businesses, there is something here for everyone. Potential buyers interested in a vehicle with low mileage should watch out for oil loss from the differential. And while you have a look underneath the car, watch out for broken chassis springs and loose exhaust systems.