The light commercial vehicle division of Mercedes-Benz yesterday announced the sales introduction of the Vito wagon, the latest model to join the Vito range.

The addition of the new wagon increases the diverse model range offered by the Mercedes-Benz Vito and extends the varied spectrum of tasks in the field of goods transports, passenger transport and mixed applications for which the van was designed.

The wagon models in the new Mercedes-Benz Vito range are available with a choice of two engines and can carry up to eight passengers plus driver in comfort, whist still offering a luggage capacity of up to 953 litres. The sophisticated ambience of the interior, the comfortable seats with integral three-point seat belts, the versatile seating arrangement, plus a host of other features make the Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon an ideal means of transport for many customers, including families, sporting groups and small buiness owners.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito now offers customers 14 different model variants in Australia, including a van available with three engines, three vehicle lengths and two roof heights, a crew cab available with two engines and two vehicle lengths; and now, a wagon available with a choice of two engines.

“The arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon rounds out the very successful model family and will further extend the appeal of this star performer,” said Campbell York, senior executive responsible for Mercedes-Benz light commercial vehicles.

The wagon models in the new Mercedes-Benz Vito range are available in the “long” vehicle length. This means they can carry up to nine people in comfort, whist still offering a luggage capacity of up to 953 litres. Passengers will find a sophisticated ambience awaiting them in the interior, which sports full trim panelling and seats designed for comfortable long-distance motoring.

A five-speed automatic transmission is standard fitment in the new Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon and customers can choose from two high-torque engines to power the real wheels. A 110 kW four-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine, featuring the same 2nd generation CDI technology that is already used in Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, powers the 115CDI model. The 119P model is powered by a 140 kW V6 powerplant (3.2-litre), which has already demonstrated its impressive smoothness and car-like sportiness in several of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series. Respective maximum torque figures for the two engines are 220 Nm (115 CDI) and 270 Nm (119 P).

The Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon boasts impressive safety levels. Standard safety features include rear wheel drive with ESP, driver and front passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), acceleration skid control (ASR) with ASR off switch, brake assist (BAS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), headlight beam range control, halogen front and rear fog lights, height adjustable seatbelts, height adjustable head restraints, adjustable steering wheel for height and reach, rear centre stop light and seat-belt reminder light.

The extensive list of standard appointments include four-way adjustable front ‘Comfort’ seats with headrestraints and inside armrests, seating for eight people with the choice of a nine seater option, “Quick-Fit” removable rear bench seats with folding middle row seat for easy access, outside temperature gauge, disc brakes with ABS and BAS, heated electrically adjustable rear view mirrors, full wheel covers, dual sliding doors, power steering, windows all-round (‘pop-out’ in rear for ventilation), air conditioning in the front and rear, front power windows, remote central locking, CD-player, child safety locks, full headlining, lockable glove box, lock-out prevention and, front and rear cup holders.

In addition, customers can also choose from a number of options including nine seat variant, electric tilting/sliding sunroof, roof rails, 16-inch light alloy wheels and cruise control.

Recommended retail prices for the Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon start from $54,990 for the 115 CDI Long and $58,500 for the 119 P Long.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito wagon, now available from Mercedes-Benz light commercial dealerships across the country, comes with a three year/100,000km warranty and 24 hour roadside assist support package as per the rest of the model range.