After the VW shortest i went for a MERC.... Just picked up my Merc Vito crew cab L2 Premium 160 brake auto, i did have a very loved LWB VW kombi DSG highline 2016 before from new so i can compare and share my opinion as follows: First impression , good looking van in black, bulky rear, the front of the Merc is good looking but the back is heavy, for me the VW is a work of Art, so VW wins IMO Size: The Merc is Tighter inside, 8 x 4 sheet down side is tight (one rear seat removed) , cant get mountain bike in behind rear seats without taking wheel off, VW LWB is longer and without fat lining has more capacity for sure, but rear seats in merc have more leg room, feels roomy upfront in cab as well. Dead heat , The L2 is floating between a SWB and LWB VW , so you know what you are getting, parking has been slightly easier than the LWB VW Ride: The Merc is like a people carrier, feels very refined, light steering , over-steer is easy initially until you get use to it, then it becomes a joy to drive and it's quick, my VW 150 brake was remapped to 170 but the MERC flys and the handling is for me more responsive , its actually boarding on fun and you can chuck it around , the VW felt a bit laboured and van like (It is a van after all), which you might prefer ....but you need to know i loved my VW , so to say the MERC feels better is hard and feels disloyal still. Tech / gadgets: The Merc feels ahead of the VW , but also feels less robust, as if in time it will break, where the VW felt bullet proof. Gearstick: WTF the MERC auto gear stick is on the right like a indicator lever, it's taking a lot to get use to. So no Gear stick in middle. Handbrake is old fashion foot pedal and release is on the right of the steering wheel, i have had old mercs which were like this so i think i got the hang of this quicker than most, but all the same very odd and taking time to get use to, along with the oddity that you have to put your foot on the brake to change from reverse to drive, this caught me out as i revered away at a crossing for about 20 seconds, but again it's a case of getting use to it, and now it seems normal to apply the brake everytime and i understand why MERC would do this ... Fuel tank: 45 Litres !!! WTF i'm filling up twice as much, a bit annoying Overall after leasing this at 370 + VAT and putting down 3k (£40k with VAT total ) i was initally disappointed with my blood still attached to my VW love affair, but now i'm starting to like my MERC, i know it wont hold its money which is the big issue, but i really love the handling and speed. The seats are very comfortable as well, the build quality i think maybe an issue in time, it feels like some bits will break unlike the robust VW , we will see I have a long run to Scotland coming up, which i have done in my VW, i'm actually looking forward to it in the MERC , it will be easier and more refined drive for sure Merc is a great van so far.... Thanks for reading
Having also owned both, IMO the merc crew has superior foldable crew seats, which also recline a touch. The load compartment is finished to same spec as the cab. The vw is utilitarian in comparison, with no factory finish options. Merc has a much proven torque converter auto box. Imo vw DSG is too troublesome with it's mechatronics. Merc is also more fuel efficient. Merc turning circle is better in RWD as expected. Vw easier on tyres and front suspension bushings though. I have owned 6 Transporters, now on 2nd vito, staying with vito as it handles like a car, looks great and mpg is very satisfying.
Thank you for the test. I'm really disapointed that MB didn't change the inside in Vito this year, also all feels cheap plastic, the top version 119 could be better much better for $75,000 in Australia. Also why the ignition on the left side and why the key in 2021??? If you use your van for delivery you have to use the key on the left 50 times a day instead of a button. I do not call that German engineering. BTW in Germany the key is on the right side. Only one engine? Why? I have 2014 model, V6 204hp and it looks better inside then 2021 model. MB wont get our money this year. Regarding the fuel consumption: there is no point to drive an empty van coz we buy vans to put something in them right? So why not put a say 800kg in it and then test it? PS: Australia does't get the new engine or the 9 speed gearbox. Crap! :( PS2: the background music is too loud, not needed. ... just saying ;)
Tom here: Thanks for the comment and the feedback on the music (it was a bit loud). Yeah, you're asking all the right questions about this latest Vito. Lots of times I was in it was me asking "why have they done this". Still a cracking looker though.
Tom here: Thanks, David. I just really like vans. I'm not aiming to mislead anyone - in fact, I'm going to make sure in future reviews to show building items being loaded in to give a better in-use review of the vehicle. Appreciate your support.
Would love to see the 119 Panel Van reviewed. Be interesting to know if the cabin noise has reduced significantly, or would it be as good as this crew van you just tested. I drove a Vito a few years back (2016) and it was so bad it completely put me off, so I got an Expert instead.
The badge was always in the middle, only difference is the apron under the grille. That fabric has not changed and that is the old infotainment system!!
Just had an upfront copy of the e-brochure on the new 2022 Citan, and the spec is appalling compared to the Caddy. Only one ICE at 95hp, and very very few options available. No heated seats/climate, no ACC etc. Not sure if these will be available in time either. I also understand that they are building stock of components before releasing them to order, although i have had it that they will be starting to take orders Jan '23 with a del date of around April '23.
MB didn't do much inside :(, when you look at other brand new Vans Vito is no good... it's Mercedes and it costs tons of cash but inside, even the top model 119, it looks outdated. I think there will be new Vito in 2022 2023 the latest, something similar to Sprinter inside and that's what I'm waiting for.
star stop drives you crazy no way to turn off, doors randomly lock no dab radio, bluetooth never works right, forward air vents dont work right, bench passenger seat is really uncomfoortable, glove box is poor plus no light, interior light blinds you then you cant see button to turn it off, the lower cubbly holes are useless and your phone will fly out, dial dimmer does not dim enough, if you have auto like me then some times when you set off it races forward when you hardly touch the pedal then other times it does not, engine makes a daft wushing noise when you accelerate like a daft dump valve, when fuel gauge gets to quarter its empty????, some times wont go up in gear just sits there reving higher, rear door doees not stay up, when you reverse park it makes clunking noises underneath, i am sure there are more
Proper torque converter auto boxes do creep forward. Is this your first time driving one? You should return to the dealer with some of those other issues though. It nearly sounds like you're driving a Toyota or Ford.
Tom here: The new engines should sort out the reputation issues. Can't argue with your love for the Custom, Transporter & Dispatch - all great vans in their own rights.
You obviously know little about that merc 2.1 engine. It's reliability is second to none and used throughout the merc family. The merc auto box is a true auto with torque converter and again has no comparison regarding reliability issues. Any that give bother have not been serviced. All manufacturers have and will have issues. Ford have had and still do have their share.
I had one of these back in 2012, of all the vans I've had, hands down the worst one. Daft foot parking brake, powersteering rack failed, uncomfortable, noisy, bad on fuel. At 50k miles mine packed up and after 6months they wrote it off as they couldn't fix it. They always seem to rust as well. Should be better as it's a Mercedes
@@vanaramauk look I won’t knock the van for it’s handling and comfort but as far as the premium goes, should people really be paying a premium price for a 1.9ltr Renault engine? Its an awful engine with 100hp, I had a 1.6ltr Vauxhall vivaro which drove better engine wise. I think my expectations were too high of the Vito before I actually took delivery.
After the VW shortest i went for a MERC....
Just picked up my Merc Vito crew cab L2 Premium 160 brake auto, i did have a very loved LWB VW kombi DSG highline 2016 before from new so i can compare and share my opinion as follows:
First impression , good looking van in black, bulky rear, the front of the Merc is good looking but the back is heavy, for me the VW is a work of Art, so VW wins IMO
Size: The Merc is Tighter inside, 8 x 4 sheet down side is tight (one rear seat removed) , cant get mountain bike in behind rear seats without taking wheel off, VW LWB is longer and without fat lining has more capacity for sure, but rear seats in merc have more leg room, feels roomy upfront in cab as well.
Dead heat , The L2 is floating between a SWB and LWB VW , so you know what you are getting, parking has been slightly easier than the LWB VW
Ride: The Merc is like a people carrier, feels very refined, light steering , over-steer is easy initially until you get use to it, then it becomes a joy to drive and it's quick, my VW 150 brake was remapped to 170 but the MERC flys and the handling is for me more responsive , its actually boarding on fun and you can chuck it around , the VW felt a bit laboured and van like (It is a van after all), which you might prefer ....but you need to know i loved my VW , so to say the MERC feels better is hard and feels disloyal still.
Tech / gadgets: The Merc feels ahead of the VW , but also feels less robust, as if in time it will break, where the VW felt bullet proof.
Gearstick: WTF the MERC auto gear stick is on the right like a indicator lever, it's taking a lot to get use to. So no Gear stick in middle. Handbrake is old fashion foot pedal and release is on the right of the steering wheel, i have had old mercs which were like this so i think i got the hang of this quicker than most, but all the same very odd and taking time to get use to, along with the oddity that you have to put your foot on the brake to change from reverse to drive, this caught me out as i revered away at a crossing for about 20 seconds, but again it's a case of getting use to it, and now it seems normal to apply the brake everytime and i understand why MERC would do this ...
Fuel tank:
45 Litres !!! WTF i'm filling up twice as much, a bit annoying
Overall after leasing this at 370 + VAT and putting down 3k (£40k with VAT total ) i was initally disappointed with my blood still attached to my VW love affair, but now i'm starting to like my MERC, i know it wont hold its money which is the big issue, but i really love the handling and speed. The seats are very comfortable as well, the build quality i think maybe an issue in time, it feels like some bits will break unlike the robust VW , we will see
I have a long run to Scotland coming up, which i have done in my VW, i'm actually looking forward to it in the MERC , it will be easier and more refined drive for sure
Merc is a great van so far....
Thanks for reading
Having also owned both, IMO the merc crew has superior foldable crew seats, which also recline a touch. The load compartment is finished to same spec as the cab. The vw is utilitarian in comparison, with no factory finish options. Merc has a much proven torque converter auto box. Imo vw DSG is too troublesome with it's mechatronics. Merc is also more fuel efficient. Merc turning circle is better in RWD as expected. Vw easier on tyres and front suspension bushings though. I have owned 6 Transporters, now on 2nd vito, staying with vito as it handles like a car, looks great and mpg is very satisfying.
How is the Vito doing?
Good review thanks man
Thank you for the test. I'm really disapointed that MB didn't change the inside in Vito this year, also all feels cheap plastic, the top version 119 could be better much better for $75,000 in Australia. Also why the ignition on the left side and why the key in 2021??? If you use your van for delivery you have to use the key on the left 50 times a day instead of a button. I do not call that German engineering. BTW in Germany the key is on the right side. Only one engine? Why?
I have 2014 model, V6 204hp and it looks better inside then 2021 model. MB wont get our money this year.
Regarding the fuel consumption: there is no point to drive an empty van coz we buy vans to put something in them right? So why not put a say 800kg in it and then test it?
PS: Australia does't get the new engine or the 9 speed gearbox. Crap! :(
PS2: the background music is too loud, not needed. ... just saying ;)
Tom here: Thanks for the comment and the feedback on the music (it was a bit loud). Yeah, you're asking all the right questions about this latest Vito. Lots of times I was in it was me asking "why have they done this". Still a cracking looker though.
Great but a bit too enthusiastic, maybe. Driving an empty van is a bit misleading too.
Tom here: Thanks, David. I just really like vans. I'm not aiming to mislead anyone - in fact, I'm going to make sure in future reviews to show building items being loaded in to give a better in-use review of the vehicle. Appreciate your support.
On motorways 60-65mph I get 52mpg. Drive gently and it'll pay dividends in the range. Love it
Sounds good to me! Thinking of getting one next year!
Would love to see the 119 Panel Van reviewed. Be interesting to know if the cabin noise has reduced significantly, or would it be as good as this crew van you just tested. I drove a Vito a few years back (2016) and it was so bad it completely put me off, so I got an Expert instead.
I bought a 2018 panel 116. Road noise was crazy. Added lots of sound insulation to resolve
😂 this is not a new 2021 facelift model 👎
The badge was always in the middle, only difference is the apron under the grille. That fabric has not changed and that is the old infotainment system!!
I have the 2020 version it's a beast great for my courier job gets to hard to reach places and very good engine
beautiful van.
Considering the Vito and the Sprinter have been regularly updated, I just wonder why its taking them so long to bring out a new Citan?
Tom here: If the sluggish "premiuming" of the Vito is anything to go by, I think the answer is that Mercedes-Benz won't be rushed.
@@vanaramauknice answer. Hopefully they will do a thorough "premium" job on the next Citan since it will be based on the recently launched New Kangoo.
Just had an upfront copy of the e-brochure on the new 2022 Citan, and the spec is appalling compared to the Caddy. Only one ICE at 95hp, and very very few options available. No heated seats/climate, no ACC etc. Not sure if these will be available in time either. I also understand that they are building stock of components before releasing them to order, although i have had it that they will be starting to take orders Jan '23 with a del date of around April '23.
@@niceguy235uk1 Wow they are really taking their time with this since the van was launched in 2021 if I'm correct
The dash is shocking compared to even the ford and it’s miles behind the VW
What s goin on here .This is the old model ?.
I guess the new model is identical
MB didn't do much inside :(, when you look at other brand new Vans Vito is no good... it's Mercedes and it costs tons of cash but inside, even the top model 119, it looks outdated. I think there will be new Vito in 2022 2023 the latest, something similar to Sprinter inside and that's what I'm waiting for.
I’ve been driving this model since jan 2016? 🤷♂️
You are driving the old one with the 2.1 engine! New 2021 model with the 2.0 engine has the newer air vents from the sprinter.
Do you really think we are that interested in the cab trimming that you spent so much time telling us about
star stop drives you crazy no way to turn off, doors randomly lock
no dab radio, bluetooth never works right, forward air vents dont work right, bench passenger seat is really uncomfoortable, glove box is poor plus no light, interior light blinds you then you cant see button to turn it off, the lower cubbly holes are useless and your phone will fly out, dial dimmer does not dim enough, if you have auto like me then some times when you set off it races forward when you hardly touch the pedal then other times it does not, engine makes a daft wushing noise when you accelerate like a daft dump valve, when fuel gauge gets to quarter its empty????, some times wont go up in gear just sits there reving higher, rear door doees not stay up, when you reverse park it makes clunking noises underneath, i am sure there are more
Proper torque converter auto boxes do creep forward. Is this your first time driving one? You should return to the dealer with some of those other issues though. It nearly sounds like you're driving a Toyota or Ford.
that's the old 2.1 you are driving
Can I get a pallet in the back without ripping the back apart ?
Hello, any chance of testing the new 119, 2022 model? 2.0 engine and 9 speed auto. Thanks very much
9 Seater Vito 2018/2019 Blue Lowe Milage For Taxi. Use. At least 2 liters
Has it got led headlights yet?
Are those measurements based on the L2 length?
This is not the updated version.
Really if I wanted a review like this I could of gone to aldi's shite
60mph on a single carriageway ? In a van ? 😱
Mercedes Vito have such a bad reputation. Give me a Transit Custom, Transporter, Citroën Dispatch any day.
Tom here: The new engines should sort out the reputation issues. Can't argue with your love for the Custom, Transporter & Dispatch - all great vans in their own rights.
Nay-sayers.
Transit custom.......really?????, 56k mileage, dealer replaced engine (2.0 turbo diesel eco...bla bla something) wet timming belt .....omg, oil light flashing, noisy turbo, problem with dpf....
@@chrisdabrowski All under warranty in the rare time it fails
You obviously know little about that merc 2.1 engine. It's reliability is second to none and used throughout the merc family. The merc auto box is a true auto with torque converter and again has no comparison regarding reliability issues. Any that give bother have not been serviced. All manufacturers have and will have issues. Ford have had and still do have their share.
The front of the van is quite attractive, but the back..... goodness... fugly. A 45 litre fuel tank? No.
I had one of these back in 2012, of all the vans I've had, hands down the worst one. Daft foot parking brake, powersteering rack failed, uncomfortable, noisy, bad on fuel. At 50k miles mine packed up and after 6months they wrote it off as they couldn't fix it. They always seem to rust as well. Should be better as it's a Mercedes
Typical salesman review. Where are the engineers? For a technical review rather than these clueless used car salesmen.... It drives me nuts!
VERY OLD LOOK!!!!!
Tom here: Who... me or the van?
Awful van just got a 2023 plate one and I hate it my Vauxhall vivaro was better in all aspects
You definitely pay a premium to drive the Merc vans, but some people want what they offer. We hope you grow to love it as you drive it more.
@@vanaramauk look I won’t knock the van for it’s handling and comfort but as far as the premium goes, should people really be paying a premium price for a 1.9ltr Renault engine? Its an awful engine with 100hp,
I had a 1.6ltr Vauxhall vivaro which drove better engine wise.
I think my expectations were too high of the Vito before I actually took delivery.
Useless review