The new Mercedes Benz Vito van is on the way with three options, a Vito panel van, the Vito Crew and the Vito Tourer family. For the first time, there will be the option of front and rear-wheel drive in the Vito range. Prices have yet to be confirmed for the van due here early in 2015.

There will be two turbo-diesel engine choices with scope for five power ratings. The overall Vito design is new with a Cd value of 0.32 the wind resistance is very low. Mercedes Benz claims that this reduces fuel consumption and improves performance.

On the inside, both the driver and passenger benefit from more space than before. The cockpit area has been made more functional with more storage areas included.

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When unladen or carrying only a light load, Mercedes Benz claims front-wheel drive offers better traction. Rear-wheel drive is the right solution for all applications involving heavy weights and high towing capacities.

Power is provided by a transverse-mounted, 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine. It is available in two power ratings, the Vito 109 CDI with 88bhp and the Vito 111 CDI with 114bhp.

In cases where demands on performance are high, use will be intensive, gross vehicle weights are high or trailer towing will be demanding, the new Vito with rear-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine with a 2.15-litre displacement will be the other choice. It is available at three power output levels Vito 114 CDI, 136bhp; Vito 116 CDI, 163bhp, and Vito 119 BlueTEC, 190bhp. Both engines benefit from long service intervals of up to 40,000km or two years.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted as standard. The 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with torque converter is optional for the Vito 114 CDI and Vito 116 CDI and standard equipment on the Vito 119 BlueTEC. For vans it is claimed to be the world's only automatic transmission with torque converter and seven gears.

Mercedes Benz is claiming a 20% lower fuel consumption of diesel for the preceding vans. It claims that the Vito BlueEfficiency system is economical when it comes to fuel use. This package is available for the new Vito with rear-wheel drive and is standard on all Vito Tourers with automatic transmission, car registration and in conjunction with the most powerful engine. The certified figure of (49.6 mpg) for the Vito 116 CDI BlueEfficiency and truck registration is unmatched in this vehicle category.

The Vito panel van is the only van to provide airbags and a seat belt reminder for both the driver and passenger as standard. Vito Tourer PRO and Vito Tourer SELECT models also come with window bags and thorax/pelvis sidebars in the front. For the first time, it is possible to get window bags in the rear for the Tourer. With up to eight airbags in total, the Tourer is the new benchmark by comparison.

The new Vito's standard equipment includes Attention Assist. Based on various parameters, it draws conclusions as to the driver's condition. Uniquely in this class Crosswind Assist comes as standard. Crosswind Assist virtually eliminates the effects of gusts acting on the vehicle. Tyre pressure monitoring is another item of standard equipment.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito also claims to set new safety standards. This includes powerful disc brakes all-round (with 16" or 17" braking system depending on the model), as well as Adaptive ESP as standard.

All three new van lengths are 140mm longer than the preceding Vito. The resulting vehicle lengths are 4,895mm, 5,140mm and 5,370mm.

The maximum vehicle height is 1,910mm depending on the model. Consequently all variants are significantly below the important two-metre mark and therefore fit standard multi-storey/underground car parks and automatic car washes.

The permissible gross vehicle weights at the heart of the range are 2.8t and 3.05t. They are complemented by an upgraded 3.2t Vito. Thanks to the new front-wheel drive in conjunction with a compact diesel engine,

The Vito panel van's kerb weight for the medium length with standard equipment is 1,761kg. As a result, even the Vito with a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.05 t achieves a payload of 1,289 kg. The rear-wheel drive Vito has a permissible gross vehicle weight of 3.2 t and a payload capacity of 1,369 kg.