Mercedes-Benz Vito 2015 News

Citroen Automobiles Australia has confirmed its light-commercial vehicle range will expand mid-year with the anticipated arrival of the next-generation Dispatch mid-size van.

The Benz van has refined engines, ample space — and, as extra-cost options, safety kit galore.

Meet the Mercedes-Benz of people-movers. It's called the V-Class and seats up to eight people in comfort.

Benz had already confirmed the new van would have front and rear-drive variants.It will be launched in Europe soon and is expected to arrive here in about July.Now it has completed the puzzle by revealing the AWD version of the mid-sized van.It is not designed as a rough and tough rock-climbing off-roader but simply provides improved traction on slippery surfaces such as snow, ice, dirt and gravel.The engine is the most potent diesel in the line-up, producing 140kW/440NmMercedes is the only mid-sized van manufacturer that offers customers the choice of front, rear and all-paw traction.The front-drive Vito vans are only available with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. When it comes to the rear-drive Vitos, they come only with a 2.2-litre turbo diesel.The AWD Vito will be based on the rear-driver. The turbo diesel sends drive via a seven-speed automatic transmission, a conventional torque converter-style box.The AWD setup to be used on the Vito van is similar to that used on most of its passenger vehiclesThe engine is the most potent diesel in the line-up, producing 140kW/440Nm.It is no guzzler, claiming 6.4L/100km. The engine runs Selective Catalytic Reduction, which means it uses AdBlue fluid to treat the exhaust emissions. It already complieswith the Euro6 emission standard.Mercedes says the AWD setup to be used on the Vito van is similar to that used on most of its passenger vehicles.In normal driving conditions, 55 per cent of power is sent to the rear wheels via a central differential. An electronic system senses wheel slip and sends additional power to other wheels that have traction, all in a matter of milliseconds.