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Wraps are off the new Mercedes-Benz Vito van and Vivaro EV
publication date: Sep 23, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Mercedes-Benz has undertaken a comprehensive revamp of the Vito van, which
is now yet more economical and kinder on the environment, yet more practical
and more dynamic.
New engines and new transmissions reduce emissions and fuel
consumption by up to 15 percent while enhancing performance. The fully reconfigured rear wheel drive chassis is tailored to the
transportation of goods or passengers, according to the model concerned.
The
driver's workplace in all models and the passenger compartment of the Vito
Traveliner are more attractively appointed than ever.
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The new Mercedes Vito is readily recognisable by its new "face",
combining the style of the current passenger cars from Mercedes-Benz with the
robustness of a commercial vehicle.
The central innovation featuring in the latest Vito is a completely new
drive offering particularly economical and environmentally friendly operation.
All engines comply with the Euro 5 emissions standard. Fuel consumption
has fallen markedly once again, accompanied by cuts of up to 15 percent in CO2
emissions, depending on the engine variant.
Further reductions in fuel consumption and emissions are possible with the
BlueEFFICIENCY models. This innovative package, which is available for the Vito
panel van and comes as standard for the Vito Traveliner, is a unique offering
in the vans segment. The new four-cylinder engines rated at 95 hp in the Vito
110 CDI, 136 hp in the Vito 113 CDI and 163 hp in the Vito 116 CDI are provided
with balancer shafts for impressively smooth running.
All diesel engines are equipped with an oxidation catalytic converter, a
particulate filter and cooled exhaust gas recirculation. The new ECO Gear
six-speed manual transmission for all four-cylinder models offers a broad gear
ratio spread for optimum performance and enables low fuel consumption and
emission levels.
Top of the range among the diesel engines is the V6 in the Vito 122 CDI,
which combines smooth running with impressive output and high tractive power.
With a power output of 224 hp, it now offers even better performance, while
combining economy with environment-friendliness.
The standard gross vehicle weight is now 2.80 t (previously 2.77 t), while
all models of the new generation are also optionally available as a 3.05 t
variant. The Vito with a gross vehicle
weight of 3.2 t remains top of the range in terms of payload. It is available two wheelbases and three
lengths from 4.7 to 5.2 m. |
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| Vauxhall's Vivaro e-Concept, an electric van with an
extended range of up to 250 miles, made its debut yesterday at the IAA
Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.
The Vivaro's 111 kWh lithium ion batteries supply 370 Nm of power,
enabling over 60 miles pure electric driving range, and on longer
journeys, a range extender enables the vehicle to be driven up to
approximately 250 miles. | 
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This technology means that the van is always driven electrically, yet allows drivers to reach their destinations anxiety-free.
The lithium ion battery modules, which can be re-charged on a standard household 240V outlet, are mounted under the floor of the vehicle where they are protected from the elements and easily accessible for maintenance whilst still providing 5.0m3 of load capacity and up to 750kg of payload.
Expect the technology to appear in the next generation vans likely to be built in the UK from 2013. |
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