2012 Mercedes-Benz Vito 113 CDI SWB 2.2 turbodiesel from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Feels solidly built, & the interior finally matches the brand
Faults:
Nothing as yet, although the engine idle is a little erratic sometimes, and the engine sounds like a bag of nails.
Noisy air con.
General Comments:
This is my third of this shape Vito, having previously operated a 2004 & 2007 model for 4 years & approx. 150,000 miles each.
Not too sure about the face lift at the front, but it's growing on me.
The cabin is a nice place to be, it's also quiet, and the standard fit cruise control is a real boon too.
The chrome rims on the instrument dials are a nice touch, & I see they've changed the steering wheel material, as on the previous models it would start to disintegrate at around 80,000 miles. Finally Mercedes have caught up with other manufacturers & supplied integrated Bluetooth, and the buttons on the steering wheel to operate the phone, radio, on-board computer & other functions are a nice touch too. I also like the CD / radio colour LCD display.
The previous model's problem with excessive front tyre wear seems to have been addressed; previously I was lucky to get 20,000 miles; these have 30,000 on them & look good for perhaps another 5,000.
They've fitted higher profile tyres, which whilst improving ride quality has been slightly detrimental to the handling, making the steering feel less accurate in fast corners, but hey it's a van, not a sports car.
It also has slightly taller overall gearing (due to the higher profile tyres?) which no doubt helps with fuel economy, but blunts the 20 BHP advantage it has over my last Vito.
According to the on-board computer, I've averaged 36 MPG over the last 30,000 miles. If driven reasonably gently, I can get near 50 MPG on a run.
I find the seat comfortable, although there isn't enough rearward adjustment for my 5' 10" frame.
Recommended, I like them.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th July, 2013
23rd Feb 2015, 19:48
Update at 80,000 miles. No major defects to report. Has been ultra-reliable to date.
However the hands-free phone system is pretty awful. I bought a cheap Nokia mobile phone with Bluetooth capability, but couldn't get it to pair with the Bluetooth on the van. Visited the dealer & they gave me a list of phones that Mercedes Benz Bluetooth will work with (the phone that I'd bought wasn't one of them), good to know, thanks Mercedes. Bought one of the phones on the list, but it's still not great; most times I answer a call & I can't hear the other person, but calling them back I can then hear them.
Other than that, the headlights are poor, although they can be supplemented with the integral front fog lights. The single loadspace lamp is abysmal too. I've replaced this with a caravan fluorescent tube fitting.
Also, the bulbs for the day running lights & rear stop lamps blow with depressing regularity - why aren't they LEDs as on other vehicles?
I see they've just released a revamped version of the Vito for 2015; hopefully they have addressed these minor annoyances. All in all though, I'd have another one at the drop of a hat; the next will be my fourth Vito since 2004.
24th May 2017, 21:46
Update at 145,000 miles.
Has continued to be ultra-reliable up until recently, when nearly £3k in repairs was required. A rattly clutch meant a replacement dual mass flywheel (which entails a replacement clutch at the same time) & a permanently lit engine management light meant 4 replacement fuel injectors. Can't really complain as that has been the only major expense in 5 years / 145,000 miles.
The telephone hands free system continued to be useless so I ended up purchasing a separate stand-alone hands free kit & use that instead.
8th May 2022, 20:05
Awesome review, thank you for updating.
21st Jul 2013, 12:50
Vehicle weight and aerodynamics have the greatest impact on fuel economy.