Mercedes-Benz has unveiled details of the latest version of its popular Vito medium van.

The new model will come in two wheelbases, three lengths and three weight variants. Unusually for this class of vehicle, it will also come in a choice of front- or rear-wheel models, enabling buyers to tailor the van to their requirements and gain optimimum fuel efficiency and driving performance.

The new Mercedes-Benz Vito

The tailored theme continues with Vito panel, Crew and Tourer models, with the Tourer (minibus/people carrier) featuring modified suspension to provide a smoother ride, along with the most comprehensive selection of air bags yet seen in a commercially-derived vehicle.

Internally, the Vito has also been upgraded, and is following the current trend of offering car-like levels of comfort, finish and specification. Indeed, judging from this photo, the new Vito’s cab will put many mass-market cars to shame:

Inside the new Vito — there’s no mistaking the fact that this is a Merc

Engines

Panel and Crew van models of the new Vito will come with one of two engines: front-wheel drive models will benefit from a lightweight and compact 1.6-litre engine, with a choice of 88hp and 114hp power outputs.

Rear-wheel drive variants, which are designed for heavier loads and towing, will use a 2.15-litre diesel with a choice of three power outputs, 136hp, 163hp and 190hp. Additionally, the Vito 119 BluTEC will be the first Euro 6 model in its class.

Six-speed manual transmissions handle power transmission 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 the world’s only automatic transmission with torque converter and seven gears.

The new Vito has a slipper 0.32 drag coefficient and the firm says that when combined with the 116 CDI BlueEfficiency variant, this will provide combined cycle fuel efficiency of up to an impressive 49.6mpg (I bet they were disappointed they couldn’t get it up to 50mpg!).

Weights and lengths

The new Vito is designed to offer competitive payloads across the range. The two core models are 2.8t and 3.05t gross vehicle weight models, while a heavy duty 3.2t model is also available in rear-wheel drive guise.

In front-wheel drive, medium-wheel base spec, Mercedes says that the Vito will have an unladen kerb weight of 1,761kg, giving a payload of 1,289kg for the 3.05t model. Payload rises to 1,369kg for the heaviest model, the 3.2t rear-wheel drive Vito.

All three lengths are 140 millimetres longer than the preceding Vito, thanks to an improved pedestrian safety design.The resulting vehicle lengths are 4,895 mm, 5,140 mm and 5,370 mm. The maximum vehicle height is 1,910 mm depending on the model. Consequently all variants are significantly below the important two-metre mark and should therefore fit standard multi-storey/underground car parks and automatic car washes.

UK prices

Mercedes says that UK pricing and specification details have not yet been confirmed, so we’ll have to wait a little long to see how it compares to key competitors the Ford Transit Custom and Volkswagen Transporter.

However, I expect that even if it costs a little more upfront, in the Merc tradition, used values will be very strong, making the total cost of ownership competitive.

Update: The new Vito should be coming to the UK in 2015, according to Merc’s parent company, Daimler:

@vanrentaluk new #mbvito coming to uk in 2015. Starting with left hand drive markets first. We promise though: it is worth the wait.

— Daimler Trucks&Buses (@Daimler_CV) July 29, 2014