Refreshed Vito & Viano launched Perhaps even MBSA themselves didn’t realise what a hit they had on their hands with their Viano and Vito ranges when they were launched locally five years back. In much the same manner as the Cadillac Escalade became the gangster and rap star pimp-fodder, the practicality and versatility offered by the range found credibility and customers in everyone from corporate fleet managers, small business owners, outdoor sporting enthusiasts and even large families. This was (and is) a car that could, depending on your choice of model and configuration, comfortably and safely carry the extended family to the seaside holiday home, the motocross bikes to the track, the electrical and plumbing goodies to the next job, or shuttle the marketing department to their next launch function. Not to mention potentially doing all of this with one car when the need beckons!
So with everyone finding new ways to brand-wrap, accessorize, make use of and praise these much loved “crossover vans”, Mercedes Benz has decided that a form and functional revamp was needed, and this has now just been announced, due for local release in January 2011. To clarify, the Vito is MB’s popular “van” brand you will see on many a South African road, and is currently available in three forms which all share the same platform and body styles with only the window count and interior appointments altered to suit: the Panelvan is the no-frills, maximum load capacity contractor’s dream; the