Mercedes-Benz vans have proven to be most desirable to tradesmen in Australia. It has to be said the image of carrying a three-pointed star on your business vehicle plays its part, but there's a lot more to the Mercedes Vito than simply the ego boost it may provide. That's because this German engineered vehicle is designed to high standards and has an excellent reputation for safety.

The Mercedes is the only van on the Australia market that scores five stars, the maximum on offer, for occupant safety. It should be pointed out at this stage that not all variants have gained the five-star rating. To do so, side curtain airbags are required and these can't be installed in all models. Sadly, there's also the fact safety remains a hard to sell feature in all vehicles and some fleet buyers, generally only the smaller operators, are reluctant to pay extra.

It's quite a complex subject so may we suggest you contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer, or the company's head office to check on which five-star Vitos meet your needs.

For the 2010 season Mercedes-Benz in Australia has uprated its Vito range. Harking back to the previous subject of safety, it's pleased to announce that a front passenger airbag is now fitted to all models (the driver has had one for several years now). Previously, the passenger SRS was an $800 option on most models, Mercedes Australia has only increased the price of the Vito by $500, absorbing the rest. The Vito wagon, which previously had the passenger airbag as standard, remains at the same price as in 2009.

As well as the airbag, the 2010 Vito models have an upgraded audio system with the convenience of an auxiliary connection located in the glovebox to let operators make use of their MP3 equipment.

In the primary safety side (that is the avoidance of crashes, not the protection of occupants during one), Vito has ABS antilock brakes with brake assist. Disc brakes are used at all four wheels for better heat dissipation.

The Mercedes Vito is offered as a conventional van with the choice of two wheelbases and three body lengths, as well as two heights. Cargo volume ranges from 4.65 to 6.49 cubic metres. The payload capacity is up to 1.15 tonnes. The Vito crew-cab comes with seating for up to six people, but it still provides a good amount of cargo space.

There's also a bus in the Vito lineup, though given the nature of its luxurious interior, it's probably not unreasonable to call it a people mover rather than a mere bus.

Power for the Mercedes-Benz Vito comes from a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in several stages of tune. There's also a refined 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel. Not all engines are offered in every model.

Again, there's a complex range of choices so we suggest contacting your Mercedes commercial specialist, or try the website www.mercedes-benz.com.au/.

Though you don’t necessarily buy a van based on its styling, the Vito has a pleasant look around the front end and there's a big choice of body colours.

The complete Mercedes-Benz Vito van range, with prices (excluding government and dealer charges) is:
109CDI Compact: $39,990
111CDI Compact: $41,490
111CDI Long High Roof: $45,990
111CDI Extra Long: $44,490
115CDI Compact: $47,490
115CDI Extra Long: $50,990
120CDI Compact: $51,990
120CDI Extra Long: $55,490
111 CDI Compact Crew Cab: $44,999
111CDI Extra Long Crew Cab: $48,490
115CDI Compact Crew Cab: $50,990
115CDI Extra Long Crew Cab: $54,490
120CDI Compact Crew Cab: $55,490
120CDI Extra Long Crew Cab: $58,990