Mercedes Benz Viano test drive since 2003 Minivan

BUSINESS

Mercedes Viano and Vito are comfort for all occasions

We are talking, I ask you to notice, not about one car, but about the whole family of new machines with three options for the length of the body and two wheeled base, a very different purpose and the level of equipment. All available versions cannot be counted (only Vito is presented in fifteen modifications), especially if you take into account the widest possibilities for transforming the salon and installing additional equipment. Say, Viano with the same success can be an office on wheels, a mobile family cottage with a kitchen or just a minivan, perfectly adapted for sorties to nature with mountain bicycles. Vito in his passenger, cargo or cargo -passenger mortgages is even more universal, but at the same time more utilitamal. In a word, those who previously preferred Mercedes V-class or the same Vito of the previous generation cannot be disappointed with a new series of minivans with a three-beam star.

Convenience first of all

Not to say that I very often drove a large seven -seater car weighing more than two tons and about five meters long. The more notable that I did not experience any difficulties. That is, any more or less prepared driver who had never before driving a minivan will easily cope with this. Planting, of course, tall, but very comfortable seat, mildly soft with tangible side support and armrests, handle of a 5-speed automatic checkpoint at hand, on a tide of a central console, an adjustable steering wheel with navigation and audio buttocks does not irritate bus inclination, a bus, and audio systems, Devices are well read. In a word, the ergonomics of the driver’s place is on top, and immediately understand that this is precisely Mercedes.

It should be clarified here: we are talking about the long -border and most powerful Viano 3.2, which I paid special attention, given its prospects in the Russian market. In this particular case, the performance of Ambiente meant seven separate seats (of course, all with safety belts, and three -point) capable of moving along special sledges, moreover, the chairs of the second and third row can turn to each other. In the cabin, only high -quality upholstery materials, wood finish, two hatches are one small, the second is almost half a wings. Buyers are also offered options for Trend, Fun and the Universal Marco Polo, plus three standard equipment packages of Business, Life and Bike. In general, Viano can be equipped no worse than a representative sedan. In terms of the quality of the finish and the level of equipment, he hardly finds an equal in the classroom.

It is convenient to climb into the cabin thanks to a wide side side shift. The same doors, by the way, in the Vito vito vito van is allowed to use a forklift when loading. So, to climb in Viano, although easy, I personally didn’t really want to. Because in Europe in general, and in Germany, where the test in particular, there was African heat. And the car under the sun caused associations with a mobile murder. However, I have nothing to do behind the wheel, having previously opened all the doors, I start the engine and install a separate climate control system at a minimum temperature. Lee if, after a minute, from the deflectors, it was brought by cold. And very soon the minivan from the murderer turned into an oasis in the middle of the desert. I was not too lazy, and, stopping, I moved to the seat of the last row here for some reason even cooler!

Fast house

The test routes were thought out competently, and therefore journalists got the opportunity to try out cars on carbanes, on narrow mountain roads, and even on a ferry crossing. At the same time, now Viano looked neither sluggish nor too big. The acceleration of the minivan in eight with a little seconds to a hundred is very impressive. Many cars can envy such dynamics (and decent maximum speed). The engine is very good, and, importantly, it is practically not heard in the salon even at high speeds. And the machine was pleasantly surprised by a quick reaction to gas supply and smooth transitions from step to step even with the highest possible acceleration. Very soon, I caught myself thinking about a comfortable and fast house on wheels.

But I especially liked Viano behavior on serpentines. It would seem that the stern should have been mercilessly demolished in the bends, and given the length of the minivan, it could be assumed that it would be difficult to predict the demolition. By no means! Even at decent speed, the car is tight on wheels in corners, and its behavior is quite predictable. Of course, this is not a sports car, and to overdo it at the speed on winding roads, no matter what, but here a large car inspires a sense of confidence. The main merit in the rear drive (before the V-class was front-wheel drive), which provided a more uniform distribution of weight along the axes. And if the luggage compartment is quite loaded at all any problems. In addition, Viano basic equipment includes a system of dynamic ESP stabilization, which works in linking with anti -circulation ASR and ABS.

It is impossible not to pay tribute to the disc brakes (front ventilated) they are very effective. Under the driver’s foot, plus the Brake Assist emergency braking system and electronic brake forces. In general, the owner chooses the level of safety: the standard equipment with pillows for the driver and (depending on the level of execution) for the front passenger is free to supplement with window, side and special pillows to protect the chest.

The frisky nature of the new generation of minivans from Mercedes quite reflects the new design. The angular forms of the previous generation gave way to more smooth and dynamic lines, which is especially noticeable in profile and anfas. The headlights, a radiator grille, a spectacular stamping on the hood stretching from the bumper to the windshield, the bright relief of the sidewalls all these elements give the appearance of Viano at the same time swiftness and solidity. And the back became, perhaps, less heavy due to long and clear lines of lanterns.

In Europe and in Russia

Mercedes-Benz Viano and Vito will be officially presented at the International Exhibition of Caravan Salon auto-furgies and trailers at Dusseldorf (from August 29 to September 7), at the IAA International Auto Show (from September 13 to 21) and at the RAI commercial car in Amsterdam ( From 17 to 25 October). However, Viano sales in Europe have already begun. Prices for this model in Germany start from 32 thousand euros for a version with a 2-liter diesel engine, and end 41,690 euros for the most powerful modification with a gasoline engine and in the maximum factory configuration (taking into account taxes). The cost of Vito will be determined in the first half of September. Then the prices for minivans in Russia will become known.

All Viano/Vito versions will be delivered to us, with diesel and gasoline engines, with the exception of Viano 3.0. In CJSC Daimlerrukler, Rus cars reasoned, perhaps, correctly, choosing the most powerful from two 3.2-liter V6. And from there they reported that Russian prices would be tied to German. If this comes out, then the novelty in our country has very good prospects. Agree, even about fifty thousand euros for a large comfortable Mercedes minivan, this is not too much.

Oleg Osipov
 
 

Source: Newspaper "Automobile Izvestia" [No. 15-16 (39), 2003]