The Vito comes in a variety of configurations, from a top-of-the-range luxury 8-seater bus to a panel van suited for the delivery of bulky items. All are powered by the same engine, a 16-valve, 2148cc turbo diesel, producing 110kw @ 3800rpm and more importantly, 330Nm of torque from only 1800rpm. This high torque from such low revs is ideal for driving with minimal gear changing at any speed.
The Vito Crew Cab can carry 5 passengers in comfort in 2 rows of seats, with a cavernous load area behind, which is conveniently protected from prying eyes by metal panels instead of glass rear windows. This model boasts a six-speed manual gearbox featuring a “joystick” style of gear lever positioned just below the driver’s left hand when on the steering wheel.
We were fortunate to be able to use a new Vito Crew Cab recently, taking four adults, luggage for a week, four bicycles and lots of spare wheels on a 3 500 km trip from Durban to Cape Town. Having done the same journey on three previous occasions with similar loads, we found this one in the Vito the most effortless, and undoubtedly the safest.
The Vito range fairly bristles with safety features, such as electronic stability control, ABS braking, acceleration-skid control, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist systems. There are two full-size airbags for driver and front seat passenger, three-point seat belts for all, deformation boxes to absorb impact energy in the event of a collision, and a safety steering column. Other features include aircon, central locking with remote and plenty of conveniently placed storage areas, which really come into their own on long journeys.
We were able to load all our gear without difficulty, and with space to spare. Bicycles are awkward items to transport because they don’t stack well, can’t stand on their own and are fairly delicate. In the Vito we had room to carry them upside-down, with kit bags in between each bike to keep them separated and stable, which worked excellently.
We drove the 1 600 km to Cape Town though the night, with two passengers sleeping in the rear while drivers managed 2,5 hour stints behind the wheel. The Crew Cab was easy to drive with its torquey engine and very smooth gearbox, and the fully adjustable front seats gave excellent support, which, combined with the adjustable steering wheel, meant that it was very easy to find a comfortable driving position. The headlights were first class, giving even illumination and an impressive range on high beam — all of which contributed to a safe, enjoyable and effortless journey.
The 75 litre fuel tank allowed us to drive easily from Durban to Bloemfontein (667 km) without refuelling and our fuel consumption for the round trip, which included about 300km in and around Cape Town, was exactly 10 litres/100 km, which is exceptional for a vehicle of this size.
Model prices range from the Vito Panel Van at R214 500, the Crew cab at R246 500 and the luxury Crew Bus with five-speed auto at R299 250.