Rent a van: Mercedes Viano Activity 2.0L

Great van for rent: Mercedes Viano Activity 2.0L

Inspired design changes ensure the latest Viano is more eye-catching and characterful than ever. The expressive new front section has a restyled radiator grille incorporating 3 silver painted louvres with chrome strips. The 3-pointed star takes pride of place in the centre. This new-look grille is flanked by redesigned headlamps featuring the signature ‘arched’ shape common to many of today’s Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. These striking headlamps incorporate daytime running lights as standard on the Trend model line, with Bi-Xenon headlamps with conering light function and LED running lights standard on the Ambiente model. The Viano also has larger exterior mirrors, complete with integrated indicators and mirror caps painted in body colour. For added safety, the curvature of the mirror glass has been adjusted to maximise the field of vision. Further styling touches include redesigned front wings, a new body-coloured front bumper, and single-piece tail light design. Metallic paint finish is now standard.

The latest generation Viano is every inch a Mercedes-Benz, with high quality materials and finishes throughout the cabin. Seat upholsteries include Leon fabric or Lugano leather in a choice of 3 sophisticated colours. Comfort is key, and several intelligent design features have been introduced to enhance the Viano experience. For example, the sliding door has been redesigned, bringing the thumb-operated button closer to the handle to improve ergonomics. Likewise, the upper control panel rocker switches have been replaced by the same high quality push buttons featured across the passenger car range. The symbols have also been reworked to improve usability. As you’d expect, space is plentiful and convenient features range from a folding table to an optional cool box. But beyond functionality, there are touches of pure luxury too. For instance, the Trend model’s gear lever features a high sheen badge with chrome surround, chrome trim ring and man-made leather gaiter, while the Ambiente model boasts a full leather gearshift knob and gaiter.

The new Viano sees the introduction of a range of EU5 compliant diesel engines that offer reduced emissions and fuel consumption. Superseding the previous EU4 engine range, these include two 4-cylinder models – the 2.0 CDI and 2.2 CDI – and the V6 3.0CDI. The new 4-cylinder engines offer superior power and torque and significant efficiency benefits. Each achieves up to 38.7 mpg combined while CO2 emissions drop as low as 192 g/km – an 8 per cent improvement on both counts. Meanwhile, the range-topping V6 3.0 CDI engine sees a 6 per cent improvement in fuel economy and emissions yet still produces rated output of 224 hp. All three engines are fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters as standard – one of many features designed to ensure the cleanest performance possible.

A great rental car

Viano Trend models with 4-cylinder CDI engines are equipped with a new 6-speed manual transmission as standard, whilst the Ambiente 4-cylinder models feature a 5-speed automatic transmission with Tipfunction and cruise control as standard. Developed specifically for the new generation engines, the ECO Gear transmission has a larger gear ratio spread than its predecessor. The shorter 1st gear offers outstanding pulling power at low speeds, while the extended 6th gear ratio ensures lower revs at high cruising speeds. On long distance journeys, this helps significantly improve fuel economy and passenger comfort.

The Viano’s seats have been designed to offer maximum comfort even on the longest journeys. All seats in the Viano are ergonomically designed and have three-point seatbelts. Single passenger seats have armrests and adjustable backrests. They move forward or back in 1 inch (25 mm) stages, to give you a more flexible space and passengers plenty of legroom where they need it. In addition, the standard 7-seater Viano can be fitted with an extra seat if so desired, offering space for up to eight people. Multi-adjustable memory seats for the driver and front-passenger are also optionally available.

In adverse road conditions, sharp cornering or abrupt braking, a vehicle can quickly begin to skid. The Viano’s latest-generation ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) works together with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBV) to restore stability in these situations. Sensors monitor individual wheel speeds, yaw rate (body lean) and sideways movement. When they detect vehicle instability, brake and active engine control units apply precise pressure to individual wheels and electronically reduce or increase engine torque, as required.

Available as an option on the Viano, the COMAND multimedia system meets all your entertainment, navigation and communication requirements. Based around a 6.5” high-resolution display screen, the new generation system includes advanced satellite navigation. An extensive range of digitised maps are now stored on the unit’s hard drive and TMC (Traffic Message Channel) ensures up-to-date travel information. Audio equipment includes RDS radio, single CD, and MP3/iPod compatibility. A Video-DVD replay function can be enjoyed when the vehicle is stationary. Bluetooth® interface enables compatible mobile phones to be paired with the unit for hands-free phone calls and both Linguatronic voice control and multi-function steering wheel are now standard. So most controls can be operated without taking your hands from the wheel or your attention from the road. For safe, stress-free reversing, the optional Rearview Camera can also be specified with the COMAND unit.

Tehnical characteristics - Mercedes Viano Activity CDI 2.2