MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I have had a new Vito demonstrator for a couple of days now, and given the love for van type vehicles on Singletrack I thought I would throw some thoughts out there.
I have had a "Compact" Vito 114 Crew Cab for a couple of days and been running about with it all over the Lakes and north Lancashire. It is just a *bit* different to my L200 and took a little getting used to! The test car had the 7 speed auto in it, and that thing is a revelation! I have never got on with automatics in the past, but this is making a lot of sense to me. It is smooth and effortless... and leaves a load of free space where a gearstick should be!
The van itself is comfortable - like, really comfortable. I have done a lot of miles in it and the seats whilst firm are supportive and comfy. It is also quiet (and would be even more so with a bulkhead fitted). The rear seats fold and can be removed leaving loads of space between a potential bulkhead and the front for bikes, or making a mahoosive loadspace otherwise.
Unlike short tests I have had the chance to load the thing up with my day to day work gear, which is probably about half a ton of ironmongery. It fits in the back nicely (again it would be better with the bulkhead in place as I could stack it up better!). For more normal people this would easily swallow bikes (mine go behind the front seats).
What I was less keen on though - the engine whilst quiet, smooth and refind lacked balls. I wouldn't manage with a 114 - however a lot of people would. I just found I was working the engine too hard, the bigger motor would make much more sense to me, either the 160 or more likely the 190 (Kirkstone with a full load... probably the 190). The stereo was a bit lacking in oomph too.
That is it.
Oh, and the ability to break traction on poor surfaces on steep hills from stopped, but that may be asking too much of this type of vehicle.
All in all I am smitten though - I am after a 190 Sport probably, but before I make any decisions I am going to take a Transit Custom out for a spin. Not sure if I am going to try the Transporter or not as yet. The Vito is a solid bit of kit though, and I am thinking that the 114 with an auto box would make a nice camper conversion. It drove best in Eco mode, the stop start worked wonderfully and piling down the M6 from Carlisle to Lancaster with cruise control set and some tunes playing was considerably less tiring than it is in the pickup.
Anything is better than a pickup 'shocker'
Well I knew that!
I an trying to get away from the things - I only need 4x4 occasionally... to be honest if the 4x4 Transporter didn't cost as much as it does that would probably be the ideal solution!
I'm guessing compact is the shortest wheelbase / no rear overhang one?
Am I right in saying the 114 is the 134bhp merc engine and rwd (rather than the 114bhp Renault 1.6 engine and fwd)? Have you tried the fwd one for comparison?
Neighbour works for a Merc dealer and often comes home in a tidy new crewvan - keep meaning to go and have a proper nosey at it.
I have had a Custom from our local Ford garage for a couple of weeks now, they can't fix my Ranger!
It seems okay, it's not the crew cab, I dislike the poor visibility, lack of power, the three seats up front are a struggle, you can't get two child booster seats in. The heating and ventilation controls are too far from the driving position, its a real stretch. The bottle holder in bangs your knee when yo get in and out.
Oh and ford service here is pretty shocking, so I would be unlikely to recommend one near me. Parts seem to be a major difficulty.
The visibility is fantastic on the Vito, forgot to mention that! They told me it was the Compact (shortest) but it seems a bit longer than my L200 so I am thinking it may be a Long! It is the 140bhp Merc RWD - the FWD ones have less power and I think I would really be struggling with that!
Useful info on the Custom though, is that the 155ps one?
Just looking at a discount seller's price on the VW... it may have some potential for a 4Motion, but the economy may be a bit low.
Not sure what the engine is, its pauper spec, which is giving me the hump too. As is the 70mph limiter. The gearing is sooooo long. In 6th limited to 70 there is no available power at all, you end up changing down on a slight incline. If you did all your motorway miles in Northern France or Holland it would be great and quite economical.
The kids think its funny us all being in a line up front!