The new Mercedes-Benz vans were supplied by Pentagon Commercials and are powered by four-cylinder engines mated to six-speed ECO-Gear manual gearboxes designed to maximise fuel efficiency. First to arrive was a 163hp Vito 116 CDI, with the four that have since entered service all 113 CDIs, which produce 136hp and 310Nm of torque.
The Vitos are equipped with features including Adaptive Brake Lights, which flash under heavy braking to provide an additional warning to traffic behind, and the latest ADAPTIVE ESP system. As well as offering anti-skid reassurance, ADAPTIVE ESP can also determine a vehicle’s mass and centre of gravity, which allows it to intervene with greater precision in critical situations.
Refix stated that the comprehensive and cost-effective back-up on offer from Pentagon Commercials was key to its decision to invest in Mercedes-Benz vans for the first time.
Managing director Chris Mansfield explained: ‘These vans are fully equipped with all of the tools, spares and access gear our engineers need to do their jobs. So it’s crucial that we keep them out there and working, because a courtesy vehicle is no good to us.
‘That’s why the fact that Pentagon can service our vehicles through the night is so attractive – unlike our previous supplier it’s a commercial vehicle specialist and really understands the requirements of a business such as ours.
‘Our engineers love their new Mercedes-Benz vans and I have to confess that I had not fully appreciated previously how much better is their standard specification compared to our previous vehicles, particularly in relation to safety.
‘Our staff cover high mileages in all weathers and at all times of the day and night, so it’s reassuring to know that we’re putting them on the road in the safest van in its class,’ he added.