Call Sign May 2011 - Page 18 - Euro V at DaC!

Colin Salmon (N81) was the first Dial-a-Cab subscriber to own a Mercedes Vito taxi after its groundbreaking launch back in 2008, giving DaC access to a wider market and higher profile in the people-moving business. Now Colin has reprised that historic moment by becoming one of the first subscribers to own the next-generation Euro 5 Vito taxi fitted with a ‘Blue Efficiency’ Euro 5 emission standard engine. "I’m delighted with it," Colin enthused to Call Sign when he showed us around his new mode of transportation. "I thought the original Vito was smooth to drive and I was very happy with it, but this Euro 5 version is even better. I didn’t think there was anything to improve on the old Vito, but the engineers have taken this new version to another level, there are so many goodies!" With that Colin grinned excitedly, an outstretched arm gesturing towards his new cab parked close-by. "Let me show you some of them…" Taking a deep breath, Colin began to itemise some of those ‘goodies’ to Call Sign.	Euro V at DaC!
	*Colin in his new Euro V Vito. See cover pic for a better look...*
	"It has ‘S’ Class suspension, so the ride is smoother, the rear wheel steering has been completely re-engineered and is superb now, the air-con can be controlled digitally from the central console above the windshield, the leather upholstery is a standard feature and both the carriage and driver interiors have been re-designed to have a cleaner look and be even more user friendly. I can adjust the music radio and other equipment via buttons on the steering wheel and my mobile phone automatically connects through the Bluetooth facility that is also part of the standard spec.	Did I mention that the passenger doors open much more quickly now," he enquired proudly? "And then there’s the Cruise Control," Colin added almost as an afterthought! "But the biggest bonus is the new Euro 5 emission spec engine and its increased power. I have not checked the fuel consumption yet as I’m still running it in, but so far things are looking promising." "To sum it all up, the engineers have done a marvellous job with this new version of the Vito," Colin concluded, obviously fairly content with his new taxi! © Call Sign Magazine MMX1

As you will have read elsewhere, Call Sign wasn’t invited to the new Vito launch, so we asked DaC drivers buying the vehicle to let us know how it goes. This is Gary Cox (O46)…
Gary and his new Vito

What’s good…
Get the new Vito on Park Lane and feel it sedately go through the gears - but you'll never know you've hit 60. The Euro V engine now pumps out 136bhp - that's 20bhp up on the old Vito and if the boffins in Stuttgart have got it right, we’ll get 28mpg - to you and me that's London City to LAP for a gallon on a good day. That also means we could save £580 over 3 years if the Chancellor doesn't come in for a nibble on the road tax.
   Servicing is up to 20,000 miles. I would say around town reckon on 18,000 if you're lucky.
   The big problem with the old Vito was the rear steering. This new Vito 5 feels a lot more substantial due Gary’s two young neighbours Laila and Max give their approval to Gary’s new Vito to its machine casting. Without doubt its electrics have been completely reworked to the rear and encased.
I'm an expert on intercoms now having had the Vito 4. I don't need to be anymore - it's almost perfect in the 5. And where the doors previously had a delay before opening, now it's 'stop and open'. Trust me - that's gonna please the passengers!
The new Vito also features an easier to use heating and aircon system with temperature controls in your front cockpit alongside the latest instrument panel, which will tell you how many miles to the next fill up, will check coolant temperature… oh, and also check the oil for you without you having to leave your leather seat or the luxury leather steering wheel to die for. The dials go back to what they should be - not unlike the FX3 - pure class and design.
   Mercedes have also re-designed the low step with the name Penso stamped on for all to see. They must be confident and I reckon they've got a right to be.
The list of toys is endless - if you call parking sensors front and back, cruise control for big girls and boys, MP3 connection, electric wing mirrors, bluetooth (if you understand it) and a proper cup holder – toys!
The lights in the interior have been upgraded to be good enough to light up Blackpool Tower if you wish, or just a romantic light for you and your map and if you can cope with your little darling, you can pay the extra for a nice little seat next to yours. Well that's the hols in France sorted! And it's a Merc, so the hotelier won't turn his nose up.
Breakdown is Euro wide for 2 years and they provide a service plan.
Hey - it's even got sexy leather seats in the rear and a more practical, almost black finish to the interior panels… and at last - a spare wheel!
OK, the shape's not iconic, but so long as there are only two London cabs to choose from, buy a black one and you'll get away with it. But if they offer you a parcel shelf, say no. You can get a medium sized suitcase in without it.

And what isn’t…
Now for the downside. The VAT is £6,885 plus first road tax of £580 due to showroom tax, which takes a £35,000 vehicle up to £42,000. You can't blame KPM for that one, but you can blame them for making you feel green.
One thing's for certain, now the Germans have got their foot in the door, their good name is at stake. And even I can change the headlight bulb…!

Gary Cox (O46)

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