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Mercedes Vito is a cool catch for Alan
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A Lowestoft fishmonger was instantly hooked after landing a refrigerated van straight off the shelf from Mercedes-Benz.
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The Vito Sport Chiller proved the perfect catch for Alan Snow, who boasts the largest selection of fresh fish in East Anglia at World of Fish, on Cooke Road.
“I’m delighted with the quality of my new van,” says Alan, who also delivers to restaurants, public houses and caterers across much of Suffolk.
Normally, operators like Alan, whose products must be distributed in temperature-controlled conditions, must buy standard vans then send them to third-party specialists for conversion.
Mercedes-Benz, however, provides off-the-shelf alternatives in the form of a Freezer or Chiller model based on its Vito van range. Chiller models are designed to maintain temperatures at between +12ºC and 0ºC, while the Freezer version will go as low as -20ºC.
Alan opted for a Long-bodied Vito 115CDI Sport Chiller, which was supplied by Norwich dealer Orwell Truck & Van. It came direct from the factory with an insulated body and a roof-mounted Kerstner refrigeration unit that blends smoothly and aerodynamically with the roofline to give a clean, stylish appearance. The body is both innovative and practical, including high-efficiency, fully moulded insulation with very low thermal loss characteristics and a unique system ensuring free and easy opening of all door by venting internal pressure.
The refrigerated rear compartment is easily accessed via the Vito’s two sliding side load doors – one on each side – and top-hinged rear tailgate.
“I really like the shape of the vehicle,” explains Alan, “not least because unlike the ugly fridges you see on the roofs of most vans, the Kerstner unit looks more like part of an air management kit.”
As a Sport model, the Vito boasts an extensive specification that includes luxury touches like cruise control, air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gearshift, electric windows and mirrors, as well as exterior features such as 17-inch allow wheels and eye-catching chrome foot rails. Its metallic black paintwork wears a World of Fish livery, expertly applied by local firm DB Signs.
“The Sport version really stands out from the crowd and is also an eye-catching advertisement for the business,” enthuses Alan.
The Vito Sport boasts a six-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed automatic transmission is optionally available), and a tourquey, yet frugal 2.2-litre, common-rail turbodiesel engine. It is capable of reaching 60mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph, but can still return an impressive 44.1mpg.
Like all Vitos, Alan’s van boasts an impressive arsenal of standard safety equipment, including traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution, and the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Program®. It also came with a market-leading, unlimited mileage, three-year, warranty.
“I love my Vito,” says Alan. “It’s economical to operate but also a real pleasure to drive, comfortable and quick of the mark when you need it to be. I’d sooner drive the Vito Sport than my own car.”
“I’m delighted with the quality of my new van,” says Alan, who also delivers to restaurants, public houses and caterers across much of Suffolk.
Normally, operators like Alan, whose products must be distributed in temperature-controlled conditions, must buy standard vans then send them to third-party specialists for conversion.
Mercedes-Benz, however, provides off-the-shelf alternatives in the form of a Freezer or Chiller model based on its Vito van range. Chiller models are designed to maintain temperatures at between +12ºC and 0ºC, while the Freezer version will go as low as -20ºC.
Alan opted for a Long-bodied Vito 115CDI Sport Chiller, which was supplied by Norwich dealer Orwell Truck & Van. It came direct from the factory with an insulated body and a roof-mounted Kerstner refrigeration unit that blends smoothly and aerodynamically with the roofline to give a clean, stylish appearance. The body is both innovative and practical, including high-efficiency, fully moulded insulation with very low thermal loss characteristics and a unique system ensuring free and easy opening of all door by venting internal pressure.
The refrigerated rear compartment is easily accessed via the Vito’s two sliding side load doors – one on each side – and top-hinged rear tailgate.
“I really like the shape of the vehicle,” explains Alan, “not least because unlike the ugly fridges you see on the roofs of most vans, the Kerstner unit looks more like part of an air management kit.”
As a Sport model, the Vito boasts an extensive specification that includes luxury touches like cruise control, air-conditioning, a leather steering wheel and gearshift, electric windows and mirrors, as well as exterior features such as 17-inch allow wheels and eye-catching chrome foot rails. Its metallic black paintwork wears a World of Fish livery, expertly applied by local firm DB Signs.
“The Sport version really stands out from the crowd and is also an eye-catching advertisement for the business,” enthuses Alan.
The Vito Sport boasts a six-speed manual gearbox (a five-speed automatic transmission is optionally available), and a tourquey, yet frugal 2.2-litre, common-rail turbodiesel engine. It is capable of reaching 60mph in 12.7 seconds and has a top speed of 113mph, but can still return an impressive 44.1mpg.
Like all Vitos, Alan’s van boasts an impressive arsenal of standard safety equipment, including traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake force distribution, and the latest Adaptive Electronic Stability Program®. It also came with a market-leading, unlimited mileage, three-year, warranty.
“I love my Vito,” says Alan. “It’s economical to operate but also a real pleasure to drive, comfortable and quick of the mark when you need it to be. I’d sooner drive the Vito Sport than my own car.”
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