Description

The Viano is the biggest people carrier from Mercedes-Benz and is based on the Vito van. That’s evident in the boxy styling and dated cabin design, but in the back this is designed to be a comfortable and upmarket vehicle – hence its popularity with private hire firms. It comes in three lengths and can carry up to eight adults in plenty of comfort while there’s a wide choice of seating variations including individual face-to-face seats.

The best engines are the diesels which also offer the most reasonable running costs, although none are especially economical. It’s similar value to the Volkswagen Caravelle – another van-based people mover and makes a good choice as a large family vehicle. However, it is tricky to drive in town and standard equipment on the lesser models isn’t very generous.

The Viano was awarded four stars out of five for adult safety by Euro NCAP along with three stars for child safety. Standard safety equipment includes twin front airbags, side airbags (standard on Ambiente but optional on Trend), ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability programme (ESP) and remote central locking.