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NEWS
Mercedes-Benz campervan coming
Pop-top, five-berth Vito-based Marco Polo Activity to go on sale down under around mid-2017Three years after its debut in Europe, a well-equipped Mercedes-Benz van with a pop-top roof and sleeping for up to five people will go on sale in Australia.
Based on Mercedes’ Vito-based Valente people mover, the Marco Polo Activity is a multi-purpose vehicle designed to carry people or cargo during the week and convert to a basic campervan on the week-end.
Its versatile interior includes two front bucket seats that can be swivelled around to face the rear, three-person bench seat, with a folding table that slots in the middle. The rear seats can be removed to allow room to carry bulky items, or fold flat to form a bed measuring 1.93m x 1.35m. Another double bed in the pop-top roof can support up to 200kg.
Mercedes says the manual pop-top roof is made from a “breathable and water resistant fabric” and has zippered window flaps on both sides for ventilation. Maximum interior height is up to 2.35m with the roof open.
The Marco Polo Activity misses out on a built-in kitchen fitted to the up-spec V-Class version available in Europe. However, it does have a second battery, providing additional power to run a portable fridge using 12V sockets located in the front and rear. The second battery has a cut-off relay to prevent the starter battery from being drained.
Also handy for camping is an auxiliary heater that can be programmed to preheat the vehicle and keep it warm when the vehicle is stationary.
The multi-purpose van should deliver typical Mercedes-Benz safety levels with an upgraded stability control system, eight airbags, Crosswind Assist, Attention Assist, light and rain sensors and active parking with front and rear park sensors and a reversing camera, all fitted as standard.
Other standard features include the 120kW/380Nm 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and seven-speed automatic transmission from the Valente people mover, satellite navigation and 2500kg towing capacity.
Options available will include a pull-out side awning, black leather upholstery, seven-seat configuration and 18in alloy wheels.
The Marco Polo Activity is set to arrive in the second half of 2017, priced from $69,990 (not including on-road costs).
When it arrives it should make Mercedes-Benz the only car brand in Australia to offer an ‘off-the-shelf’ campervan package. Most campervans on the road have been converted from standard work vans, by aftermarket motorhome conversion specialists.
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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