Now that the Vito has been facelifted, its camper brother Marco Polo Activity cannot be left out. The Activity variant remains simpler than the regular Marco Polo, but that certainly does not mean that it is a spartan vehicle.
Although a layman can see that the luxury version V-class and van Vito are basically identical, Mercedes explicitly addresses the different model series as such. This also applies to the facelift, for example. Where the V-class went under the knife at the beginning of last year and its camper brother Marco Polo had already been introduced to new smart techniques before, order version Vito only got a new grille this week.
What applies to the Vito also applies to the Marco Polo Activity. The entry-level Marco Polo series is the only one based on the Vito, which is shown on the outside by a simpler tailgate and other bumpers. According to Mercedes, this camper excels in flexibility of the interior, where up to seven seats can be created. You can sleep with up to five people, thanks to a double bed in the folding roof and three sleeping places on the ground floor.
Although the shown Activity with its black bumpers leaves no doubt about its functional character, the factor ‘comfort’ has certainly not been forgotten. Similarly, this slip-on can now be equipped with Airmatic air suspension. In addition, there are new safety systems, including a digital interior mirror that can be a welcome addition to a full camper interior. The infotainment has also been renewed, although you should not expect hypermodern MBUX screens here. The Vito dashboard remains a fairly traditional whole, with a normal radio and separate instruments. However, the audio system now offers optional access to digital DAB + radio. Those who pay for a 7-inch touchscreen can also connect a phone to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
In addition, there are new materials and colors and the Marco Polo is introduced to the turbine-like ventilation grilles that we know from other Mercedes.
The renewed Activity is also an interesting choice for those who want to go on holiday in a hurry. Under the name 300d there is a new top version, which has a four-cylinder diesel with no less than 239 hp and 500 Nm. This means that this camper sprints from 0 to 100 in 7.9 seconds, while the collapsed lifting roof at the top of 210 km / h must undoubtedly make the necessary effort to stay close to the car. Of course, the less powerful diesels also remain available, with only entry-level 170d with a manual gearbox.