The 2020 Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity

Mercedes-Benz describes the Marco Polo Activity as a recreational vehicle rather than a fully-fledged camper van. That’s fairly accurate, given the lack of built-in storage or cooking facilities.

For 2020, this Vito-based model has been updated. The visual changes – limited to a restyled radiator grille and new ‘turbine-look’ dashboard air vents – are barely noticeable, but there are some worthwhile technical and specification upgrades.

Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Front Side

These start with the introduction of a 235 bhp (176 kW / 239 PS) 300 d version of the 2.0 litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. Thanks to an ‘overtorque’ function, 530 Nm (390 lb/ft) instead of the usual 500 Nm (368 lb/ft) can briefly be delivered when accelerating. Consequently, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 7.9 seconds and 130 mph (210 km/h) is possible.

Thus the full Marco Polo Activity line-up now comprises:
  • 170 d – 1.7 litre diesel – 100 bhp (75 kW / 102 PS)
  • 200 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS)
  • 220 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 160 bhp (120 kW / 163 PS)
  • 250 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS)
  • 300 d – 2.0 litre diesel – 235 bhp (176 kW / 239 PS)
The 170 d comes with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, while all of the others feature rear-wheel drive (or optional all-wheel drive) and a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Also available for the first time are Active Brake Assist and Distronic with Active Distance Assist. Furthermore, a revamped selection of infotainment systems includes a couple that boast a 7” touchscreen and compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Due to arrive in October 2020 are a digital interior rear-view mirror and Airmatic adjustable air suspension. The latter works in conjunction with Dynamic Select, which offers a choice of three driving modes.

As before, the sliding rear bench converts into a bed and additional berths are provided ‘upstairs’ in the elevating roof, so there’s still plenty of sleeping accommodation.

Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Dashboard DetailMercedes-Benz Marco Polo Activity (2020) Interior

Related posts:
2021 Mercedes-Benz eVito Tourer launched
Mercedes-Benz Metris Weekender unveiled
Marco Polo ArtVenture editions announced

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

i10 N Line versus the Up! GTI

Image
Hyundai has confirmed specifications and pricing for its sporty i10 N Line. This new variant – which arrives at dealers later this month – benefits from some cosmetic tweaks, unique suspension components and a more powerful 1.0 litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine.
Read more

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

Honda WSB team launch

Image
Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.
Read more

2012 Civic NGTC livery

Image
Honda Racing’s all-new Civic NGTC race cars were first seen at a Brands Hatch test session last month. Then they were painted plain white, but now the colour scheme that will be worn in this year’s British Touring Car Championship has been revealed. As expected, the design is predominantly white with red and black stripes. A deal with Yuasa has also been confirmed, which will see the battery manufacturer becoming the renamed Honda Yuasa Racing Team’s title sponsor for the next three years. Commenting on the association, Andrew Taylor, Managing Director of Yuasa Battery Sales (UK) Ltd, said: “Our 2011 sponsorship of Honda Racing proved a resounding success and was extremely beneficial in raising the profile of the Yuasa brand. “Yuasa’s partnership with Honda is very strong and the new title sponsorship provides us with the perfect springboard for our ambitious UK and European automotive aftermarket plans over the next three years. “We are very pleased to add Yuasa’s name
Read more