A 100-yard test drive of a dynamic Vito Sport-X van was all it took to convince locksmith Jason Gould that Mercedes-Benz holds the key to long-term happiness at the wheel.
Jason, whose firm Dr Locks is based in Halesowen, West Midlands, had owned a string of Vito and Vito Sport models – but then bought another make of van.
“I fancied a change, and it was a nice vehicle,” he recalls. “But it very soon dawned on me that it just wasn’t a Mercedes-Benz. It lacked the quality and comfort of the Vito, and it didn’t have the ‘feel good’ factor I’d been used to.”
So Jason returned to his local Mercedes-Benz Dealer Midlands Truck & Van, where he was invited to take a quick spin in Managing Director Jon Divers’ ‘company car’, a fire-breathing Vito Sport-X.
“I’d scarcely left the forecourt before I realised that this was the van for me,” says Jason. “It really looks the part and the fact that it’s so quick makes it a real joy to drive. I dropped Jon’s van back at the dealership and ordered my own there and then.”
The Mercedes-Benz Vito Sport-X is powered by a smooth V6 engine that transmits its eye-watering 167 kW (224 hp) output to the road via a five-speed automatic transmission.
Its striking appearance owes much to renowned tuning and body styling specialist Brabus, which designed its 18-inch alloy wheels, customised front spoiler and chrome sidebars. Sport-X models also feature powerful bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime driving lights – as well as enhancing the van’s appearance, these make an important safety contribution.
A former Birmingham City Council carpenter, Jason started his own business in 2005 after buying specialist tools and teaching himself to pick locks. The company was a success from day one and its expert team now provide an emergency 24-hour call out service, as well as offering bespoke security and alarm solutions.
Jason, who is renowned for his own skills as a locksmith and security consultant, uses his silver Vito Sport-X to visit commercial and domestic customers throughout the West Midlands and beyond.
He continues: “As well as having great performance, my Sport-X came with a huge array of active and passive safety systems, all fitted as standard. This, coupled with the manufacturer’s three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, is very reassuring.
“I’ve always received a great service from Midlands Truck & Van and have had the opportunity recently to do a bit of reciprocal work for the dealer, which was nice.”
