In the not too distant past, the word "van" and "automatic" were mutually exclusive, but that's certainly no longer the case. Take a look at Peugeot's compact and niche-filling Bipper that now comes with the option of a 2-Tronic automated manual gearbox, which you can read about in the 19 March issue of CM.

What is an auto doing in a little 70hp lightweight van? I hear you say, but it actually makes more sense than you might think.

According to Peugeot, the Bipper is 'the first van designed for the city' and if you think how congested our streets are it pays to minimise fatigue on vehicle and driver and the auto 'box provides the solution. Simply knock the gearshift into 'D' and the traffic jam you're stuck in isn't half as bad at it could be. Your left leg will love you for it.

It's not all strawberries and cream though because the little Bipper lacks poke, especially with a full payload (610kg), and you'll be lucky to beat that granny on her mobility cart, but despite this lack of urgency, it's still technically sound and will definitely satisfy the small van buyer's simple needs.