First published in Commercial Motor, 04/12/08Choosing a new van is not as difficult as it once was. Not so long ago, issues such as reliability, fuel economy and the presence of seats were all factors to consider, and your eventual decision could have a serious impact on your business.
However, you join us at a time when light CV manufacturers produce not just practical and reliable products, but ones that offer previously unseen levels of driver comfort. Of course, residuals, warranty, dealer service and payload all matter – but ‘van world’ at the moment is as good as it has ever been. Yet for all the modern performance that the market now offers, the question remains: who makes the best van? Having gathered up eight of the finest 3.5-tonners for assessment last year (CM 22 November 2007), we decided this year to turn our attentions to the medium category. Lining up for the test were (with launch year in brackets) the Citroën Dispatch (2007), Ford Transit (2007), Mercedes-Benz Vito (2004), Renault Traffic (2001), Toyota Hiace (goodness only knows) and Volkswagen Transporter (2004).
To make things fair, we gave the manufacturers a list of parameters – GVW should be 2,800kg-3,000kg; engine output should hover around 120hp; and the van should have a low-roof, short-wheelbase body. For a touch of authenticity, they also had a half payload on board.
All six vehicles were driven from Chobham in Surrey to Llandrindod in Wales for an overnight stay, returning the next day. To gain an unbiased assessment of the vans, our test drivers switched vehicles at set intervals during the drive, giving ratings in three categories – driveline, dynamics and cabin – with the points totted up at the end.
Fuel consumption was also measured for the round trip as well as specific acceleration and noise testing before the journey began. Start your engines…