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Feb 23, 2023

EAST AUTO NEWS & TRENDS High 10 greatest medium panel vans 2023 The medium-sized panel van is a staple of numerous hard-working fleets throughout the UK. These vans supply more room than a car-based or small van, with out being as cumbersome as a big panel van. This makes them simpler to manoeuvre each in busy metropolis streets and twisting nation roads. Trendy vans on this class are additionally fitted with most of the luxuries and know-how options seen in household automobiles, making them extra nice to drive and safer. However which do you have to select? We’ve ranked our 10 favourites to provide your enterprise a head begin. Purchase a medium-sized van, and also you’re shopping for a flexible set of wheels. There’s normally house for 3 up entrance, whereas the payload space can carry at the very least two Europallets with ease. Cargo quantity is beneficial, whereas payload weights can usually match, and even exceed, these for giant vans. Producers on this class embrace all the principle industrial automobile producers, together with Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Mercedes, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volkswagen. Nonetheless, whereas that is fairly a roll name, there are a variety of joint ventures in that record, with many producers providing just about the identical van with barely completely different specs and their badge on the nostril. By way of physique type, there aren’t fairly as many choices on the market as you’d discover within the massive van sector, however there’s nonetheless loads of selection. Almost all vans on this sector are of unibody building, that are subsequently tougher to strip again to a naked chassis – which means chassis cab choices are uncommon – however there are many decisions in the case of panel van styles and sizes. Most medium-sized panel vans are available at the very least two lengths, whereas others additionally supply high-roof choices. All will include a metal bulkhead separating the cab from the cargo space, and there will probably be at the very least one sliding aspect door supplied. Barn-style rear doorways which lock open at 90 and 180 levels, and might generally be absolutely opened to 270 levels, normally characteristic, with a top-hinged tailgate supplied as an choice, usually at no additional value. There are five-seat double cab variations of those vans, too, which add home windows to the sliding aspect doorways and transfer the metal bulkhead again to make room for a three-seat bench behind the entrance seats. If that is not sufficient seating to your wants, most medium-sized panel vans additionally come as both primary multi-seat vans (very best for conversion to a taxi) or extra luxurious MPVs with as much as 9 seats and ranging ranges of consolation. One space the place there’s extra selection than ever is by way of motive energy. Diesel nonetheless dominates, and most medium-sized vans supply quite a lot of diesel energy outputs, from modest to punchy. Alternatively, an growing variety of van producers are transferring in direction of extra eco-friendly drivetrains, which means that there at the moment are various hybrid and absolutely electrical vans to select from. Greatest medium panel vans 2022 Ford Transit Customized 1. Ford Transit Customized The Ford Transit is a mainstay of Ford’s UK mannequin line-up, and its gross sales are repeatedly on a par with the corporate’s fashionable household fashions. It is such a giant identify for Ford that it is used for the full-size Transit, medium-sized Transit Customized and smaller Transit Courier and Join. It is the Transit Customized that sits on the high of our record right here. Up to date in 2018, the Ford Transit Customized presents an gratifying driving expertise for a panel van, aggressive payload weights and first rate cargo capability. There are many fashions to select from, starting from the Base Chief trim to the high-spec Sport, Lively and Path variations, and in addition to diesel energy with mild-hybrid help, it is also obtainable with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. What’s extra, it is fitted with the form of tech that will’ve been extraordinary in a van even a decade in the past. High-spec Transit’s characteristic Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment setup, with touchscreen sat-nav, voice management and a number of connectivity choices. In case you drive a brand new Ford automotive, then you definately’ll be greater than acquainted with this tech, because it’s the identical as you get in a Ford Focus or Ford Fiesta. There is a acquainted look outdoors, too, with the Transit Customized that includes a sensible trying grille and daytime working lights up entrance. Go for a Transit Customized Sport and also you get vivid colors, sporty stripes and a set of diamond-cut alloy wheels, whereas the Lively and Path variations add an off-road look impressed by Ford’s Ranger Raptor pick-up fashions, in addition to the choice of a traction-boosting mechanical limited-slip diff. This new tech would not come on the expense of practicality. Relying on which mannequin you select, Ford presents two lengths and a high-roof choice, whereas the Double Cab presents enormous carrying potential for a household of 5 on the transfer. And in case you want extra seats, there’s at all times the plush eight-seat Tourneo Customized to think about. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Ford Transit Customized… 2. Volkswagen Transporter You could be unfamiliar with Volkswagen’s van vary, however the Transporter has a heritage that is nearly so long as VW’s itself. The T6 is the sixth-generation of mid-sized van produced by the agency, whereas the T6.1 that arrived in 2019 added a raft of equipment that will probably be acquainted to anybody who’s pushed a Golf. Rivals supply higher load quantity, however the T6.1 is extra of a premium van in Startline and plush Highline trims, in addition to normal and long-wheelbase variants. There are five-seat Kombi variations, in addition to the multi-seat Caravelle, and naturally there’s the ever-present California camper model for those who benefit from the nice outdoor. Whereas the T6 dabbled with petrol energy briefly, VW’s 2.0 TDI diesel is available in 150 and 199 outputs, the latter with a DSG auto field as normal and the choice of 4MOTION four-wheel drive. For the primary time within the Transporter’s lengthy historical past, a fully-electric model can be obtainable, the ABT e-Transporter. This options the identical working gear because the VW e-Golf, and with a spread of 82 miles, it received’t be suited to long-distance driving however ought to show sufficient for a day’s work making city deliveries. VW’s follow-up electrical van, the ID.Buzz Cargo, ought to supply a way more usable vary determine. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the VW Transporter… 3. Renault Trafic The Trafic is a correct old-school, no-nonsense van, however even Renault has added the newest tech to its workhorse with the van’s most up-to-date facelift. Like rivals, you may get lengthy and quick wheelbase variations, whereas the Trafic Passenger and Trafic Crew Van supply versatility, too. Renault additionally presents a spread of ready-made conversions for companies that want a specialist automobile at quick discover. One beauty of the Trafic is its high-set driving place. With a commanding view of the street forward, it presents one of many tallest seat heights of any van within the class. Add within the massive rear-view mirrors and intelligent blind spot mirror set into the passenger aspect solar visor, and visibility is not a difficulty on this van. There are Enterprise Version and Sport variants of the Trafic, and you may even order one in lime inexperienced to actually stand out from the group. Below the bonnet, Renault has given all variations of the Trafic a 2.0 dCi diesel, with the choice of energy outputs ranging between 120bhp and 170bhp. Which means even the lowest-powered van has loads of pulling energy and would not really feel strained when on the transfer. Whereas the Kangoo and Grasp have spawned electrical ZE variants, the Trafic ZE remains to be in growth. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Renault Trafic… 4. Vauxhall Vivaro Till a few years in the past, the Vauxhall Vivaro shared its working gear and most of its tech with the Renault Trafic. However now that Vauxhall is a part of Stellantis, the Vivaro has ‘switched sides’, and now shares its underpinnings with the Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Professional. The result’s that whereas the brand new Vivaro is just a little smaller on the within than its predecessor, it is rather more car-like to drive. One factor that hasn’t modified with the change is the place it is made. Sure, the Vivaro can proceed to put on a ‘Made in Britain’ badge on its rear doorways, as a result of whereas it is all change mechanically, it is nonetheless in-built the identical manufacturing unit in Luton. The Vivaro is available in three lengths and has a through-loading bulkhead to assist carry longer objects. Up entrance, the three-seat format is just a little on the tight aspect, however the association does supply a little bit of versatility in case you want it. There’s good storage, whereas the van is snug on the transfer and has a number of security options from the Stellantis line-up. Energy comes from a set of environment friendly diesel engines, whereas the all-electric Vauxhall Vivaro-e guarantees to shake up the electrical van market with a powerful claimed vary of as much as 205 miles when fitted with the bigger 75kWh battery. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Vauxhall Vivaro… 5. Citroen Dispatch Together with the Peugeot Professional and Vauxhall Vivaro, the Citroen Dispatch brings a brand new degree of car-sourced know-how to the mid-sized van sector. Positive, it would not have the sheer cargo house of the Renault Trafic, however in order for you a van that is car-like in the best way it drives, then it needs to be in your shortlist. One of many key options of the Dispatch that makes it so interesting is the consolation on supply within the cab. There’s room for 3, however it’s just a little tight, so it is at its greatest when travelling as a pair or solo and have elbow room to spare. There are security options resembling blind-spot help, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise management all supplied, whereas the newest touchscreen infotainment makes an look, too. Different helpful options obtainable within the again embrace power-assisted sliding aspect doorways, which can be opened by waving your foot underneath the door. Just like the Vivaro and Professional, there’s an all-electric e-Dispatch obtainable if you wish to slash your working prices. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Citroen Dispatch… 6. Peugeot Professional Half three of the Stellantis’ mid-sized van vary is the Peugeot Professional. It is basically the identical because the Citroen Dispatch and Vauxhall Vivaro, so which one you select will rely completely on whether or not you just like the look of the sleek chevron entrance finish of the Citroen, the restrained grille of the Vauxhall or the chunkier letterbox opening on the Peugeot. And if you cannot resolve, then there’s additionally the Toyota Proace so as to add to the confusion. There’s nothing unsuitable with these vans sharing a lot, as a result of they’re among the many most superior mid-sized vans presently on sale. Cabin consolation is on a par with MPVs (the Professional is the sister mannequin to the Peugeot Traveller eight-seater), whereas touchscreen infotainment and loads of soft-touch supplies assist the cab really feel upmarket. Within the again, the Professional is not essentially the most spacious panel van on the market, however Peugeot presents a by loading facility that permits longer objects to be carried into the entrance passenger footwell. There are two wheelbases and three physique lengths on supply, so there needs to be a van to go well with you, whereas a low flooring boosts loading, too. Diesel energy leads the best way for engine selection, however the e-Professional provides the choice of electrical drive for van customers in want of a zero-emissions city supply automobile. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Peugeot Professional… 7. Toyota Proace The Proace is the fourth van that is a part of the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Professional and Vauxhall Vivaro platform sharing venture. The main distinction between the Toyota and the opposite vans is its sharper seems to be; almost every thing else is equivalent. Energy comes from both a 1.5 or 2.0-litre diesel engine – none of Toyota’s hybrid know-how has made it throughout to the van simply but, and an all-electric variant hasn’t been introduced both. There are Compact, Medium and Lengthy panel van choices, in addition to a Crew Cab and Folks Service, which is a extra primary choice than the Proace Verso MPV. Like its sister fashions, the Proace is not the roomiest mid-sized van, however it presents a extra car-like driving expertise than some rival vans. Choices embrace blind spot detection, lane departure and a head-up show, whereas the inside is extra upmarket than you would possibly anticipate. On the transfer the Proace is a easy drive, with the mid-spec diesel and above providing refinement and easy pulling energy. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Toyota Proace… 8. Fiat Scudo Within the van recognizing world, you would be forgiven for complicated the Fiat Scudo with the Vauxhall, Toyota, Citroen and Peugeot above, as a result of they’re basically the identical vans. The Fiat is a successor to the Fiat Talento, which it changed in 2022. It’s kind of of a swap, as a result of the previous Talento was based mostly on the Renault Trafic, however now it is switched. In reality, it’s come full circle because the final Scudo (two generations of mid-size Fiat van again) additionally shared the vast majority of components with the up to date Citroen and Peugeot fashions. There is a single van physique supplied in lengthy and quick wheelbases, whereas energy comes from a selection of two MultiJet diesels. A 1.6 diesel presents 101 or 118bhp; the two.0-litre presents 143 or 178bhp and introduces an computerized gearbox (it’s normal on essentially the most highly effective engine). As per its rebadged rivals, it’s also possible to select an electrical E-Scudo. Battery decisions are 50kWh or 75kWh, with the latter giving a spread of as much as 205 miles when unladen. Click on right here for our overview of the Fiat E-Scudo… 9. Mercedes Vito The Mercedes Vito is the industrial sister to the V-Class individuals service. However not like that MPV, there is not a lot in the best way of luxurious to be discovered. It is a workhorse with loads of onerous plastics inside, however what it does supply is the status of the Mercedes badge for customers who search a van that does not dwell as much as the everyday van stereotypes. There are three completely different panel van lengths – Crew Van, Tourer individuals service and even Vito Taxi variations are supplied (though the latter is just obtainable to non-public rent licence holders). There are three trim ranges to select from – Progressive, Premium and Sport – with all providing an upmarket really feel when in comparison with rival vans. The engine vary contains 4 diesel items with as much as 187bhp on supply, and entrance and rear-wheel drive layouts characteristic. For zero-emissions driving, the Mercedes eVito is an effective selection, with a 93-mile vary that ought to show sufficient to do a day’s work with – supplied no significantly lengthy journeys are concerned. Inside, equipment throughout the vary consists of rear parking sensors, heated mirrors and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, whereas choices embrace a rear digicam, cruise management and sat-nav. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the Mercedes Vito… 10. LEVC VN5 A newcomer to the medium-sized van market, the London Electrical Car Firm (LEVC) is the UK firm liable for constructing the newest London Black Cab, the TX. However now the agency is trying to broaden its gross sales attain by branching out into the industrial automobile market. Its first product is the VN5, a plug-in hybrid range-extender (REx) van that may journey as much as 61 miles on battery energy alone, and has a complete vary of round 300 miles as soon as the petrol engine cuts in to drive the electrical motor. That is spectacular when you think about that the Ford Transit Customized PHEV has a claimed vary of round half that, and means the VN5 might be the proper selection for enterprise customers needing a van that may do a day’s work whereas pumping out zero emissions. On board, the LEVC VN5 is full of security and driving tech, whereas a decent taxi-style turning circle will attraction to city customers. Downsides? Properly, LEVC is a relative unknown within the van market, whereas the REx working gear means that there is a excessive load flooring and never fairly as a lot outright carrying capability as its established rivals. Click on right here for our in-depth overview of the LEVC VN5… Did you like this article? Share it now privacy-friendly!