Interior and equipment


Satellite navigation and voice activation are included in an infotainment package that allows you to mirror your smartphone and is controlled through a rather small touch-screen. Air- conditioning is included in the deal and the driver and front passenger seats are heated. Two USB sockets are provided, and you will find a 12v power point at the bottom of the dashboard. Other features include front fog


lights, driver and front passenger airbags, electric front windows, and heated and electrically-adjustable exterior rear view mirrors which fold in and out automatically.


Storage facilities include a deep, lockable glovebox, three shelves on top of the dashboard, and bins with a moulding that can grasp a flask in each of the front doors, along with a small shelf. You will find a couple of cup- holders on top of the fascia. Small cubbyholes are located either side of the chunky, easy-to-use, heating and ventilation controls. No need to spend ages hopefully prodding a touchscreen just because you want


Rivals


Ford Transit Custom Kombi


■ Price range (ex VAT)


■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


£38,519-£42,354 2.8-3.73


TBC 110hp, 136hp, 170hp 2.0 diesel, 232hp 2.5 petrol


plug-in hybrid, 100kw (136hp), 160kw (218hp) electric motor


Verdict: Having undergone an extensive revamp, and still a success story for Ford, the popular Transit Custom excels in all areas. Its ride, handling and performance are all top-notch, residual values are sound and it is backed by a comprehensive dealer network. In Kombi guise it can carry nine people. Check out the Double Cab-In-Van variant if you need to transport passengers and cargo.


Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab


■ Price range (ex VAT)


■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


£31,555-£47,630 3.2-4.03


915-1242kg 145hp 2.0 diesel, 100kW (136hp) electric


Verdict: Vauxhall is part of Stellantis, which also embraces Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat Professional. Its entire light commercial line-up has recently received some extensive revisions under the Pro One banner. It’s a moot point as to how the different brands will be able to differentiate themselves from one another long-term. It is also worth noting that Toyota is employing Stellantis platforms for most of its light commercials courtesy of a joint- venture deal.


VW Transporter Kombi


■ Price range (ex VAT)


£31,110-£47,070


■ Load volume (estimate) 2.8-3.63 ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


852-1161kg 110hp, 150hp,


204hp 2.0 diesel


Verdict: Build quality is to a remarkable standard, and VW is a by-word for onboard safety systems. The five-seater Kombi is not an exception to the rule. Performance is exemplary, especially with the most-powerful diesel model, and the dual-clutch DSG cannot be faulted. A key drawback is the lack of a zero- emission electric model, but that omission will be rectified in the autumn when a new Transporter will be unveiled.


to turn the heating up a notch. The driver’s seat comes with a lumbar support and is height- adjustable, as is the leather-trimmed steering wheel.


A stop/start system is installed which should help keep down fuel consumption.


Safety measures include a reversing camera and parking sensors. A sensor display on top of the fascia warns you if you are getting too close to an obstacle ahead of you with a combination of warning lights and beeps. It is at the heart of Active Brake Assist, which applies the brakes if the driver fails to react to the alerts signalled.


Included in a comprehensive package of safety devices, Attention Assist detects signs of drowsiness while Active Lane Keeping Assist triggers an alert if Vito wanders out of lane. Tyre


@whatvan May 2024 WhatVan? 27


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