sides are partially defended against minor scrapes and scratches by plastic panels. There is no protection for the wheel boxes however, which, though slim, look vulnerable to being walloped.


Interior and equipment We’re not big fans of relying solely on a touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard whenever we need to, say, turn down the heating and ventilation system’s booster fan, or turn up the radio. Odds are that you’ll spend so much time pressing the screen to find out how to implement such basic actions that you’ll become distracted and won’t be aware of what’s ahead of you on the highway. With Citan, at least some of these functions are activated by chunky, easy-to-understand, dashboard- mounted rotary switches instead; a happy compromise.


Fitted with keyless ignition, Citan Premium automatic comes well- equipped, with air-conditioning, a reversing camera, reversing sensors, and cruise control with a speed-limiter all included in the deal. You also get alloy wheels, front fog lights, large, electrically-adjustable, heated exterior rear-view mirrors and electric windows.


Rivals


Ford Transit Connect ■ Price range


(ex VAT)


■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


£22,020- £30,585


2.9-3.6m3 664-961kg


100hp 1.0 petrol, 75hp, 100hp 1.5 diesel


Verdict: Reworked a little while ago with a rise in its payload capacity, Connect keeps on delivering exemplary handling and all-round performance. We cannot fault the eight-speed automatic gearbox, but there is no need to feel short- changed if you opt for the manual transmission instead. It delivers a slick, smooth gear-change which most rival manufacturers can only envy. The Sport variant deserves a round of applause, but anybody involved in the construction industry might want to consider the Active. Its virtues include increased ground clearance plus an optional mechanical limited slip diff.


Peugeot Partner ■ Price range


(ex VAT)


■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


£20,220- £34,840


3.3-3.8m3 721-987kg


102hp, 131hp 1.5 diesel, 100kW electric


Verdict: A well-built, sturdy workhouse capable of a hard day’s graft, Partner is unlikely to disappoint – and anybody on short-haul urban/ suburban delivery work should seriously consider the electric version. Bear in mind that the same van is also marketed by Citroen as the Berlingo, Vauxhall as the Combo, and Fiat Professional as the Doblo - all three brands are owned by global automotive giant Stellantis - and by Toyota as the Proace City. Toyota offers an especially-tempting warranty package as it becomes an increasingly-signicant player in the light commercial market.


Volkswagen Caddy ■ Price range


(ex VAT)


■ Load volume ■ Gross payload ■ Engines


£19,285- £28,745


3.1-3.7m3 606-711kg 75hp, 102hp, 122hp 2.0 diesel, 114hp 1.5 petrol


Verdict: Like Mercedes, VW places significant stress on onboard safety, a policy reflected in Caddy’s specifications. The engines and transmissions complement one another nicely, quality standards are top-notch, and we have no issues with the level of fuel consumption. On the negative side payload capacity is below that of several of its key competitors and the load cube is smaller than what was on offer from previous Caddies. VW boasts a dedicated commercial vehicle network which ensures that van operators do not end up playing second-fiddle to car buyers.


The 7in touchscreen controls the MBUX multimedia system with a DAB radio, Bluetooth compatibility, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the ability to create a WiFi hotspot. Also featured is a ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. The electric parking brake installed in our demonstrator is an option. Storage facilities include a lidded, but not lockable, glovebox, bins in each of the doors, shelving above the windscreen and a roomy lidded bin between the seats accompanied by a pair of cup- holders. Sitting at the bottom of the dashboard is a smartphone dock along with a 12v power socket and a USB port. The steering column and the


driver’s seat are both height-adjustable. Premium specifications embrace chrome interior highlights and glossy


@whatvan July 2023 WhatVan? 25


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