Sector Analysis Compact vans


LOOK OUT FOR FOUR TO CITROËN E-BERLINGO


The e-Berlingo Enterprise Crew Van comes with five seats: with two at the front providing plenty of personal space, thanks to removing the middle seat. The lack of windows in the back does make for a rather claustrophobic and dark environment for rear-seat passengers, but on the plus side it increases security if you want to make use of the fold-down rear seat row to create more storage space. The repositionable mesh bulkhead can be used to free up more space under the seats as well.


Storage inside the cabin is generous with an overhead shelf, 1.5L bottle holders in the front door pockets, a top box storage compartment and cup holders at either end of the dashboard.


FORD TRANSIT CONNECT Ford introduced an Active variant of its


The e-Berlingo is powered by a 100kW (136hp) electric motor married to a 50kWh battery pack, found underneath the load floor. The driving experience is top notch, with innate smoothness and responsiveness from the electric motor that can deliver the 260Nm of torque instantly. It comes with three driving modes – eco, normal and power – that deliver 60%, 80% or 100% of available power.


Sample model: Citroen e-Berlingo Enterprise Pro Crew Van Engine size 136hp 100kW electric Payload


721kg Load volume (seats folded) 3.8m3


Battery range CO2


171 mls 0g/km


Price (ex VAT, inc PiVG) £28,330


Transit Connect in 2020, with modifications to improve the off-road driving capability of its popular compact van. The changes include a 24mm ride height increase at the front and 9mm increase at the rear, giving better clearance over rough terrain. Off-road performance was further improved by the inclusion of the optional mechanical limited-slip differential for £528 (all prices exclude VAT), which automatically transfers engine torque to the wheel with most traction in low-grip conditions. Bespoke traction control is fitted to optimise this system. Front and rear skid plates are standard, and there’s extra cladding on the sides, mirror caps, wheel arches and rear bumper.


1.5L


The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces either 100hp or 120hp, with a choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission – the mechanical limited-slip differential previously mentioned is only available with the 120hp six-speed manual combination. Load volume on this short- wheelbase Active remains unchanged from the standard at 2.9m3 to 3.6m3


(long-wheelbase up ) and payload is a meaty 985kg.


Sample model: Ford Transit Connect Active SWB 1.5L 6-spd Engine size Payload


Load volume


985kg 3.6m3


Combined mpg CO2


Price (ex VAT)


62.4mpg 122g/km £22,370


SUZUKI JIMNY COMMERCIAL


The Jimny LCV is a window-van; the rear seat has gone and a metal (upper mesh) bulkhead is fitted. The load bay is square at floor level with 915mm each way, opening to 1,300mm. Headroom is 915mm, giving 0.86m3


load space.


A GTM of 2,735kg means a trailer allowance of 1,300kg. Like all off- roaders, it uses the low-range reduction gear to achieve the figure, but a straight one-tonne should be easy enough. This is a full-capability off-road 4x4, not just an all-season suv-based van. Traditional beam axles on long travel coil springs, selectable 4WD with a (moderate) 2:1 low-range reduction, electronic traction control and hill descent mode. It’s light, short and narrow with a


1.5L good turning circle.


All the controls are light, with a slightly notchy gear change selecting five short ratios. In top, it only pulls 20mph/1,000rpm, meaning the 130Nm peak torque would not arrive until 80mph. The 1.5L 16-valve petrol unit is flexible and capable at half those revs; if ever a vehicle needed a sixth gear, this is it.


Sample model: Suzuki Jimny 1.5 ALLGRIP 4x4 Light Commercial Engine size Payload


Load volume


340kg 0.9m3


Combined mpg CO2


Price (ex VAT)


36.7mpg 173g/km £16,796


TOYOTA PROACE CITY ELECTRIC


The Proace City Electric shares the same design as Citroën’s e-Berlingo, Peugeot’s e-Partner and Vauxhall’s Combo-e. Toyota distinguishes it from the rest of the pack by marketing it with a Toyota Relax warranty, which lasts for up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Power comes from the 100kW electric motor with a claimed WLTP (worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure) range of up to 168 miles. With a 7kW single-phase or an 11kW three-phase on-board charger, the former charges the battery in 7.1 hours if plugged into a wallbox, says the manufacturer, while the latter takes 4.5 hours if you have access to a three- phase supply.


Buyers can choose either the L1 with a 3.8m3


payload capability or the longer L2, offering 4.4m3


cargo bay and an 800kg and 750kg respectively.


The payload figures are the same as those of conventionally-powered versions. Both models offer the same powertrain, come solely in Icon trim and can tow a trailer grossing at 750kg. Overall, it rides and handles well and it is, of course, quiet.


Sample model: Toyota Proace City Electric Icon L1 11kW Engine size 136hp 100kW electric Payload


800kg Load volume (seats folded) 3.8m3


Battery range CO2


168 mls 0g/km


Price (ex VAT, inc PiVG) £27,053


34


WhatVan?September 2023


www.whatvan.co.uk


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