The growing choice of light commercial vans for sale in Australia reflects big changes in the practices of trade and business people, Chris Nixon reports.
While the traditional Aussie ute has been redefined as a quasi-sports vehicle and panel vans are simply a thing of the past, the small van has emerged as a specialised product for those who need maximum efficiency when working in our increasingly crowded cities and towns.
Japanese makers have always offered fairly utilitarian vans, but the relatively recent arrival of European products designed for truly congested environments has created many interesting new choices for buyers.
In particular, European vans have introduced better standards of safety, comfort and convenience for drivers who spend all day in their mobile offices. Airbags, anti-lock brakes, large drink holders, spacious gloveboxes and bins, workshelves, satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone integration, CD players and better quality seats all make for a better life behind the wheel.
Here’s a selection of what’s available.
Peugeot Partner
The newest small van on the market, only launched in August. Built in Spain on the same platform as the 308 hatchback, it promises to be good to drive. Peugeot offers a long-wheelbase version, unlike most small vans, and payload is competitive.
PRICE:
$21,990-$25,490
SPECIFICATIONS:
1.6 litre petrol, 66 kW, 8.2 litres/100 kms; 1.6 litre diesel, 55 kW, 5.8 litres/100 kms; 1.6 litre diesel 66 kW, 5.8 litres/100 kms; all 5-speed manual
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Short wheelbase payload 850 kg, volume 3.3-3.7 cubic metres; long wheelbase 750 kg, 3.7-4.1 cubic metres
FEATURES:
ABS brakes; optional Multi-flex seat takes three, two or one or extends load length to dashboard
Volkswagen Caddy Maxi
The latest version of Volkswagen’s Golf-based Caddy van is a quality vehicle. It is well-equipped and has the best transmission of any van, the 6-speed double-shift DSG. This automated manual makes quick, smooth changes that aid economy and reduce driver stress. Maxi is 47 centimetres longer than standard Caddy and is able to carry up to 100 kg on the roof.
PRICE:
$27,740-$31,740
SPECIFICATIONS:
1.6 litre petrol, 75 kW, 5-speed manual, 8.2 litres/100 kms; 1.9 litre diesel, 77 kW, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automated manual, 6.1-6.7 litres/100 kms
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 808-813 kg, volume 4.2 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Driver and passenger airbags; ABS brakes standard
Toyota HiAce LWB
Little changed over the past couple of years, probably because it does a good job. Good cabin room for two extra chippies, bonneted design gives extra crash safety margin. Toyota quality may give it the edge over European rivals in reliability and durability. Longer-wheelbase versions are available.
PRICE:
$32,990-$38,290
SPECIFICATIONS:
2.7 litre petrol, 111 kW, 11.6 litres/100 kms; 3.0 diesel, 80 kW, 8.6 litres/100 kms
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 1085 kg, volume 6 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Driver and passenger airbags, three seats
Hyundai iLoad
Hyundai’s long-awaited first commercial vehicle contender in Australia was released in Australia only this year and has already collected an award for best mid-size van. People-mover version (called iMaxi) also available. Offers typical Hyundai value for money. Five-year/160,000 km warranty is also appealing.
PRICE:
$29,990-$38,990
SPECIFICATIONS:
2.5 litre diesel, 125 kW, 8.5 llitres/100 kms; 2.4 litre petrol, 129 kW, 10.1 litres/100 kms; both 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 1130 kg
FEATURES:
ABS brakes standard; optional stability control
Mercedes-Benz Vito 109 CDI/111 CDI Compact
The Mercedes van range was refreshed this year and is extensive. These vans are at the bigger end of the spectrum and also come in long and extra long wheelbase versions.
PRICE:
$38,990-$40,490
SPECIFICATIONS:
109 CDi 2.2 litres, 70 kW, 6-speed manual, 8.9 litres/1000 kms; 111 CDi 85 kW, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, 8.1 litres/100 kms
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 1150 kg, volume 4.64 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Driver airbag standard; hillhold standard; 200,000 kms warranty
Citroen Berlingo
The first of the new-wave European small vans is still the cheapest and one of best value propositions for small businesses. Winner of small van awards in 2006 and 2007. Diesel variant introduced this year is more economical and also delivers significantly better acceleration in city driving.
PRICE:
$16,490-$21,990
SPECIFICATIONS:
1.4 litre petrol, 57 kW, 7.5 litres/100 kms; 1.6 litre diesel, 66 kW, 5.4 litres/100 kms; 5-speed manual only
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 800 kg, volume 3 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Driver airbag standard
Renault Kangoo
The smallest of a three-model Renault van range. Payload is modest, but funky looks will appeal to buyers whose cargo priority is volume, not weight. Recently launched diesel version offers theoretical range of more than 900 kms. Passenger seat back folds flat to provide desk for laptop or books.
PRICE:
$20,990-$23,990
SPECIFICATIONS:
1.5 litre diesel, 62 kW, 5-speed manual, 5.3 litres/100 kms; 1.6 litre petrol, 70 kW, 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, 7.5-8.0 litres/100 kms
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 620 kg, volume 2.75 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Driver and passenger airbags standard; side doors left and right standard
Holden Combo
Based on the European version of the Barina hatchback, which means it’s a good little van. It’s one of the oldest models on the market. Lack of side doors limit usefulness, but it is very compact. Construction features many components attached with bolts rather than welds, including front and rear crumple units, to make repairs cheaper. Unpainted black bumpers don’t show scrapes.
PRICE:
$18,990
SPECIFICATIONS:
1.4 litres petrol, 66 kW, 5-speed manual, 6.3 litres/100 kms
LOAD CAPACITIES:
Payload 745 kg, volume 2.39 cubic metres
FEATURES:
Easy-repair unpainted bumpers and side mouldings, bolt-on collapsible crash boxes
