Panel vans keep the UK running every hour of the day, every day of the week. Commercial manufacturers now all offer their own take on this classic, but as the market has become so crowded, it’s hard to know what you need – and which vans are worth even shortlisting, never mind choosing.
With this in mind, this Motus Top 5 looks at what you need to prioritise, and which models we personally recommend. Sadly, we can’t make the decision for you – so why not read on, and come for a test drive sometime?
Factors to consider
Here are the big five factors you need to set out before you start researching the model you’d like – whether you’re going for a new or used model.
Budget:
While new vans are naturally more expensive – and can depreciate when leaving the forecourt – there are certain brilliant benefits offered with them, such as multi-year warranties, or full customisation to your requirements. However, used vans offer incredible value – and if you’re not as precious about what you specifically need, it’s often the best option, especially given the price and quality given for five or six-year-old vans. Still, make sure you always factor insurance, tax and fuel costs in when coming to your final total.
Engine and power:
Will the engine you choose be able to get you and your cargo where you need to go? You need to consider if it can manage the weight of loads you carry, and isn’t too big – again, this could lower fuel efficiency unnecessarily.
Capacity:
In a similar vein to your engine choice, will the size of your panel van be able to store what you need? You may want a high-sided van, or a specific door layout.
Personnel:
It’s not just standard cargo that’s important – you have to consider your passengers, and how many seats you’ll need. Will it be better in the long run to get a panel van, or is it even just a crew cab you’re wanting?
Transmission:
Manual gearboxes are great for fuel economy, but automatics are much better for city drivers and those concerned about driver fatigue. Make sure you know exactly what you’ll get with each one.
There are plenty of other factors to consider, of course, but if you need a panel van, we think these five are the best you can get – and you’re bound to find one that matches your needs.
Ford Transit
Of course, the Ford Transit makes pretty much any list of recommended vans, and it’s no surprise – it’s arguably the most customisable van on the market. Choose enough room for one, two or more passengers, pick one of the four wheelbases, and have access to three different roof heights. What’s more, you’ll have incredibly low running costs – and a network of experts around the country happy to fix anything up in the very rare situation that something goes awry.
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VW Transporter
At the high end of the market is the VW Transporter. While it costs more than most of its rivals, you’re buying true quality: it was named the International Van of the Year for 2016, and was only beaten by its bigger brother, the Crafter, in 2017. It’s safe, reliable, incredibly fuel efficient and comes with four engines to choose from – and you can choose it as a Kombi crew cab, if you want.
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Nissan NV200
Small, compact and incredibly capable, the NV200 is Nissan’s flagship small panel van, and has taken the UK by storm. This little star is deceptively spacious, making it perfect for urban driving. It also offers an industry-leading 100,000-mile/five-year warranty, meaning you’ll have automatic cover for parts, breakdowns, paintwork and accidents.
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Fiat Talento
Last but not least, the all-new Fiat Talento is the newest entry to the market on this list, but doesn’t have any catching up to do. It combines low running costs, load space, practicality and style to create a van that will be seen more and more on British roads in the coming months and years.
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LDV V80
Designed to handle like a car but work like a van, the LDV V80 has reinvigorated the classic brand to offer a low floor clearance, high cabin comfort and plenty of technology as standard. For those on a budget, it’s a great model to start with.
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