Forget White Van Man ­ you have to be a Real Van Fan when you're looking for a replacement vehicle. As any good operator knows only too well, the choice of van is vital to how your business will perform, both on the road and off it. Thanks to the wide choice, van hunting is not easy, but our unique fast-track guide can steer you in the right direction. But get help ­ obtain as many brochures as you can and check the specifications and prices to see what's best for your needs. And always take a test drive, not just for you, but also for any other driver who'll use it. You should also refer to the monthly magazine What Van?, which for six years has held What Van? Live, at which you can test drive any van of your choice. Call 020 8842 or visit the website at www.whatvan.co.uk for details. The van market hasn't escaped Rip-off Britain, so remember that although there are some excellent deals to be had, you can import a van just as you can a car and, in doing so, save a fortune. But beware! The rules for vans are different because of what's known as "type approval". This means an expensive independent roadworthy test has to be carried out by the manufacturer or concessionaire before you can register it in the UK, which is inconvenient and expensive. However, the savings can still be substantial. CITROËN No of dealers: 124 Warranty: 24 months Brochure hotline: 0800 262262 www.citroen.co.uk C15 CHAMP £6,495-£7,245 The old workhorse C15 Champ now has the distinction of being the cheapest diesel "Hi-cubed" van on sale and is still a firm favourite for refrigeration conversions. However, this old stager looks and feels dated, with too much roll when cornering, although you can't knock its reliable hard-working 1.8-litre diesel engine or value. + Value, carrying capacity, roomy cab, economical to run - Dated look and feel, heavy to drive, spartan cabin BERLINGO £8,605-£10,175 Introduced to replace the old C15, Berlingo is a far better bet: smartly styled, excellent cab environment, superb diesel engines (now joined by a high-efficiency 2-litre HDi option) and extremely good value. The tall, purpose-designed body gives the Berlingo a real "little big van feel" and it makes a splendid "fridge" van. + Sturdy build, excellent cargo capacity, good to drive, good value - Heavy non-assisted steering, lack of petrol model range DISPATCH £10,930-£12,310 A good medium-sized van based on the people carrier Syngergie but with a high roof ­ a theme also shared with Fiat and Peugeot. As expected, it is very car-like to drive and has useful twin side doors. Add excellent diesels (like Berlingo) and Dispatch strikes a good balance between small car-derived vans and the bigger stuff. + Easy to drive, compact size, roomy, fine diesel engines - Fairly modest payload capacity (815-900kg) and carrying dimensions RELAY £11,875-£18,795 Another Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot-shared design but much more serious. The extensive range caters for all needs, with a selection of wheelbases and roof heights plus chassis cabs. All share the same vibrant performance and load-lugging potential. As one of the first front-wheel drive vans, it has an impressive low-loading deck. Value for money is another strong point, although durability can be hit and miss. A good choice made even better by a recent cab and trim facelift, however. + Excellent choice, great engines, spaciousness, fine value - Few minuses, but trim and bodywork can lack stamina FIAT No of dealers: 220 Warranty: 12 months Brochure hotline: 0800 717000 www.fiat.co.uk FIORINO £6,675-£6,990 Like the Citroen C15, the Fiorino has been around for ages and has price on its side. It's not a nice van to drive, but few modern rivals can offer such a load space. Two versions are available ­ a 1.4-litre petrol unit (67 bhp) and a 63 bhp 1.7-litre turbodiesel. The latter is the one to go for every time. Like the C15, there's some great deals always being served up. + Cheap to buy, impressive cargo capacity, frugal diesel - Unpleasant to drive, flimsy build, aged design SCUDO £10,740-£11,870 For overall comments, see Citroën's Dispatch, which is identical, save for the badging. However, the Fiat is at least £200 cheaper and now has the option of a splendid 2-litre JTD common-rail diesel engine. + Usefully cheaper than Citroën, usually good deals around - See Citroën comments, only a 12-month warranty issued DUCATO £12,060-£19,290 There's a choice of 25 Ducatos and you won't find a bad one out of the entire bunch. Sharing all the positive points of the Citroën Relay, there's also a very potent 2.8-litre diesel range, the top model producing a massive 210lb/ft of pulling torque. And, like the Relay, all drive splendidly and work hard to earn their keep. + Big range, brawny performing diesels, big-bodied - Driving position may not suit all, build not the best FORD No of dealers: 1,040 Warranty: 12 months (36 months for new Transit) Brochure hotline: 0345 111888 www.fordvans.co.uk COURIER £8,260 A Fiesta with a special high roof body, Courier is an excellent small van made even better after its recent facelift. Available in petrol or diesel form, the Courier may lack the space efficiency and great diesel range of Citroën's Berlingo but feels more refined and a new engine (taken from the Focus car) is due soon. Being a Ford, dealer back-up is second to none. + Easy to drive and own, quality build, new diesel coming soon - Meek current engines, load bay not best in class ESCORT £8,990-£9,905 An old name, coming to the end of its life ­ but it's hard to beat an Escort. Newer rival vans may do the job better, but none offers such an assured name and such comprehensive dealer back-up. Courier offers more space but Escort is for heavier jobs. Biggest downfall is the sluggish diesel engine. + Superb back-up and name, easy to drive, reliable, value - Lacklustre diesel engines, payloads trumped by newer rivals TRANSIT £12,020-£19,500 The evergreen Transit has just been transformed with an all-new design, although initially this is only available on the top heavy-duty models. It really is a revelation in van design, with special emphasis placed on toughness, civility and security ­ plus it's new front-wheel drive on the lower payload models due out in August. The working benefits of the new Transit include a claimed best in its class width between the wheel arches, widest side door on any panel van and the ability to carry four europallets. + Name, reputation, fantastic new model, easy driving, choice - Premium prices, high loading deck on rwd models HYUNDAI No of dealers: 155 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0800 981981 www.hyundai-car.co.uk H100 £9,899-£10,399 This Hyundai is actually based on an elderly Mitsubishi design, but it's none the worse for that and these well-guaranteed, value for money vans make excellent buys if all you want is simplicity. The recent fitting of a high-powered turbodiesel is most welcome and the narrow cab can just about seat three abreast. + Cheap prices, good warranty, ideal for owner/operators - Lightweight, small range, a bit noisy and crude IVECO No of dealers: 145 Warranty: 12 months Brochure hotline: 01923 246400 www.iveco.com Daily £15,820-£26,850 Ivecos are for large deliveries, with the range starting from 2.8 tonnes and going all the way up to 6.5 tonnes. Always well liked for their rugged, load-swallowing nature and fantastic diesel engines, the all-new Daily for 2000 majors more on driver refinement and comfort. The new cab in particular is a vast improvement over the old model and, as usual, Ivecos are always top value. + Superb engines, workrate, welcome facelift and improvements - Big bodied and cumbersome in town ­ do you need one this large? LDV No of dealers: 240 Warranty: 24 months Brochure hotline: 0800 400 407 www.ldv.co.uk CUB £10,525 It's a Nissan Vanette apart from the badges, but the Cub undercuts it by a few hundred pounds, although it lacks the Vanette's 36-month warranty. That said, LDV's 24-month offering is just as good and only Ford can boast better dealer back-up. The van isn't so hot. It's a noisy, slow, crude affair, slightly larger than a Citroën Dispatch/Fiat Scudo. + LDV dealer support, warranty, fairly roomy and practical - Noisy, slow, crude and rather cramped in the cockpit PILOT £9,995-£11,912 Based on the old Sherpa van, Pilot has been heavily revamped over the years, now using a trusty Peugeot 1.9-litre diesel engine. The Pilot shows its age with a narrow build and rough ride but can still pull a 1,046kg payload. All come with power steering, a well-appointed cab and a side loading door. + Build, well-equipped cab, trustworthy reliability and name - Cramped, feels its age, many rivals are cheaper to buy CONVOY £12,995-£18,790 Big brother to Pilot and based on the old 400 Series, it's a much better van, offering a real workrate, a roomier cab and now Ford Transit engines and transmissions for added power and refinement. The wide choice of models also includes a new in-house refrigerated 3.5t Hi-Loader featuring a seam-free laminated interior. + Roomy, multitude of body styles, civilised cab, Ford engines - Not a lot, although feels aged ­ but not as bad as Pilot MAZDA No of dealers: 142 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0345 484848 www.mazda.co.uk E SERIES £10,795-£11,495 The Mazda E Series won't win prizes for design, but if you are after a well-groomed, refined, narrow-build van for business and private use, it makes a lot of sense. A recent rehash, majoring on comfort, security and a better payload, also added a real rocket of a petrol engine in contrast to the rough diesel. + Excellent build, warranty, durability, compact size - Limited range, second-rate diesel, few options available MERCEDES-BENZ No of dealers: 94 Warranty: 36 months (12 months Vito) Brochure hotline: 0208 518 1000 www.mercedes-benz.co.uk VITO £12,450-£14,750 A Mercedes for the price of a Ford Transit has to appeal and the recently revamped Vito is a commendable, albeit compact van that's great for owner/operators only seeking a 1,000kg payload. Originally, Vito suffered from sluggish engines, but this was rectified last year and now the sheer quality and value for money of this Mercedes shines through. + Build, reputation, engines,attention to detail, value - Limited range, light payload, meagre 12-month warranty SPRINTER £13,670-£25,960 Built in conjunction with Volkswagen, the Sprinter replaced the old, much-loved T1, inheriting all the former's toughness and industry but with new levels of performance and refinement. The revised Sprinter features superb new diesel engines, a refreshed cab and a new look ­ there's also the option of a high-tech semi-automatic transmission, which works extremely well. With its massive depth of models ­ right up to 4.6 tonnes ­ and longevity, the Sprinter is aimed at those who keep their vans for a long time. + Engines, driveability, reputation, ruggedness, dealers - Pricey to buy and repair, VW rival may offer better value MITSUBISHI No of dealers: 110 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0800 123363 www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk L300 £10,832-£12,330 Like the Mazda, the Mitsubishi panders to the owner/operator, thanks to its build, warranty and general quality feel. However, the L300, with its twin side-loading doors, is a much better and versatile worker than the Mazda. + Build, warranty, side doors, beefy engines, reliability - Advancing years, basic cabin, cheaper rivals to be found NISSAN No of dealers: 300 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0345 669966 www.nissan.co.uk VANETTE £9995-£10,725 You've seen this model earlier as the LDV Cub. Where the Vanette scores is with the option of a smaller 845kg payload version called the E and a more comprehensive 36-month warranty. Like the LDV Cub, the larger Vanette Cargo van is rather indifferent, although reliability is rarely in doubt. + Keen prices, fairly spacious, lengthy warranty, reliability - Crude, and unrefined, sluggish diesel engine, Cub is better bet PEUGEOT No of dealers: 100 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0345 565556 www.peugeot.co.uk PARTNER £8,220-£10,175 As Peugeot has owned Citroën since 1974, it is logical that the van ranges are almost identical. The Partner differs from Berlingo only in details and the option of a 1.4-litre petrol engine, although most go for the excellent diesels. A true "little big van". + Sturdy build, excellent cargo capacity, good to drive, value - Heavy non-assisted steering, small van dealer base EXPERT £10,740-£12,120 Apart from the badges, it's a Citroën Dispatch or Fiat Scudo and, like this pair, the Expert's 615-900kg payload capacity means it's rather a lightweight carrier. + Nimble, compact size, car-like manners, decent value - Moderate carrying capacity, small dealer network BOXER £12,060-£18,795 Peugeot's version of what is known as the "Sevel" van, Boxer is slightly dearer than the Citroën but quotes a slighter higher payload rating. An excellent value workhorse, although build can be patchy. The launch of the new Transit is bound to hurt sales. + Looks, wide range, low loading deck, lusty engines, value - Small dealer base, stamina can be suspect if worked hard RENAULT No of dealers: 335 Warranty: 12 months Brochure hotline: 0800 525100 www.renault.co.uk KANGOO £7,950-£8,850 The replacement for the popular old Extra, Kangoo is a worthy van that looks tougher than appearances suggest. Not as complete as the Berlingo/ Partner duo, but Kangoo does have the novel advantage of optional side doors, a real boon for this class of van (£235 single, £400 twin). There's also a passenger car variant. + Chunky looks, nice to drive, side door option, perky diesel - Feels flimsy and spartan, meagre warranty package TRAFIC £9,995 Once leader of the pack, this feels past it now, but a new Trafic (built in conjunction with Vauxhall) is scheduled for later this year and the old one is dirt cheap for its size. Just one model is now offered: a 1.9 diesel short wheelbase with a 1,000kg payload. + Prices, low loading deck, great deals on offer at main dealers - Feels old, cheap and crude now, hard-pressed diesel engine MASTER £13,000-£19,700 Unlike Trafic, Master is bang up to date: a big, beefy van and the past winner of International Van of the Year. GVW ranges from 2.8 to 3.5 tonnes with a selection of bodies, taking carrying capacity up to 13.9m3, plus all enjoy a class-leading load height. A fine van and exceptional value. TOYOTA No of dealers: 332 Warranty: 36 months Brochure hotline: 0800 777555 www.toyota.co.uk POWERVAN £11,770-£14,490 A lovely van, but dear. The limited span of body styles and a 1,270kg payload will rule it out for many. Powervan is all about smoothness and refinement. It is justifiably a popular owner/operator choice. + Looks, build, finish, warranty, reliability, cab refinement - Limited choice of body styles, expensive to purchase VAUXHALL No of dealers: 200 Warranty: 12 months Brochure hotline: 0345 400800 www.vauxhall.co.uk COMBO £7,680-£9,450 Combo is a popular van but, compared with its more modern rivals, feels a bit dated now. Good points are the space utilisation, roomy cab, the brisk Isuzu diesel engine (a Vauxhall Corsa 1.4-litre petrol unit is the other alternative) and some healthy payload ratings. + Engines, payload ratings, easy to run and maintain, Isuzu diesel - Ageing design, cumbersome gear change, harsh ride and handling ASTRAVAN £9,515-£11,465 Estate-derived vans are a real rarity now. That said, Astravan is still highly popular because it's such a super dual-role van for work or pleasure. And the Astravan is a pleasure to drive, with excellent refinement and handling. It's now boosted by an all-new 16-valve 1.7-litre TD, but there's also the 1.6-litre petrol or the very quick 2-litre Di diesel; you can also opt for automatic transmission. A load bay offering just 1.65m3 of space means serious work is unlikely but there is a special edition Sportiv with GTi-type touches and air conditioning currently on sale. + Excellent drive and refinement, impressive engines, build quality - Expensive for what it is, limited load use, short warranty ARENA £9,995 Arena is Vauxhall's version of the rustic old Renault Trafic but has the benefit of power steering, central locking plus a bigger, better dealer spread and healthier sales due to the Vauxhall name. Like the Trafic, replacement is due soon. + Cheap prices, Vauxhall badge ensuring easy servicing and sales - Feels old, noisy and unrefined, awkward pedal arrangement MOVANO £12,980-£19,680 Another Renault rebadge, but this time a much worthier effort. Movano is essentially the Renault Master ­ a good heavy-duty van that powers on well, yet despite its girth is very easy and civilised to drive. A good, honest, keenly priced large van that's well worth a look. + Wide choice of bodies and payloads, easy to drive, lusty diesels - Few minuses, although it lacks the build quality of new Transit VOLKSWAGEN No of dealers: 98 Warranty: 12 months Brochure hotline: 0800 333666 www.volkswagen.co.uk CADDY £8,330-£9,220 A recent price cut by VW has made Caddy extremely competitive against the near identical Seat Inca, while the introduction of VW's famed 1.9-litre TDi diesel is a welcome addition, complementing the plainer SDi diesel and the very peppy 1,600cc petrol unit. Caddy is a class act; it's well built, nice to drive and tailored for owner operators with a high level of standard kit, including the option of air conditioning, heated front seats and bespoke fridge conversions. + Driving manners, gutsy TDi engine, keen prices, VW build quality - Lacks the sheer versatility of Kangoo and Berlingo designs TRANSPORTER £11,090-£19,100 This year, VW's evergreen Transporter celebrates 50 years of business and this Volkswagen has never looked better. Essentially, it's still the same van launched a decade ago, but refinements have kept it ahead of the pack and only the all-new Transit can touch it for quality and car-like manners. The choice includes two wheelbases and even a four-wheel drive Syncro model. + Style, build, excellent handling and ride, diesels, 4x4 option - Very little to fault, although prices are always at a premium LT £14,490-£22,640 Essentially the same design as the Mercedes Sprinter but with its own choice of engines and detail changes. It is as good as the Mercedes in every respect, although the range isn't quite as engulfing. There's little in it and the choice between the pair may well rest on individual deals and proximity of the nearest dealership. + Superb long distance ability, build, performance, refinement - Sprinter offers wider choice, premium prices always asked {{FOCUS SPECIALS }}