Government reverses pick-up tax hike
Plans to change the taxing of pick-up trucks announced just a week ago by the Government, which would have seen double-cab models taxed as cars rather than commercial vehicles, have been scrapped.
Electric record breaker – Iveco eDaily 3.5t review
There's a lot of movement in the LCV market as fleet operators look to transition to electric and finding the right van for your business is key - is it big enough? Is it powerful enough? Is the range good enough? This is where the eDaily scores highly. It can be configured with one-to-three modules, which each have a capacity of 37kWh. Batteries can also be added or removed in-life if operational needs change.
On the move – Vauxhall Movano Prime2.2D 165 M6 L3H2 3500 Panel Van
The new Vauxhall Movano, with its diverse range of body styles, up to 17m3 of cargo volume and a payload of up to two tonnes, is the largest LCV from the British brand has always been impressive. It retains class-leading qualities and adds new ones on top, such as advanced driver assistance systems that enable level 2 automated driving for the first time.
Review: Citroën ë-Berlingo Van M 50kWh Driver Edition
Thanks to the work done on improving efficiency, the zero-emission range of the new ë-Berlingo Van can now cover up to 205 mile (WLTP Mixt cycle, currently under certification) – 20% further than the previous model. This distance can be optimised thanks to the new regenerative braking system, which can be activated based on three different regeneration levels using steering-wheel-mounted paddles.
Keeping it simple – Dacia Duster
With more than 2 million vehicles sold, the Duster has been the number one car for retail sales in its class in Europe’s SUV market since 2019. The Duster now features a fresh and contemporary design and hours spent in the wind tunnel have allowed for a reduction in drag and therefore CO2 as well as delivering lower fuel consumption.
Fleets say vehicle supply has been hit by semiconductor shortages
A range of actions have been undertaken by those impacted, with almost three-quarters (74%) extending the life cycle of current vehicles, more than half (51%) speeding up the implementation of EVs on their fleet, a quarter (25%) acquiring used vehicles rather than new, 21% adding a wider range manufacturers to choice lists and 11% turning to other forms of mobility.
The Business Van guide to types of van
There are lots of types of van on the market, ranging from car-derived vans like the Ford Fiesta to expansive six-seater crew models like the Mercedes Viano. There are also [...]
Musso muscle – Ssangyong Saracen 2.2-litre pick-up review
SsangYong pushes the value aspect of its range and you'll struggle to find a more comprehensively equipped model. When it comes to rival pick-ups, we're not entirely convinced that the badge counts for too much as long as the vehicle can do the job at the right price.
Is it a car? Is it a van? – Toyota Corolla Commercial
Toyota’s fourth generation hybrid system gives a generous all-electric driving capability that’s ideal for urban deliveries, while the hybrid system ensures there’s always the freedom to make longer trips whenever required, with no need to schedule down-time for recharging. Powertrain and chassis are unchanged from those used by the Corolla Touring Sports passenger car, so it retains the smooth, refined and efficient performance of the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid electric system
Steering system manufacturer enters new markets
Development of the new steering column arose from industry demand for lightweight vehicles. Manufacturers are looking at ways of reducing the weight of delivery vehicles, particularly electric vans designed for last-mile delivery. As many of these vehicles are now designed using aluminium or even composites, the proportion of overall vehicle weight consumed by other components such as steering and suspension has increased
More than 90% trialing e-vans opt to keep them
Recent research from Arval Mobility Observatory showed that 47% of UK fleets planned to adopt electric vans within the next three years. Key reasons behind this decision were the lower environmental impact of electric vehicles (55%), tax incentives (51%), total cost of ownership being in line or lower than petrol or diesel vehicles (50%), reduced fuel expenses (50%), improving company image (40%) and being able to drive in low emissions zones (38%)
Landed gentry – Land Rover Defender 110 D250 Hard Top Review
Our 110 review model certainly dealt with the muddy, hilly farmlands of Dorset and was of much interest to the farming community - but did it stack up against the trusty old Landy workhorses that inhabit this corner of the world? Size was the main comment, the Defender 110 is a mighty beast, dwarfing the old models, but what about practicality?
Monster machine – Ford Ranger Raptor
While Ford is keen to sell the Ranger Raptor as some kind of ultimate off-road machine, the engine choice is slightly odd, but then Europe is a very difference market to North America.
Versatile Verso – Toyota Proace MPV
Road manners are pretty good also. Vans ain't what they used to be generally, they are more refined, comfortable and drivable than a few years ago. The diesel engines come in 115hp, 150hp and 180hp trim and they are smooth enough runners, particularly in the cruise while the auto transmission we tried also gets high marks with smooth changes. Useful is the standard hill-start and with a long vehicle, reversing sensors are also welcome.
People carrier – Citroen e SpaceTourer Business Edition M 50kWh
Advancements in battery technology have made electric cars and LCVs viable and there’s a growing number of models available. Then there’s the financial incentives: a 0% Benefit-in-Kind tax on zero emission, fully electric vans, making e-LCVs more affordable than ever for those businesses.
Pick of the pick-ups – Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
The D-Max comes in single and double cab variants and it’s powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, a little rough around the edges but this is a commercial vehicle after all and it does the job very effectively. It has the ability to tow 3.5 tonnes and the vehicle is also backed by Isuzu’s 125,000 mile/5 Year warranty. The model range runs from the entry Business through All-Purpose to Adventure. Business has Utility trim, offered in 4x2 or 4x4 and in three different cab types - single, extended and double cab.
VW Caddy Life – perfect bag (and people) carrier
The Caddy is now in its fifth generation and while there are larger five-seat VWs around, this version is probably the best value, starting at under £25,500, and the most practical as a family vehicle. It sits on the same VW Group MQB platform which means it shares many of the attributes of the latest Golf, including engines, safety equipment and many interior features.
Thinking electric? Citroen e-Dispatch can take a load off your mind
The Citroen e-Dispatch is the electric version of Citroen’s medium-sized panel van and has a range of 211-miles when fitted with the larger 75kWh battery option or 143 miles for the smaller 50kWh battery. It uses the same technology as the Vauxhall Vivaro-e, Peugeot e-Expert and the Toyota Proace Electric. Its 134bhp electric motor provides plenty of torque for carrying heavy loads while performance is good as well.
City dweller – Citroën e Berlingo
Capacity is everything with a van and the Berlingo's load space is wide and high and able to accommodate two euro palettes. The rear wheel arches don't intrude too much into the space which, overall, is practical and very usable with 10 lashing points. The Driver Pro version also gets a hard plastic load protector on the floor.
Keeping it simple – Toyota Proace 75kW Review
All-in-all, the Toyota Proace Electric can do pretty well all that it’s Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall electric siblings can do although it can’t offer different sizes or trim levels – but there’s something to be said for keeping complexity to a minimum.