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:MAIL VAN
Page 30
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Winner:
FIAT DOBLo
Others: Vauxhall Combo Renault Clio Citron Dispatch
eing the smallest sector of the two-axled CV range does not mean that it is at the bottom of the food chain. These little wonders plug gaps in the supply line, deliver instantly, carry tools and repair equipment, deliver meals on wheels, and run around airports like their lives depend on it. Of the four tested in this category, only two share any similar bonds: the Vauxhall Combo 1.7DTI and Fiat DoblO Cargo 1.9 JTD SX. They were ably supported by the smaller but nifty Renault Clio 1.5 dCi and the big brother in this section, the Citroen Dispatch 2.0TD HDi 900 2.2-tonne van.
High-cube vans like the Combo and DoblO have undergone a mini-revolution. Out goes the cramped cab and single-access load space, and in come a spacious driving environment and enough doors for the driver never to have to place a knee on the load deck and reach for the last box in the corner. The possible downside is that now all of these vans have large front windows.
The Vauxhall Combo 13DTI tested in January was among the first to endorse the high-cube concept. Its party tricks included air conditioning and satellite navigation system. The overall performance was impressive, keeping up a decent average speed and producing an above-average fuel figure.
The real pleasure came with the car-like driving experience and cab comfort. Despite a somewhat spartan appearance inside the cab, the driver had everything within easy reach. Payload is 595kg.
Our only doubts lay with the restricted peripheral view while travelling forward and the low seat which left rather too much sky visible through the windscreen—although large wing mirrors helped in tight reversing manoeuvres.
Next up, CM tested the bright orange Fiat DoblO Cargo 1.9 JTD SX—this, like the Combo, was eagerly awaited. This time, as opposed to last year's test, it had a more powerful engine. Our chief tester could hardly contain his delight.
First the facts: the laden mpg figure was slightly better than the Combo, but it has less payload potential at 5513kg. Basic price is slightly cheaper and the engine is 25% more powerful than the Combo's. The driver gets a slightly more upright sitting position with significantly less siryline to stare at on the open road. Optional extras for the test included Connect Sat+ system and reverse-parking sensors. It handled well and the extra power under foot left our chief tester a happy chappy.
Making up the group, but not, of course, making up the numbers came the rather nifty 'sports van', the Renault Clio 1.5 dCi 1.5-tonne van. Not the most competitive payload, (less than half a tonne) and with no side door to get at the lightweight cargo, it's fair to say that bulk delivery will not be its mainstay.
But if it is time-sensitive parcels and documents demanding instant delivery, then this is the ticket. It produced the leading small van fuel figure of all time, giving us change from a fiver around the 144.2km revised Kent route, and two-year/113,000-mile service intervals means that, barring disaster, this van will be working rather than visiting the local dealer for check ups, and fits into the 1110 VED rate with its low emissions.
We always refer to 'car-like handling' but considering its size and shape, anything other would be more of a surprise. Its basic price was £8,200 (ex-VAT) and came with the sports pack, a metallic paint job and a baggage cover. Not bad at all.
The Citroen Dispatch 2.0TD HDi 900 2.8-tonne van is the odd one out in this group given its size and shape. It was updated with a new engine, knocking out more power and torque, a new gearbox and some subtle cosmetic changes. Not that the buying public needed convincing that it's a sturdy reliable van—it's one of the best-selling panel vans on the market.
The positives come mainly from the new 107hp, 270Nm turbo-diesel engine that improved the mpg from the 95hp (CM12-18 Oct 2000) on the Kent route by 13%. The downside is that the cab is still tight if you are slightly larger than average, but as most people running vans 'work' out of them during the day (rather than eating pies between typing editorial) then it may not be a problem. Longer journeys 'three-up' aren't particularly pleasant either.
With all these issues carefully considered, we happily announce that the overall winner is the bright orange Fiat DoblO Cargo 1.9 JTD SX. It answered CMs questions about a woefully weak engine with its new 1.9-litre 99hp common-rail injection diesel engine that turned in a respectable fuel figure, as well as decent cab comfort and a brightly decorated dash. Small van, big heart.