CONCLUSION
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If you're in the market for a 3.5-tonne van, you're in luck: standards of performance, comfort and economy have improved beyond all recognition in the past few years. One factor alone sums up that improvement—most of the vans in our test group have warranties good for three years and 100,000 miles or more. Every van here (with one exception) would have been a class leader back in the 20th century.
The one exception is no surprise: LDV's Convoy has been conscientiously developed and refined during its life, but it still shows its origin in the long-gone Leyland Sherpa. This ageing driveline was the only one in the test that was more than a few per cent off the performance of the best. Though the Convoy is available with an almost infinite choice of options—and for some operators that alone will be enough reason to buy—the basic design simply can't keep up with the later competition.
To a much lesser extent, the Renault Master and Volkswagen LT could do with a facelift; in fact the Master's new engine may well take it back to the top of the tree, while the IT is only just overshadowed by the Sprinter. Both of these models offer very good performance and value. and they're certainly worth looking at.
It's much more difficult to separate the rest, and in the final instance this decision will have to depend on your own requirements.
If you want truck-like construction combined with excellent manoeuvrability (and long service intervals) the lveco Daily is tempting. The city-tiased design, well-detailed construction and powerful engine are all impressive, though the huge loadspace means that the payload is a little off the pace The new Transit is so nearly perfect: its design is very practical, the interior is superb, many details are unmatched and its fuel economy is the best in class. But the engine remains a little bland (perhaps a good point if someone else it driving your van) and we don't like that flapping window frame...
If it comes down to popularity with drivers—as represented by CM'S panel of testers—then the latest Citroen Relay and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter are pretty hard to beat. They both have great load capacity, impressive engine option: and are comfortable places to spend a day. It could come down to a choice between front and rear-wheel drive.
So we can't decide for you, but one thing's certain: you've never had it so good.