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Out of the limelight but in the spotlight
Page 72
Page 73
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Vehicle Ford Transit 280 SWB Tested: 14 March 2002 Specifications Engine: 16-valve Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel Maximum power: 99hp (74kW) at 4,00Orpm Maximum torque: 230Nm (1701bft) at 2,00Orpm Transmission: Ford MT75 five-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels Terms of warranty: Three years/ 100,000 miles Gross vehicle weight: 2,640kg Test payload: 953kg Operational trial results Average speed: 67.6km/h (42.1mph) Average fuel consumption: 32.6mpg (8.61it/100km)
The lowdown (long-term test vehicle)
So here are the bare facts. Six months in, with 15,000 miles on the clock, and the fuel efficiency of our Ford Transit 280 SWB has improved by 12.5 %.When CM first tested the Transit in March with less than 2,000 miles on the clock it returned a pretty handy 32.6mpg fully loaded. Fast forward to a wet spring, followed by an equally damp summer plus 13,000 miles and the red SWB `Tarmacers' van' has improved to a laden 37.2mpg.
The 99hp 16-valve Ford Duratorq 2.0-litre charge-cooled turbo-diesel engine, complete with exhaust gas recirculation and computercontrolled fuel injection, has certainly been in its element, trekking up and down the country as well as handling suburban journeys.
Sure, the driveline will soon level off and start returning consistent fuel figures, but at the moment it's all positive reading,The FWD option for the Transit is very encouraging. Pick-up from a standing start is excellent, and tackling corners is not compromised.The rear end does feel a little light on occasion, but the lower loading height makes this an easy vehicle to deal with when picking up or tipping.
On the optional-extra front, only the air-con and the electric windows have been used extensively. Cab comfort is certainly enhanced, and in proper working conditions the additional steel bulkhead and body-side mountings would certainly come into play So far the only disappointment is not having a rev counter — listening for gear changes leads to over revving, and if the driver is not paying attention it is possible to stall because of insufficient revs.The 'listen' technique now seems a little dated as many vans have improved noise insulation, making the in-cab noise levels ear-like. Vehicle Toyota Hiace 300 04-D GLS Tested: 14 November 2002 Specifications Engine: Toyota D-4D 16-valve DOHC turbo-diesel with electronically-controlled common-rail injection Maximum power: 101hp (75kW) at 3,600rprn Maximum torque: 260Nm (192Ibft) at 1,600-2,400rpm Transmission: Five-speed, all-synchro, overdrive box driving the rear wheels Terms of warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles Gross vehicle weight: 3,000kg Test payload: 1,135kg Operational trial results Average speed: 73.3km/h (45.5mph) Average fuel consumption: 33.0mpg (8.61it/100km)
The lowdown
Welk we asked for more power and we got it. The result has transformed the Hiace by just the right amount. It now has enough glint to do the job quietly and efficiently, without having a tiresome excess_ Cost of ownership should satisfy the most parsimonious of fleet accountants; its friendly appearance means it will be socially acceptable just about anywhere; and its road manners are generally good.
Some aspects of the Hiace still need tweaking. In particular, the steering and front suspension characteristics require a bit more development to suit British roads, and the driving seat could use more tuning to suit British backsides.Throw in some rearview mirrors worthy of a working vehicle and Toyota would have a product that equals anything in its class.
Vehicle Vauxhall Vivaro 1.9 DTI high roof Tested: 12 November 2003 Specifications Engine: Charge-cooled direct-injection turbo-diesel Maximum power: 99hp (74kW) at 3,500rpm Maximum torque: 240Nm (177Ibft) at 2,000rpm Transmission: Six-speed, double overdrive, driving the front wheels Terms of warranty: Three years/ 100,000 miles Gross vehicle weight: 2,900kg Test payload: 1,411kg Operational trial results Average speed: 65.9km/h (41.0mph) Average fuel consumption: 37.61mpg (12.11it/100km)
The lowdown
When a manufacturer produces a vehicle that does the business on the road, it's generally a testament to thorough research carried out during the development period. So well done, Vauxhall's backroom boys, because although the Vivaro has been around for a few years, it remains one of the best vans in its class.
The Vivaro has firmly established itself as a real alternative to the Transit —something that could not be said of Vauxhall's previous attempts.The wide range of options available, such as the high roof, only help to further the cause, and if your requirements include a large load area this could be the solution.
It's not all perfect,of course.The gear ratios could be better spaced and the shift is a tad vague.And while we're at it, the handling could be a bit sharper, too. However, these are small gripes when you consider the full package on offer. What you get is an extremely competent van that should provide hassle-free ownership at a minimal cost. It looks good,too. •