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Every van in this group can earn its keep —
Page 55
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otherwise people wouldn't keep driving them. But while you're spending a lot of money on a light CV you might as well pick one that's a pleasure to drive.., and on that basis we had no trouble finding a winner.
IT S BEEN SAID that there aren't any had va s any more,just varying degrees of good. A d after completing our group test we're in lined to agree. No van became the butt of Jo es Or felt completely at odds with the 21st century, al though there was a familiar order to We rankings, with no surprises overall. The bottom position goes to LDV due to its continuing battle with build quality and re4nement, which in turn impacts on the driving experience.Next up we have Vauxhall's Movano, whose main problem is that the design is 10 years old. It's solid and dependable but there are no frills, "lhings now get a little heated with the next group separated by just 21 points.
Coming in at sixth is the Citroen, which is noted for its all-round ability, but fails to inspire in any particular area.
Next up just three points ahead is the Iveco Daily.A vast improvement over the previous version, it is now a competitive product with a well designed cabin and sturdy chassis, though it has not yet completely shaken off its former image problem and issues remain over build quality.
Finishing fifth is Fiat's often overlooked Ducat°. What separated it from the Citroen is the company's Multi-jet engine, which found favour with several drivers — and who knows where it would have finished if the test vehicle had boasted a bulkhead.
And now for the top three. International Van of the Year it might be, but Ford's Transit couldn't quite muster enough points to snatch the CM crown. Its claim of enhanced driving ability isjustified, with most drivers commenting on its composed chassis, strong engine and responsive steering. But that wasn't enough to convince our driving voters.
Beating the Ford by just three points is the Volkswagen Crafter. Solidity, refinement and practicality are the key strengths of this German, though its vague steering and mediocre power delivery stopped it. from being classed as a driving machine.
The top spot in CM'S group van test goes to another Te utonic effort.
It's a given that the Mercedes Sprinter is going to be well bolted together, but our group of testers were also impressed with the cabin, which was particularly well designed with easily the best room for manoeuvre (along with the VW). It also exuded a quality feel with its use of plastics.
Then there was the way it drove, which was described as "sophisticated" and "classy" by some, with all the elements working with reassuring solidity. It's this combination that gives the Sprinter the edge over the competition, and victory in CM'S Group Van Test 2007. •