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There were a number of key launches in the small
Page 34
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van sector for 2008, including a bold push into a new territory, which helped to keep things fresh.
Peugeot has tended to be on the outside looking in when it comes to the UK LCV market, but its 207 van combines the French manufacturer's small car knowledge with a reasonable load area. And the latest version comes with much-improved build quality, something the Fiat Grande Purto van also boasts.
Similar to Peugeot, Fiat's presence isn't quite as prolific as some rivals, but this latest version is a smart looker and comes with a well-designed interior.
It may lack that something extra to rise to the top, but it's an easy drive with an eager engine.
And speaking of eager engines, the Astravan Sportive SE 1.9CDTi, which comes complete with 150hp and sports suspension, is about the most fun we've had in a van.
Whether you could cope with its limited load volume (1.6m3) is a moot point, but if you like to take the long way home, this Vauxhall will raise a smile and embarrass a few suits in their mid-priced saloons along the way.
Switching from the sporty to the dependable, Volkswa gen continues to carve out a reputation for bulletproof quality and design with its Caddy Maxi.
An extended version of this established LCV may not be ground-breaking, and the addition of a 140hp engine may not be strictly necessary, but this van continues to
be a thoroughly impressive machine, particularly when combined with the company's smooth and unobtrusive DSG dual-clutch automatic.
This auto works particularly well in town, and will help soothe the nerves of the most rushed multi-drop driver as they battle the congestion.
It's been a busy year for Citroen, which has enlarged its popular Berlingo to compete with the aforementioned VW Caddy and Ford's popular Transit Connect.
Now fitted with (limited) room for three upfront, it comes with an excellent chassis and eager engine, but the cabin isn't quite as clinical in its design as its two direct competitors.
A bolder move by the company has been the arrival of its Nemo, which has paved the way for a new small van category.
On its launch, questions were asked about whether or not the world really needed an LCV of such diminutive proportions, but on closer inspection it was evident the company (along with its development partners Fiat and Peugeot) had done its research and produced a compact yet usable van that drives with confidence.
And it is this bold move into the unknown that makes the Citroen Nemo 1.4 1-IDI LX our Tester's Choice light van for 2009.