CAR-DERIVED VANS SHORTLIST
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Seat Terra diesel Vauxhall Nova Vauxhall Astravan Volkswagen Caddy van Peugeot 305 van
Testers' Choke: Vauxhall Ashman bined good fuel economy and performance resulting in reasonable productivity. It was also an agreeable vehicle to drive. The relatively modest payload and dated interior, however, conspired to keep it out of the top slot.
Testers' Choice was therefore the Vauxhall Astravan, tested by us in 1.4-litre petrol guise. This engine replaces the smaller 1.3-litre engine and returned very gcxxl fuel economy for a petrol-powered van, together with spirited performance. We also liked its smart and efficient cabin, and its solid fleet appeal also helps the Astravan to outsell the Astramax, despite the larger payload and volume offered by the 'max.
Other purpose-built CDVs may be easier to load and have better body volumes, but the Astra emerged the clear overall winner against our 1990 rivals, thanks to its all-round competence.
Te waited with baited breath for the V V new Ford Escort van in 1990, but to no avail. Although you can expect our report in the coming weeks, it will be next year before we are able to give our verdict on whether it merits commendation in Testers' Choice 1992,
The Escort did make an appearance at Birmingham, where another car-derived van made its UK debut. The Vauxhall Novavan has been around in mainland Europe for a few years, wearing Opel Corsa badges, but Vauxhall chose to wait for the facelifted model before launching it in the UK. The little van impressed us with its space, outstanding economy and nippy Isuzu diesel engine, but its size meant that it lost out to bigger rivals on productivity. But it also scored a point for internally adjustable headlamps, which should prevent dazzle for oncoming traffic under full load. We thought this feature should find its way into all LCVs.
The Seat Terra diesel offers a lot for the money. The 1,300cc diesel engine is also the smallest available in a CDV. Despite its competitive price, it was no match for the larger CDVs, scoring badly for fleet appeal.
The VW Caddy van also had a cool reception, universally unloved for its rock 'n' roll handling, noise, sloth and price. On the plus side it offers the best body volume, thanks to its Windfoil conversion.
Like the Caddy, the Peugeot 305 van is based on a saloon no longer in production. Although no newcomer to the CDV sector, its 1,905cc IDI diesel engine corn