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NISSAN NV200
Engine: 1.5-litre, 85hp Transmission: five-speed manual GVW: 2,000kg
< Load volume: 4m" Tested: 26 November
The small van category was where all the action was in 2009, with a number of revised and all-new models entering the market.
Nissan staged a late entry into the compact van class with its all-new NV200, which also happened to win the 2010 International Van of the Year title. CM being CM had to get first bibs on it, and a thorough road test at the start of winter proved why the jury chose Nissan's bold new offering as its van of choice.
The NV200 makes the most sense on the bottom line, costing £12,350 (sans extras), This is £750 cheaper than the Citroen Berlingo (£13,065) and more than £1,000 less than the VW Caddy Maxi (£14,410).
Fuel consumption, too, tops this segment of the market as well, and when senior technical writer Julian Milnes tested it in November 2009, it returned on the laden and unladen runs 44.7mpg and 47 3mpg respectively.
While we're on the subject of new models, the latest version of the Ford Fiesta van made an entrance in 2009. We were immediately taken by its styling (especially in SportVan trim) and with its versatility.
Without the rear seats in place, the Fiesta has a decent load area (1m3), which is large enough to
accommodate tools and various other bits-and-bobs.
During our rigorous test, the Fiesta proved its worth, and also proved tremendous fun to drive.
Of course, Ford didn't stop there with its assault on the small-van segment. The Blue Oval also launched the heavily revised Transit Connect. The standout feature on the latest Connect is its new interior, which makes it feel more car-like. Fit-and-finish on the vehicle is top-notch, as is its on-road dynamics and overall productivity, but, that said, it is blighted somewhat by its 109hp 1.8-litre diesel engine.
The unit lacks any sense of refinement and linearity, and it requires a soft touch to avoid wheel-spinning or, even worse, stalling.
For that reason, the Transit Connect misses out on the 'Highly Commended' gong this time around.
It would be foolish to forget the two mini-Sevel vans in the form of the Peugeot Bipper 2-Tronic auto and the Fiat Fiorino 1.3 Multijet, which also made appearances in the pages of CM in 2009. We certainly got well-acquainted with the Fiat, running one as a long-termer for six months. It always delivered in the busy London streets or on long motorway journeys. The engine is great, too, and, as an all-rounder, it gets our highly commended award.
In addition, the Renault Kangoo, Citroen C2 Enterprise and Berlingo 750LX were all put through their paces in 2009. We were most impressed with the Berlingo, which, in the face of steep competition, more than holds its own. In some aspects, it even upstages Ford and VW's offerings.
In the end, though, the NV200 prevails for 2009 in the small van category thanks to its low running costs, high levels of build quality, driver comfort, practicality and price.
The contenders: Citroen C2 Enterprise; Citroen Berlingo 750LX; Fiat Fiorino SX 1.3; Ford Transit Connect 220SW8; Ford Fiesta Sportvan 1.6; Nissan NV200; Peugeot Bipper 2-Tronic; Renault Kangoo ML19