JULIAN MILNES
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VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER CR35
Engine: 2.5-Litre, 108hp
Transmission: six-speed manua, GVW: 3,500kg Load volume: 11m2Tested: 1 October
This year's heavy van category saw several contenders reaching mid-life status. So, to keep things fresh, a number of manufacturers added a splash of technology to offer a new angle on their existing kit.
An example of this came with the Citroen Dispatch XTR+. It may not be a full 4x4, but the addition of a limitedslip-differential on the front wheels, which channels 75% of torque between the front wheels, offers impressive traction when driving off-road. You also get beefed up suspension, improved (30mm) ground clearance and underbody protection... and we liked it.
Another vehicle in a similar vein is the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ECO-Start Saving fuel by turning the engine off may not be rocket science, but, when used correctly in an urban environment, you can expect to save 10% in fuel.
One vehicle that's always going to divide opinions is Mitsubishi's Canter, which we put to the test in its 3.5-tonne, 150hp guise. Cab-forward layouts aren't for everyone because of the pronounced driving position, but look beyond that and you have a well-built vehicle that benefits from a strong engine and a tight turning circle.
However, on a less complimentary note, we have the Flat Scudo. It's not a bad van per se, it's just, well, a bit dull, and its not helped by using a Citroen/Peugeot engine, and not the company's super-smooth Multijet option.
Yet it's this element that aids the Fiat Ducat°. The 2.3-litre engine performs impressively, and is at the heart of a quality all-round performer.
Next up is Ford's Transit double-cab. As practical as trousers due to the fact it can accommodate six people via a second row of seats, as well as sporting an impressive 6m3 load volume, it offers a confident drive, great build quality, and, of course, Ford's service network.
One product that was fresh out the box in 2009 was Hyundai's new iLoad. We have to admit we didn't expect much in terms of ability, but were surprised with the overall performance of this van. It drove surprisingly well thanks to a smooth 2.5-litre 114hp engine, has a comfortable cabin, and is well built... and if the manufacturer's cars are anything to go by, it should run and run. And for these reasons, we would like to bestow on the iLoad the highly commended accolade for this year's heavy van category.
We reserve the title, though, for one van that has impressed us with its quality of design, and that is Volkswagen's Crafter. But there is one little fly in the ointment the engine. The Crafter used to suffer from a mediocre driveline thanks to a rough powerplant and poor gear spacing. But its new Euro-5 engine update brings a sense of cohesion due to an improved power delivery, new gearbox and a claimed 10% saving in fuel economy.
It may need AdBlue due to the use of SCR technology, but top-ups should be few and far between, and doesn't detract from what is the best overall large van available.