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Considering the hostile test conditions none of these vans could fairly be said to have performed particularly poorly
Page 49
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though the Crafter did need a jump start on the second (and coldest) morning. What came across was that all the contenders had their own qualities, with none standing out dramatically from the pack. Also, the results were based solely on our impressions during this test no more, no less. So whether a particular vehicle has extra tie-down points, excellent residuals or superior crash protection does not, in this case, affect the outcome.
First to fall is the Vauxhall Movano. Safe and reliable it might be, but it showed its age in this company and, despite a sound chassis and gutsy engine, its lacks refinement and functionality.
The next decision is a little tougher as the reasons are based more on personnel preference than ultimate ability. But as a package the Volkswagen Crafter felt decidedly uninspiring on the journey, with the whole proving less than the sum of its parts. Yes, the cabin is excellent, with good quality plastics and more storage than you can shake a stick at. What's more build quality is top-notch and there's a solid suspension set-up. But it simply fails to inspire.
On a par with the Crafter is the Transit. That's actually a giant leap forward for the ubiquitous Ford and reflects the Transit's acquisition of something that was previously lacking: driveability. Its chassis is far more composed than before which allowed us to press on in these tough conditions. This is coupled to a well designed interior, precise steering and ESP as standard. But the engine's enthusiasm proves a grind when continually stop-starting and the rear-wheel drive fights for traction on slippery conditions when unladen, partly undoing the chassis improvements.
Coming in at third we have a vehicle that would win if it came to battle of the brochures and the 'who spent most on research and development' award. The Sprinter a thoroughly engineered product that leads the way in terms of safety and security, but some surprising errors detracted from its ability. For a start its gearing was by far the worst in terms of matching the engine, leaving us to struggle between shifts when trying to maintain motion. This wasn't helped by an engine that was among the weakest in the group, providing little in the way of urge. Then there was the vague steering whose over-assistance left us guessing on slippery conditions. Not ideal, given the circumstances But these shortcomings failed to blight this product's all-round competence, with its forgiving chassis, classy cabin and active ESP all wrapped up in superior build quality.
Joint first is a surprise package that proved to be an endearing piece of kit. The Peugeot Boxer may not be as technically advanced as, say, the Sprinter, but it gets the fundamentals right and its cabin's design is on par with the Merc's, so the driver is well catered for. But if those merits set out the stall, the Boxer's clincher was the way it drove. From motorway driving to snow covered forest roads, we always had the feeling it would cope. And though the engine wasn't quite on a par with the Fiat it performed well enough, matching nicely with the positive gearshift.
Sharing top honours is the Fiat Ducato. No one would have predicted this result but the testers were unanimous in their approval. The standard of the drive was first rate, and its cabin looked after the driver and co-pilot throughout the journey. But what really stood out was the company's Multijet engine. Its power delivery and smoothness made the exhausting trip less of a chore and avoided the need to switch gears constantly as surfaces and gradients changed.
After all, it's how you feel at the end of the journey that counts, and on this basis the Ducato proved to be excellent company.