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letail changes only for handiest urban delivery van
Page 41
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WAS hard to believe that elve years had passed since 4 tried a version of the Dodge ommer) PB Spacevan. But ne they were. and as Chrysler d facelifted the PB we felt a ot the larger load capacity )del, the 2500, fitted with a rkins 4.108 diesel, was in ler.
Mcst of the face-lifting has en done to the front, where it w sports a full-width matt ick grille incorporating headrips and side/flasher lamps. impers front and rear have en made larger and there are -onger mirrors and door ndles. Inside the cab, greater mfcrt for the driver has been hieved by better noise insulan, more crash padding and a ger instrument binnacle.
The small Perkins engine was )re than adequate for its task d during our fuel consumpn tests it produced 9.7 lit/ )Okm (29.2mpg) at an erage speed of 37km /h 3mph). Half-laden, it was tter at 8.8 lit/ 100km 2.1mpg). A modified gear
change arrangement is used on the Spacevan, which proved easy and comfortable to use. At speed, though, the Perkins seemed to be working hard — and sounded it.
To be fair, though, it is an urban delivery van and so unlikely to be involved in much motorway work. Its ability to carry out town delivery tasks is improved by a good lock, despite small wheel arches, and compact external dimensions.
Curiously, the park brake works on the Spacevan's front wheels, from a lever mounted next to the driving seat on the wheel arch. Service braking was very effective, in spite of a rainsoaked MIRA test circuit, and acceleration times were good for such a small power unit.
A clear view of all instruments and controls is available to the driver through the twospoked steering wheel and the van offers good forward vision. This was marred in poor weather by the wipers, which park at the top of the screen and allow trails of water to run across. The new mirrors, on the other hand, are fine, very solid and affording excellent rear views.
Entry and exit to the cab is good through the hinged cab doors. Sliding doors are available but a side-loading door — not fitted to our vehicle — is only available in conjunction with hinged front doors. At the rear, twin hinged doors, disappointingly only opening to 90deg, have a simple but effective retention device.
As with the Toyota Hi-Ace, Chrysler's dated forward control layout leaves much to be desired with regard to engine accessibility. Although fitted
with a hinged cover, it is awkward to reach all but the uppermost engine ancillaries; others such as the air filter haveto be got at through removable panels.
We speculated at the time that if Chrysler had not been in financial difficulties, a replacement van would have no doubt been introduced. However, the Peugeot-Citroen takeover may see some changes. One wonders if the Post Office and other municipal undertakings will be so keen to buy Chryslerbadged Peugeot vans instead of the PB.