THE OFFICIAL IRISH JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL VAN OF THE YEAR & INTERNATIONAL PICK-UP AWARDS
Volume 13. No 3. Winter 2016
Volkswagen Crafter International Van of the Year 2017
4 | www.fleet.ie
Contents Winter 2016 5 News • Volkswagen Crafter II wins IVOTY 2017 • Dalco Engineering gears up with Ford LCV • Nightline reacts to e-commerce growth • Opel LCV joins Food Cloud chain
Fleet Van & Utility holds the Chairmanship of the International Van of the Year Jury
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8/10 Launch Pad • Nissan NV300 • Volkswagen Amarok V6 • MAN TGE
Fleet Van & Utility Magazine, D’Alton Street, Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0)94 9372819 Fax: +353 (0)94 9373571 Email: enquiries@fleet.ie Subscription Hotline: 094 93 72827 Editor: Jarlath Sweeney Contributors: Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Paul White, Leonard Allison, Irish Farmers Journal
Photography: Jarlath Sweeney, Cathal Doyle, Rob Van Dieten, Paul White, Leonard Allison, Irish Farmers Journal Administration: Orla Sweeney, Denise Owens, Paula Mullarkey Advertising: Mary Morrissey, Orla Sweeney
12 Award Volkswagen Crafter II ticks all the boxes
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13 Review 66th IAA Commercial Vehicles, Hannover, Germany 18 Future The Vision from MercedesBenz Commercial Vehicles
Design: Eamonn Wynne Printed in Ireland
Disclaimer: Fleet Van&Utility Magazine management can accept no responsibility for the accuracy of contributed articles or statements appearing in this magazine and any views or opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Fleet Transport management, save where otherwise indicated. No responsibility for loss or distress occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by the authors, contributors, Editors or publishers. The Editor reserves the right to make publishing decisions on any advertisements or editorial article submitted to the magazine and to refuse publication or to edit any editorial material as seems appropriate to him. Professional legal advice should always be sought in relation to any specific matter.
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21 Group Test Small vans on trial in association with the Irish Farmers Journal
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FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
NEWS 1 | 5
Back-to-back wins for Volkswagen in IVOTY Award
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ver the 25-year history of the International Van of the Year Award (IVOTY), only two light commercial manufacturers have achieved back-to-back victories. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles now joins that exclusive group as the new Crafter has been elected IVOTY 2017 to follow the success of the Transporter 6 in winning the award last year.
With ten new vans launched across Europe in the past year, competition was very strong from the manufacturers involved. The IVOTY jury, which consists of 24 leading journalists from top commercial vehicle magazines across Europe, undertook a two phase election process with the Volkswagen Crafter scoring 101 points, just 12 points ahead of the PSA Group’s Peugeot Expert/Citroën Dispatch and Toyota Proace, and the latest Iveco Daily (Euro 6) taking the third position on the podium. The other shortlisted runners were the Ford Transit Custom Euro 6 and the all-new Hyundai H350. The voting process was independently adjudicated by the UK Road Haulage Association. A totally new design, and developed independently by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the second generation Crafter features 4 base models, coming in 3 lengths and 3 heights, with front, rear or four-wheel drive traction and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. Cargo volume of up to 18.4m3 is offered from the 3.5 to 5.3 tonne GVW payload offered. New Crafter will be built at a recently constructed manufacturing facility in Września, Poland. Commenting on the entire vehicle concept launched prior to the IAA CV Show 2016, Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: “The development of the new Crafter was a unique opportunity to avoid all compromises while drawing upon our decades of experience in the market segment. The new Crafter represents a fusion of product focus and customer focus. In other words, we developed this vehicle from the customer’s perspective.”
The official announcement and presentation of the International Van of the Year Award 2017 was made by Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman, International Van of the Year Jury to Dr. Scholz at a special ceremony at the IAA CV Show in Hannover, Germany on 21 September.
comfort, smoothness, safety and superb handling and predict that it will be a market success due to its wide model and configuration offering. Commenting after the trophy presentation Jarlath said; “Congratulations to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles on achieving successive wins in the International Van of the Year Award with the all-new Crafter II taking up the mantle from the Transporter. It was again a very close contest and compliments also to the PSA Group on producing an excellent and innovative new product line for today’s light commercial vehicle marketplace. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ investment in not only developing a stand-alone product, but constructing it in a new assembly plant is noteworthy. We wish the new Crafter every success.”
Motivations from the jury praised the new Crafter’s overall styling,
Hi-spec Ford Transit Customs for Hi-tech customer!
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alco Engineering is a special customer of Rialto Ford as its Nitrogen Gas Systems Division has taken delivery of two high specification Ford Transit Custom 340 Trend Hi-roof LWB 170PS panel vans which will operate as delivery units and mobile service vehicles to customers that order its Nitrogen Gas Generation Systems across all industries. Dalco Nitrogen Systems with its head office based in Garretstown, Dunshaughlin, County Meath, is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of Nitrogen Gas Generation Systems and has branches in the UK and Australia. Its systems allow customers to make their own Nitrogen Gas requirements on site rather than paying for bott led or bulk nitrogen. Its blue-chip clientele include Coca-Cola, Kepack and Thermo King. Third level institutions such as Dublin City University,
University College Dublin and Trinity University are also good customers. Dave Carroll, CV Sales Specialist at Rialto Ford conducted the deal. www.fleet.ie
6 | NEWS II
Online retailer sparks further expansion at Nightline
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n light of increased e-commerce traffic, Nightline Ireland’s largest independent delivery firm is expanding further with a €3 million investment in services and infrastructure. Th is development will see the Nightline Group’s nationwide depot network expand to 13 sites and recruit a further 150 staff, taking its total number of employees to more than 1,000.
John Tuohy, Nightline CEO, has described the latest initiative as the company’s latest vital phase of development and boasted that it will reinforce its status as the carrier of choice for a host of leading national and international brands. John also mentioned that the extra jobs will comprise new delivery driver posts, depot support staff and sortation shift staff. He said that recruitment would be at Nightline’s growing number of depots across the country in order to underline the company’s ability to provide a premium parcel service across the entire island of Ireland. The three new depots include a 50,000 sq.ft . facility earmarked for the Group’s Nightline International division in Dublin’s Swords district and two 30,000 sq.ft. sites in Omagh, County Tyrone, and Kilbarry in County Waterford. The new units join an existing network made up of sites in Dublin, Newtownabbey, Sligo, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kerry and Athlone between which Nightline handled almost 15 million items on behalf of clients over the last 12 months.
Nightline CEO John Tuohy, with the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation Mitchell O’Connor TD and Nightline delivery driver Mark Baker.
Nightline recorded a 10 percent rise in parcel traffic shipped from major UK retailers to Irish consumers over the same period, further evidence of how important the firm had become in serving the country’s continuing appetite for online shopping. “Th is latest announcement is another major milestone in the near quarter of a century since Nightline was founded. By expanding our depot network and the individuals who work in it, we are better able to give clients and their customers a truly fast, expert, convenient and cost-effective service. Ever since we began trading, we have sought never to stand still but to use innovation and effort to improve our standards and be even better at what we do.”
Opel Ireland in FoodCloud Seven!
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pel Ireland has to be commended in committ ing to the ‘Fuel the Food Movement’ by entering a new social enterprise partnership in supplying seven customised Opel vans to join the FoodCloud Fleet. The initiative is set to deliver 2.3 million meals, valued at €3,000,000 to over 250 charities. Speaking at the launch of the partnership Gillian Whittall, Head of Marketing & PR for Opel Ireland said; “We have been following FoodCloud over the past few years so I’m thrilled that we’re in a position to make such a significant investment to the movement. As the team’s transport partner, we hope to occupy the missing piece in the puzzle, by providing the vital equipment needed to redistribute larger volumes of food to hard working charities in local communities right across the country.”
now being distributed to people who need it in communities across Ireland."
FoodCloud Co-Founder Aoibheann O'Brien added; “We are delighted to have Opel as a partner in supporting us to achieve a vision for an Ireland where no good food goes to waste. These vehicles are essential for the efficient and reliable redistribution of surplus food through our three depots in Cork, Dublin and Galway. As a result of our Opel fleet, over 1,000 tonnes of perfectly good food that would have been wasted is
With a 12-tonne overall capacity, the two Opel Combo and five Movano crew vans have been refrigerated by TSS Ltd and will be controlled by the dedicated network of FoodCloud staff and volunteers. The Opel FoodCloud fleet, which has a combined retail value of over €195,000 is expected to travel over 112,000km per year, fueling the food movement with the delivery of over 1,000 tonnes of otherwise wasted food.
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
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N E W P E U G E OT E X P E R T
W I T H N E W G E N E R AT I O N P L AT F O R M
ITS MISSION: YOUR BUSINESS
R E G I S T E R YO U R I N T E R E S T O N P E U G E OT. I E
Combined consumption (l/100 km): from 5.1 to 5.9. CO2 emissions (g/km): from 133 to 155.
NEW PEUGEOT EXPERT
8 | LAUNCH PAD I
Nissan’s on a good thing with NV300
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issan’s light commercial vehicle’s division is on a mission: Sales growth and a marketshare increase. With the arrival of the new NV300 at the IAA CV Show, the renewal process of its LCV line-up is complete, for now, at least. Much hope is pinned on the NV300, which replaces the Primastar and fills the gap between the award winning NV200 and NV400.
New NV300 features Nissan’s latest Eurotronic geometry design language with new familiar V-motion grille dominating the front end.
Only issue is that it has taken Nissan two years to put the new model range in place. One reason given is that production at the Renault plant in Sandouville, France (near Le Havre) had to be increased, not only to produce the NV300 alongside the Renault Trafic on which it is based, (in addition to the Opel/Vivaro), but also to accommodate the new Fiat Professional Talento, also premiered in Hannover last month. (Production is to increase by 100,000 units inside the next 10 years, following a €230m investment). Alongside the introduction of the NV300 1.2 tonne panel van and open platform variants, Nissan Motor Europe continues with its FY15 growth project for its LCV division, which focuses on four pillars:- network, communication, customers focus and a broad product line-up. According to Paolo D’Ettore, over 60 percent of the Nissan LCV network has been upgraded or replaced with the objective to become more closer to the customer. To date, 90 percent of the remaining dealers in the European network have reached the higher level of standard required. Each highly trained sales person within each dealership now must report to their country manager, where faster response to decision making is achieved. In response to customer surveys where extended warranty was revealed as paramount when it comes to customers’ purchasing power, Nissan introduced a 5-year/160,000 km manufacturer warranty, which extends to cover all Nissan genuine accessories. Associated to the sales drive is a marketing campaign linked to Nissan’s successful association with the UEFA Champions League, featuring current stars of European football. The promotional video is the next instalment of the moving pitch, which now includes the NV300 as the new team signing.
include the 5-year warranty, fuel efficient and powerful engines, long service intervals and a broad range of accessories. Driving pleasure and comfort are other KPIs - not to mention the adaption of the cabin into a mobile office when required. Behind all this of course is that it is a load carrier capable of loading three Euro pallets and with the trap door mechanism in the front bulkhead, longer items can be accommodated. As per the Trafic, 4 body types are offered covering load volumes from 5.2 – 8.6m3. Euro 6 engines for the NV300 are produced by Groupe Renault’s Cléon plant in Normandy, which specialises in high-precision powertrain production. Power outputs from the 1.6 litre dCi single and twin-turbo diesels utilises a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and AdBlue, with outputs varying from 95, 125, 120, 125 & 145 hp. Another area of potential is with body conversions and currently Nissan is working appointing certified bodybuilders in each country to fulfil this bespoke customer requirement. Not only will they convert vans into whatever the customer needs but also build special types of bodywork on the chassis/cab-platform models. Test-drive typologies covering city and dynamic drives undertaken at Renault’s Montefontaine facility verified how well this van performs wearing Nissan badging. Like Fiat Professional, Nissan knows a good thing when it sees it and wants a piece of the action.
Robert Lujan, Head of Nissan LCV Europe said at the special IVOTY presentation in Paris that the new NV300, which goes on sale this Autumn: “Offers enhanced efficiency, practicality to customers and will be an important contributor to deliver Nissan’s ambitious plans to grow its LCV business in Europe.” Andrew Limbert, Production Manager at Nissan Vans outlined the target customer for the new NV300. “99 percent of the customer base will be SMEs – small to medium enterprises, with less than 10 employees. He related to some interesting figures in that the European SME sector employs 81.8 million people, which is similar to the population of Germany. Key offerings to attract the customer FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie.ie
www.volkswagen-vans.ie
The new Crafter is awarded International Van of the Year 2017.
2017
The new Crafter. The new dimension. Its innovative design and outstanding suitability for urban use, featuring more than 15 driver assistance systems and a wide range of power trains, convinced the expert jury from 24 countries. The experts voted the new Crafter “International Van of the Year 2017�. We would like to say thank you! The new Crafter. More practical, economical and innovative than ever before.
10 | LAUNCH PAD II
Volkswagen promoted to Premier League with Amarok V6 side bolsters that have been optimised to provide maximum comfort and top ergonomic characteristics. The ergoComfort seats for the driver and front-seat passenger in the Amarok have been awarded the ‘AGR’ seal of approval by the Healthy Back Campaign (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.).
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remium’ and ‘Pick-up’ are two words that will become synominous with each other in the near future now that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has upgraded its Amorok and that Mercedes-Benz is about to reveal the fi rst Pick-up from a Premium brand. As well as the interior enhancements, customers of the new Amarok V6 gain a number of other new features. These include a redesigned cockpit, with a colour multi-function display and hi-tech radio/navigation systems. At home both on and off the road, the Amarok, with its new 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine achieves 550 Newton metres of torque and 224 PS at its highest power output level. Prices for the Irish market commence at €31,268 ex-VAT and available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trims.
The redesigned instrument panel also immediately catches the eye with striking features of the design of the new instrument panel. In front of that, the multifunction steering wheel also makes it easier for the driver to operate the radio, telephone or multifunction display. At the very top of the centre console, and directly in the driver’s field of vision, is the infotainment system, allowing well thought-out, ergonomic operation. Equipped with features such as App Connect, Guide & Inform or CarNet, it is possible, for example, to integrate smartphone Apps via a USB interface in order to be able to access them via the infotainment system’s touchscreen. Guide & Inform extends the navigation system by adding online-based, up-to-the-minute information services such as online traffic information. The ‘Discover Media’ navigation system also comes with DAB+ digital radio as standard.
One of the highlights of the new Amarok’s interior is the new electrically adjustable ergoComfort seats for the driver and frontseat passenger, which provide plenty of head and legroom. This is, above all, thanks to the height-adjustable front seats, which can also be moved a long way back. They feature sporty contoured
TGE – New LCV range from MAN Truck & Bus
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or the fi rst time in over thirty years MAN Truck & Bus has a range of Light Commercials entering the marketplace. The new MAN TGE, presented at the IAA CV Show in Hannover to the general public for the fi rst time, is a re-establishment of the supply deal with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Crested with the Munich-based brand's insignia, the new TGE takes up position in the traditional category of light commercial vehicles with a gross weight rating between 3 and 5.5 tonnes. MAN will launch the TGE next year with two wheelbases, three roof heights and three vehicle lengths and offer chassis configurations to include panel vans, glazed vans as well as open platform and crew cab variants. At the IAA, MAN will be demonstrating the versatility of the MAN TGE by introducing three different body types. Starting FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
things off is a three-way tipper from the company Scattolini, and using a closed delivery van with a short wheelbase and medium high roof, the Swabian company from Zusmarshausen showcase how the load securing systems FlexRack from Sortimo and ProSafe from SoboGrip allow for an innovative load securing concept. Based on a six-metre long utility van with windows, a joint project with Bott has developed a walk-through service vehicle that leaves litt le to be desired when it comes to working off-site. Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
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12 | AWARD
Gilt-edge Crafter II from Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge of functionality and quality. The clear objective when designing and engineering the all-new Crafter was to produce a customerfocused transport solution, offering high economy and a low total cost of ownership.”
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uring July, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles first released design sketches of its all-new Crafter large van range and followed up with dynamic onroad photographs of the light commercial in full. Further specification information was released subsequently, all leading up to the big reveal at the IAA CV Show 2016 in Hannover.
As a strong candidate for the International Van of the Year 2017, we have got to know the second generation Crafter prett y well. Th is time around its Volkswagen’s own in that the new van line is designed and produced by the German brand unlike the previous model which was co-produced by Mercedes-Benz. High expectations lie on the shoulders of the new big-brother to the Transporter series. No stone has been left unturned to ensure that it can compete with the best in the marketplace and attract more customers to the brand (and this with the 3.5 to 5.5 tonne model range) like never before. At a special presentation in Munich in August, Volker Eissele, Project Leader, Crafter and Andreas Tauber, Technical Project Leader, Crafter highlighted the key points from the creation of the new Crafter to its production at a newly constructed plant in Września, Poland. Volker began by looking back to install confidence in the years ahead with this multi-million euro development. “Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge actually created this segment over forty years ago with the LT, so we are well prepared for the future. The new Crafter is a completely new vehicle. With our design team we have worked closely with current customers, frequently accompanying them during their daily routines, to explore their needs and find out their visions of what they wanted the new Crafter to be, and allowing them to help shape the new generation.” Andreas added that in this commercial vehicles sector the new Crafter has got to work for lots of different customer groups. “As a result,” he said, “the all-new Crafter promises innovation, plus a high level FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
Key customer groups under the spotlight include couriers, construction firms, utility and emergency service providers. To cater for this wide and varied application base, Volkswagen CV aims to cover all angles with the newly extended Crafter range. Available as a panel van, crew-cab and platform/chassis-cab, traction is through front, rear or 4MOTION all-wheel-drive with four base models, coming in three lengths and three heights. Load volume extends from 9.9m3 to 18.3m3, which is 85% more than the outgoing version. A demonstration of the capacity of the L3H3 11.3m3 panel van surprised us that it can swallow 148 60x30cm boxes. Otherwise it can take four Euro pallets or six roll cages. The EA288 Nutz 2.0 litre TDI Euro 6 diesel has been especially developed for this model with four outputs 102/122/140 PS plus a 177 PS bi-turbo, with the option of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automated transmission. Relating to its design, many observers feel that it looks like a bigger Transporter, Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design laid out his stall in the new Crafter’s functional design: “At 0.33, it has the best in class drag coefficient and inside it combines great everyday practicality with optimum cargo space. Its optimal dimensions ensure maximum cargo space. Its optimal dimensions ensure maximum practicality and ease in everyday situations. For example, the new vehicle combines extensive cargo capacity with minimal external dimensions, making it extremely manoeuvrable yet solid in its handling, regardless of payload.” Just like the IVOTY 2016 award winning Transporter 6, a broad variety of driver assistance symptoms have been applied to Crafter II, setting new standards in the large van sector. Occupant protection through the use of active and passive safety programmes include electro-mechanical steering, ESP with trailer stabilisation Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), post-collision braking system, side wind protection and a trailer manoeuvring assistance system among others. Test drives in pre-production versions of the 103 kW/140 PS proved once again what a competent package VWCV has put together here. Wait until we see the full-blown version! • •
• •
The recently developed 3.0 litre V6 is being considered as an option for the blue-light services vehicles Next year will see the introduction of a BlueMotion version, that’s even more aerodynamic (-0.03 less than now) with more frugal engines For the mobile workshop applications, 2x12 volt and 1x220/230 V chargers will be fl itted. At the IAA CV Show 2016 in Hannover, the Volkswagen Crafter was elected International Van of the Year 2017. Text: Jarlath Sweeney – editor@fleet.ie
REVIEW | 13
66th IAA Commercial Vehicles Show 22/29 September 2016 – Deutsche Messe Fairgrounds, Hannover
SHOW STOPPERS!
Mercedes-Benz’ new Vision In highlighting the ‘We deliver’ theme at its usual massive two hall display at the IAA, e-mobility for urban areas was to the fore with the fi rst showing of the Vision Van which Volker Mornhinweg, Mercedes-Benz Van Director described as a “holistic solution, which can revolutionise transportation with intelligent connection of innovative technologies.”
Hyundai H350 Fuel Cell Box type vans and tipper versions of the Hyundai H350 Fuel Cell 14-seater mini-bus concept premiered in Hall 13 are set to be next in the development stage of the alternative hydrogen-drive system. It takes just four minutes to refuel and the zero-emission 136hp - 150kp/h powertrain has no impact on load space.
Nissan Navara EnGuard The ultimate Emergency Rescue vehicle in concept form, based on the award winning Navara Pick-up, transports portable battery packs and other vital equipment including a drone to ensure the unit is ready for action at all times. Nissan is continuing to improve its LCV offering with extended warranty now on its electric e-NV200 and official launch of the NV300 midi-sized van.
Volkswagen e-Crafter Big surprise from VWCV in that it chose the IAA for double world premiers, the all-new Generation II Crafter and an electric version of same – the e-Crafter. “The fi rst e-Crafter will be in customer's hands by 2017,” said Dr. Scholz, VWCV Chairman. The 4.2 tonne GVW panel van is accelerated by a 100kW electric motor with a permitted speed of 80km/h.
GAZella NEXT The new generation of Russia’s most popular LCV was premiered here. Sporting a modern look, GAZelle NEXT is sold as a panel van, combi and bus with value for money, low TCO and reliability the main beneficial features. It uses a 2.8 litre Cummins Euro 5 diesel engine and also offers petrol and CNG powertrains.
www.fleet.ie
14 | REVIEW
Krone KEP Shutt le Yes, a trailer maker has entered the express delivery sector as Europe’s #2 Krone introduced the KEP-Shutt le. Built on the Iveco Daily Chassis Cab is a walk-through curved roof box body with double rear door and sliding door. Inside, two rows of shelves are fitted on both sides of the load compartment with a selection of safety fitt ings.
MAN TGE For decades, MAN Truck & Bus entered the goods transport marketplace with the 7.5 tonne TGL. Now it starts at a lower base with the new TGE light commercial vehicle range that goes from 3.5 - 5.5 tonnes GVW. Based on the second generation Volkswagen Crafter, new opportunities now open up for the German marque which has a global presence with its trucks and buses.
Renault Alaskan An expansion of its products and services aims to ensure that Renault retains its #1 sales position across Europe. Premiered was the Alaskan Pick-up (rebadged Nissan Navara), while a special limited ‘Formula’ series of the current van line-up was revealed also to mark the tie-up of Renault Pro+ as official partner to Renault F1.
Toyota Hilux Arctic Edition Offering the adventure of a lifetime Arctic Truck special exploration editions are indeed more than eye-catchers. Established in Iceland in 1990, Arctic Edition's main claim to fame is through its exploits with BBC’s Top Gear. Debuting alongside was the all-new van and passenger versions of the Proace II which will be launched here soon.
Kiesling Home Delivery Van Th is multi-temperature box bodied van specially designed for home deliveries won the ‘Body’ category in the Trailer Innovation Awards 2017 presented during the IAA. Quick loading and unloading can be undertaken through rear and side doors without the need to enter the cargo area. Th is is the third time that the German fi rm has won awards for its developments.
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
REVIEW | 15
Volkswagen Crafter & Amarok V6 Designed and developed from scratch, the new Crafter II’s superb engineering and innovation was appreciated by the IVOTY Jury in winning the big prize for 2017. New Amarok is the only Pick-up truck with a 3.0 litre V6 TDI that provides 224ps and 550Nm of torque. VWCV's relationship with Sortimo continues with the new Amarok.
RA M Truck brand launched Fiat Professional has added its FCA affi liated US brand RA M into its European product portfolio. Exhibited was the RA M 1500 Quad Cab Sport with autobox and torque converter. Meanwhile the Ducato celebrated its 35th anniversary and with almost 3 million customers to date is Fiat’s most successful LCV. The Fullback Pick-Up with MXGP livery looked the part.
Iveco Daily evolves Since winning IVOTY 2015 the Iveco Daily has continuously evolved with the addition of all-wheel-drive versions, alternative drive options, such as Natural Gas and Electric, as well as the latest Euro 6 diesels. Business Up is its fleet management tool to help operators schedule, dispatch and tracking jobs. Pictured is the Daily's interior with the Hi-Matic 8-speed autobox.
Opel gets adventurous Steffen Raschig, Opel’s CV Director was in buoyant mood at the IAA as demand for its van range continues to grow with yearto-date sales up 10 percent. Special conversions and bespoke body built versions were prominent on display, with campervan coachwork on the Vivaro and Movano appealing to visitors as did the new Vivaro Sport variant.
Ford rides on air - automatically! Bernhard Mattes, Chairman, Ford Germany highlighted a few key areas of progress made by Ford Europe of late with the development of Euro 6 Stage B engines, the installation of a 6 speed automatic gearbox, all-wheel-drive and rear air suspension on the Transit Custom. EcoBlue Euro 6 engines fitted across the Ford LCV range are smoother, quieter, more powerful yet more economical.
www.fleet.ie
16 | REVIEW
PSA Peugeot Citroën duo debutants Running the Volkswagen Crafter II close for the International Van of the Year title for 2017, the PSA Group’s new Peugeot Expert and Citroën Dispatch feature innovative technology and functional versatility. Available as a panel van, combi passenger
or platform chassis, they come with three lengths – Compact, Standard and Long. Power from the new Blue HDI Euro 6 engines range from 95 to 180hp and are available with the latest EAT6 automatic gearbox. The PSA Group produces the same LCV for Toyota Motor Europe which is sold as the Proace.
StreetScooter in DHL colours Work & Work L are two newly designed and developed electric box vans from StreetScooter, a company within the DHL Group. They both boast a top speed of 120 km/h and have a load capacity/ load volume of 710 kg/4.3m3 and 1,000 kg/8m3 respectively. The RWTH Aaachen University was involved with this project.
Prime Design reaches out The Belgian roof rack specialist has over 150 variations of roof load carrying systems solely consisting of bolted parts instead of welded parts. Premiered was its next generation of ErgoRack a ratchet mechanism for loading and unloading ladders that now has a new ratchet handle making it smoother and safer for the user.
BOTT - offers more Showcased was a Volkswagen Transporter 6 with crew-cab and specially designed for traffic control services. Thanks to unique modularity, Bott Vario van racking can be easily configured and planned for most operating situations. It offers all-inclusive consultation services, as well as a broad Aftersales service.
Sortimo packs a lot The market leader for van shelving and racking systems unveiled a quirky new product in the Pro Cargo CT1. Th is fast and healthy transport option has an electric motor and a patented tilting technology which makes cornering simple. Sortomo’s answer to urbanization.
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
Text & Photos: Jarlath Sweeney & Leonard Allison
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18 | FUTURE
Mercedes-Benz adVANces
W
ith record sales and revenue results in 2015, and 2016 on target to bring even better returns, you could forgive MercedesBenz Vans for sitting on its laurels and being complacently confident about its future. Not so. The German manufacturer is embarking on one of its most ambitious projects to date, one where it sees itself changing from being a vehicle manufacturer to a customer-focused holistic system solutions provider. That could of course be management speak without necessarily meaning a whole lot, but at a special Van Innovation Campus in Stuttgart, the company unveiled a comprehensive initiative that, on the face of it, promises far reaching changes to the way the company does business, and the products and services it will offer in the future. It’s being driven by increasing urbanisation, the growth of e-commerce and resultant demands on same-day deliveries, and the need to provide solutions for a cleaner and greener environment. There’s also an increasing awareness that traditional manufacturing companies need
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
to evolve to become providers. As Futurist Gerd Leonhard, a guest speaker at the event pointed out, it’s now about liquid experiences, citing Facebook, the world’s largest media provider that creates no content, the biggest real estate company Airbnb which owns no property, the world’s largest taxi firm Uber owning no vehicles, and retailing giant alibaba.com owning no sales outlets. “Mercedes-Benz in 2020 will be completely different to the company of today”, said Volker Mornhinweg, Head of MercedesBenz Vans, launching adVANce, its strategic future initiative. “The van of the future will be like a commercial hub on wheels.” The company is investing €500m into the project, with the possibility of further investment to follow. Mr. Mornhinweg explained that in a rapidly evolving world, transportation and logistics are changing at a faster rate than ever before, and that traditional vehicle manufacturers needed to adapt or be left behind. “You can drive change or be lead by it,” he said. “We are expanding our business division strategy to go beyond the product, we are adapting our organisation and cooperation models, and we invest in our innovative power. We see the intelligent
networking of vans, automated hardware systems and new mobility services as a concrete opportunity to get new prospects excited about Mercedes-Benz Vans. The efficiency and productivity that our new approaches offer our customers are crucial in this regard.” In other words, the Mercedes-Benz van of the near future will be able to communicate with drones and robots for parcel deliveries, will have advanced telematics for B2B connectivity, and will be an integrated cog in automated intelligent loading and delivery of goods. That involves partnering with technology start-up businesses as well as developing internal business models to create these processes. Incorporating these typically fluid structures to work alongside the more traditional manufacturing and assembly units is something that Mercedes-Benz Vans acknowledges will be one of its biggest challenges. Three innovation fields, multiple initiatives The adVANce initiative will focus on three fields of innovation, under the groupings of digital@vans which concentrates on the integration of technologies, solutions@vans
FUTURE | 19
s to a brave new future which addresses hardware solutions, and mobility@ vans looking at on-demand mobility concepts for the transport of goods and passengers. Among the initiatives already under development, Vans and Drones, which has been developed in partnership with delivery drone start-up company Matternet, uses the Mercedes-Benz van as a mobile landing station to enable drones deliver goods or parts remotely to the vehicle. So, for example, a builder needing a part for a machine can, using a phone app, order and have the part delivered onto the roof of his van without having to leave his site of work. Aimed at eliminating many of the repetitive and time consuming tasks of delivery drivers, the Vans and Robots solution has been developed with Starship Technologies where the van becomes a distribution centre for last mile deliveries. The driver parks in a centralised location whereupon ground based delivery robots with ranges of up to three kilometres travel to and from
the van with the deliveries. The driver only has to load the package into the robot, and with room for up to eight robots in a Sprinter, multiple simultaneous deliveries are possible. Though how Mrs Murphy waiting for her parcel might react when a robot turns up at her front door is another question. As any delivery driver will know, locating the right package in a fully loaded van can be a nightmare. Mercedes-Benz aims to eliminate this with solutions like Cargo Sensor System CS2. By scanning items as they are loaded, the driver can place them anywhere in the sensor equipped two level racking system in the van. The scan records not only where in the van the item is located, but also where it is destined for. Thus the system can help optimise route planning, while at destination, a pick-tolight system indicates via LED lights where the item is located. Partnering with van racking specialists Sortimo and fastening system manufacturer fischer Corporate Group, the Mobile Material Service project uses intelligent networking to ensure contractors do not run out of parts at inopportune times. Using near-field communication tags, a technician scans what parts are in stock via the Sortimo Refill App and can re-order what is necessary, also via the App. The
logistics company delivering the parts then uses a Delivery App to locate the vehicle and unlock and lock it without the need for keys, while the technician is able to remotely check the status of the vehicle at all times via the Mercedes-Benz Vans Driver's App. Cargo Space Engineering looks at automated intelligent racking systems using a removable Slider vehicle rack. Goods are scanned at the order picking rack and arranged in an optimal delivery sequence. A driverless handling vehicle automatically transports the racking systems as a whole into the van, while at the delivery destination the rack slides out to provide unimpeded access to the consignment to be delivered. Other projects include ride-sharing and on-demand passenger transport solutions, and services to provide flexible leasing and rental solutions for fleets, as well as the development of tailored telematics for specific business to business needs. Put it all together and it’s clear that the days of viewing companies like Mercedes-Benz as purely vehicle manufacturers may be on the way out. As Futurist Gerd Leonhard concluding his presentation said in quoting David Bowie, “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming.”
Mercedes-Benz unveils its Vision Van of the future
S
uch was the flurry of new initiatives and approaches to doing business at Mercedes-Benz’ Van Innovation Campus that you could be forgiven for thinking that the underpinnings for it all, the actual van itself, had become redundant. Not so. Ahead of the upcoming Hannover IAA Show, Mercedes-Benz Vans unveiled what was certain to be a highlight of the show in the form of the Vision Van concept vehicle. Whether its styling or any of its features are a pointer to the next generation Sprinter remains to be seen, but for now Mercedes-Benz is happy to showcase the Vision Van as an essential component of a fully integrated digitally connected supply chain. Featuring a fully automated cargo space, integrated drones, joystick controls instead of a steering wheel, and powered by a 75 kW electric drive system with a range of up to 270 km, it’s certainly unlike any van on sale today.
Texts: Cathal Doyle – cathal@fleet.ie
"With the Vision Van we are integrating the intelligence of a stateof-the-art logistics depot into a van," said Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volker Mornhinweg. "We estimate that this vehicle would enable an increase in productivity of up to 50 percent in last-mile delivery services.” www.fleet.ie
3
GROUP TEST | 21
Group Van Test Finding Ireland’s Best Small Van
C
hoosing the right van tends to be a pragmatic affair. More so than cars, where more emotive subjects like looks and styling, luxury equipment, and, yes, the badge are influencers, van buyers will look at more practical considerations, with buying price, total cost of ownership, and practicality the deciding factors. Often a competent local dealer with specialised commercial vehicle expertise can ensure happy customers returning time and again. For all that though, it’s rare that one size fits all, and within most of the various van segments there exists a broad choice of options. None more so than in the small van category, where no fewer than seven manufacturers are presently batt ling it out
for the hearts and wallets of customers. In partnership with The Irish Farmers Journal, Fleet Van & Utility has undertaken one of the largest and most comprehensive van tests ever conducted on Irish soil. We’ve lined up all seven contenders currently on sale in the small panel van segment and directly pitted them against each other, comparing everything from dimensions and payloads to driving refi nement and equipment levels. With a lot of these vans having hard working lives on building sites and farms we paid particular attention to their towing capabilities, and how pulling a trailer impacted on their fuel economy. And from it all, we’re declaring one winner, the van that we believe is the Best Small Van currently on sale in Ireland.
THE CONTENDERS Citroën Berlingo The second generation of the Berlingo has been around since 2009, having originally appeared in 1996. It has long been a popular choice amongst small business owners and farmers thanks to competitive pricing and dependable diesel engines. The model provided on test was the entry level X model with 75 hp 1.6 HDI engine and fitted with a full bulkhead. It offered a payload of 560kg and maximum load capacity of 3.7m3.
Fiat Doblò Cargo Originally launched back in 2000, the present generation of the Doblò went on sale in 2009, but received a face-lift last year with a revised front end with new headlamps, grille, and front bumper, while the interior also had a makeover. Tested was the SWB Cargo L1H1 version powered by 1.3 litre Multijet Euro 6 engine with a power output of 95 hp. It had a payload of 750kg and came fitted with a full bulkhead.
Ford Transit Connect Arriving in 2013, the second generation Transit Connect has been a popular choice with Irish operators, only the full sized Transit and Transit Custom outselling it in 2016. The model tested was a slightly older 142-registration short wheel based L1 model in Trend specification with a 75 hp 1.6 litre TDCi engine which has now been superseded by a 1.5 litre unit with the same horsepower.
www.fleet.ie
22 | GROUP TEST Opel Combo Whereas previous versions of the Opel Combo were derived from the Astra passenger car, the third-generation version is based on Fiat’s Doblò. Unlike the Doblò which was face-lifted last year, the Combo is unchanged since it was launched in 2011. Despite having (along with the Doblò) the small capacity engine of the contenders at 1.3 litres, the Combo, in L1 H1 specification, was the second most powerful vehicle on test, with 90 hp. It had a payload of 750kg. A full length bulkhead was fitted.
Peugeot Partner A sister vehicle to the Citroën Berlingo, the Partner has continued to be a strong seller for Peugeot in 2016. Presented for the test was the Partner Professional model - a newly introduced higher specification model featuring items such as MirrorLink and Apple Car Play, a Mult-Flex bench seat, and option items including a half steel half mesh bulkhead with opening flap to accommodate longer loads, and a Look Pack featuring LED daytime running lights and body coloured bumpers and mouldings. Engine was the same 75 hp 1.6 HDi as in the Berlingo. Renault Kangoo Renault’s challenger in the small van category is the Kangoo. Launched in 2008 and facelifted in 2013, it’s the second generation of the van that first appeared in 1997. The van provided for the test was the ML19 version. It offered 75 hp from its Euro 5 1.5 litre DCi diesel engine. It was the only van on test not to come with a bulkhead of any sort fitted. Payloads for the Kangoo range from 650 - 800kg, and it boasts a maximum load volume of 3.6m3.
Volkswagen Caddy Volkswagen’s ever-popular Caddy continues to be a strong seller in Ireland, and with the fourth generation model introduced last year, it’s also the freshest van on test here. The Caddy on test was in a higher spec than most of the other vans provided, with a 150 hp Euro 6 TDi 2.0 litre diesel engine and 6 - speed gearbox in Highline trim retailing for €24,675 OTR. Features included touchscreen radio and satnav, reversing camera and alloy wheels.
Fleet Van / Irish farmers journal Van Test 2016 - BASIC SPECIFICATIONS Make
Model
Engine Size (cc)
Eng i ne (hp)
Citroën
Berlingo HDi 75
1560
75
Power Towing Rating (kg) 1300
Gross Veh icle Prices from Mass (kg) 1935
€15,900 incl VAT ex-del
Fiat
Doblò Cargo
1300
95
1000
2020
€16,990 incl VAT ex-del
Ford
Transit Connect
1600
75
1200
2005
€16,400 incl VAT ex-del
Opel
Combo
1300
90
1000
2040
€16,145 OTR
Peugeot
Partner Professional
1560
75
1300
1935
€15,755
Kangoo
1500
Renault
incl VAT ex-del
75
1050
1950
€15,790 incl VAT ex-del
Volkswagen
Caddy 4
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
2000
150
1500
1365
€17,655 OTR
GROUP TEST | 23
THE TESTS TOWING ABILITY Many vans will spend their working lives hooked up to a trailer, expected to pull anything from building materials to animals to the mart. For the purpose of this group test we required each contender to be able to tow at least 1 tonne, with ratings ranging from 1,000 kg for the Opel and Fiat to 1,500 kg from the Volkswagen. Apart from the Caddy, the vans were all prett y evenly matched on power outputs, ranging between 75 and 95 hp. Each van was driven with trailer attached over a 33 km route and compared for attributes such as balance, acceleration, stability under braking, and visibility. Overall we found that all the vans performed impressively well, with the Volkswagen Caddy coming out with top marks. Even allowing for its greater horsepower, matched to the trailer it proved to be very stable, while the 2.0 TDi provided lots of low rev torque matched to well suited ratios in the six-speed gearbox. As noted separately, the rear view mirrors also proved adept at providing all-round visibility. There was little to separate the two pairs of sister vans, the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, and the Fiat Doblò and Opel Combo. With the PSA Peugeot/Citroën vans we found they were pleasingly stable as tow vehicles, but required a bit more use of the gearbox - we had to drop down to third on one hill for instance where the other vans pulled away in fourth. The wire mesh bulkhead on the Peugeot also magnified the noise of the tow hook on the ball hitch into the cabin significantly. The Fiat and Opel may only have had 1.3 litre engines compared to the bigger units of their rivals, but they proved surprisingly willing to pull a loaded trailer - at least up to 80 km/h (the legal towing limit). We felt though that if you needed a bit of extra grunt to accelerate beyond this point, the vans would struggle compared to the others. Kept within the speed limits though, both vans offered very stable performance. We’d have no concerns recommending the Transit Connect as a tow van either. Ultimately it probably lacked the same low down torque performance to challenge the Volkswagen, but it felt very secure on the road, and with good mirror visibility you’d happily hook up and go time and again. We gave the Renault Kangoo the lowest scores in this test, not that it was a poor performer, but we noticed that it didn’t feel quite as stable as the others on the move, with a little more front to back bounce. On the positive side, the 1.5 Dci engine is suitably low-revving for relaxed towing, keeping necessary gear changes down to a minimum. DRIVEABILITY There might not be the same emphasis on ride and handling for vans as there is for cars, but any driver spending much time behind the wheel will quickly appreciate a vehicle that drives well. Ford and Volkswagen claim top honours with a pair of vans that can
truly rival their car counterparts for driving performance. There’s a solidity to the Transit Connect that makes it feel rooted to the road, the five-speed gearbox is slick and there’s the same sharp responsive feel to the steering that Ford has become renowned for with its cars. Similarly the Caddy reflects traditional Volkswagen virtues of a sturdy, durable, easy to drive vehicle with excellent all-round performance. We ranked the Opel Combo and Fiat Doblò next for vehicles where we’d be happy to spend extended time behind the wheel. The feedback from the steering wheel in both vans is good, and the 1.3 litre engine (in 90 and 75 hp outputs respectively) impressed despite the small capacity of the unit, revving happily to beyond 4,000 rpm. While we liked the gear change in the Citroën and Peugeot, we felt that both vans did not have as intuitive a feel to the steering as their rivals. The ride when driving unladen also was not as smooth as the others, while the engine tends to run out of grunt relatively early. We noted that the suspension on the Kangoo felt quite soft, making it feel somewhat wallow-y and vague to drive. Perhaps the lack of bulkhead on the model tested may have contributed, but we also noted relatively more noise from the engine and suspension when driving. NOISE LEVELS In order to gain an idea of in-cabin noise, we used a noise recording smartphone app. To ensure consistency we conducted the test on the same stretch of road at the same speed (80 km/h) for each van. Unsurprisingly there wasn’t a huge variance between the different vehicles with four vans - the Ford, Opel, Renault and Volkswagen all recording a figure of 80 dBa. The Peugeot returned a figure one decibel higher, while the Citroën and Fiat proved the noisiest of the bunch at 82 dBa each. What was interesting was that the two vans without fully enclosed bulkheads - the Partner and Kangoo, felt noisier on the move, though the figures recorded didn’t reflect this. Equally though it was perfectly possible to conduct a conversation at normal levels in all the vans. MIRRORS AND VIEWS An important consideration when choosing a van should be the quality of rear views afforded by the mirrors, particularly when a full sized bulkhead is fitted, thereby eliminating the use of a internal rear-view mirror. Comparing the mirrors of the vans on test revealed quite a variance, not just in size, but in functionality, with some vehicles offering dual mirrors with wide angle views for covering blind spots. Overall we felt that the Caddy offered the best all-round visibility. Even though it doesn’t include separate blind spot mirrors, there are clear views all-round. The fact that the driver and passenger mirrors are different shapes and sizes demonstrates that Volkswagen has www.fleet.ie
24 | GROUP TEST put a good deal of thought into addressing this issue. The Transit Connect also scores strongly, thanks to two large mirrors featuring separate blind spot sections and with two adjustment bevels for accurate positioning. There was little to separate the remaining vans, with each providing reasonable rear view access, though not as comprehensive as the leading pair. The Combo boasted split rear view mirrors but the overall size prevented it scoring higher than its rivals. EASE OF ACCESS Two areas were looked at here. Firstly, how easy it is to climb in and out of a vehicle when you’re doing it all day long can make a big difference. And secondly, what is the cargo area like for access - do the doors open wide enough, or are there any jutting out lips or other obstructions that make it difficult to load and unload. While there was little to choose between the contenders - all models feature double-hinged rear doors and one side door cargo access, and are very similar on overall dimensions, Ford’s Transit Connect claimed top marks for offering a wide opening door, grab handles on both sides of van and well positioned controls, making entering and leaving this van easy. In the back, the Transit Connect came with a well designed bulkhead that maximised the access space from the side, and allowed access to the passenger compartment. The Caddy offers similarly strong vehicle access, but we noted that the full-sized bulkhead curves out more on the passenger side. Th is facilitates rear side door access, but restricts the passenger seat to an uncomfortably upright position. The Kangoo, and PSA twins also performed strongly. We marked the Opel Combo and Fiat Doblò down for a slightly more restricted access to the passenger area, while the Combo didn’t offer grab handles. ERGONOMICS The Caddy may be the most recently launched vehicle on test, though changes to the interior have been quite subtle compared to its predecessor. Still, it takes top marks for a well laid out interior, with controls falling just where you’d expect them, and plenty of sensible and well laid out storage areas. Items like a well positioned footrest will be appreciated by drivers too. The Transit Connect also proved to be a favourite. Like the Caddy, when you sit in you could easily mistake the interior for one of the brand’s passenger cars - a complement to how refined vans have become in recent years. The cabin feels spacious, there is good support from the seats including lumbar support, and features like the fold-down middle passenger seat that includes a coffee cup holder make life easy for the driver on the move. With a generously sized glovebox and lots of storage facilities overhead and elsewhere, the Ford scores well on practicality. The PSA twins - Partner and Berlingo - and the Fiat Doblò were ranked next. We noted that in both French products there was FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
quite a high seating position, so that you feel you are sitting on rather than in the vehicle, and there is no height adjustment possible. Compared to the other vans the cabins feel more cramped. There’s good overhead storage, while we noted that while the glovebox storage area has many sections, overall they are too small for practical use. The middle seat in the Peugeot is really only for short journeys, with the gearbox protruding into the passenger legroom area, though on the fl ip side, the gearbox is ideally placed for the driver. The Doblò did have a seat height adjustment facility as well as a driver’s armrest. We also liked the gear lever position. Overall though it doesn’t quite match the Volkswagen and Ford for a comfortable and natural driving position. The Combo and Kangoo finished last in this assessment. We felt that foot space in the Combo was restricted, though in general it had a good seating position. Again a lack of bigger storage space areas was identified as a shortcoming. The Kangoo was rated for a spacious cabin area, but we didn’t like the seats which offered little side support, and the steering wheel adjusted for tilt only, not reach. It didn’t have an overhead tray for storage, but against that a big pocket in front of the dash is larger enough to hold an A4 booklet. ECONOMY DRIVING VERSUS TOWING Because we were using the vehicles’ on-board computers to measure fuel consumption, this exercise was not about directly comparing one against the others. Instead the objective was to determine which vans were best suited as towing vehicles, with top marks awarded to the vehicles that had the least percentage increase in fuel consumption when towing a loaded trailer compared to without it. . All vans were driven on the same round trip of 33 km by the same drivers and in as similar a style as possible. Each trip was conducted twice, once without a trailer, and once with a trailer hooked up pulling a weight of approximately 400kg, with the fuel consumption recorded in each case. The Ford Transit Connect scored top marks in this exercise. Its recorded fuel economy of 8.2 litres/100km was just 2.5 l/100km poorer than driving the same route without the trailer. Running it close just 0.1l/100km behind was the Opel Combo, its 90 hp engine perhaps proving advantageous in this exercise against its 75 hp rivals. The Volkswagen Caddy also fared well, returning a trailer towing figure 2.7 l/100km poorer than that recorded without. The Fiat Doblò, Peugeot Partner and Renault Kangoo were next with the Citroën Berlingo last, surprisingly returning a towing figure 3.4 litres/100km poorer than when the trailer was unhitched - sister van the Partner with identical engine only lost 2.8 l/100km with trailer attached.
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26 | GROUP TEST
Fleet Van / Irish Farmers Journal Small Van Test 2016 - F UEL ECONOMY AND NOISE LEVEL TESTS Make
Model
Economy - no trailer l/100km
Economy with trailer l/ 100km
Economy Difference l/ 100km
Economy Difference %
Noise Level dBa
Citroën
Berlingo HDi 75
5.4
8.8
3.4
63
82
Fiat
Doblò Cargo
5.8
8.6
2.8
48
82
Ford
Transit Connect
5.7
8.2
2.5
44
80
Opel
Combo
5.8
8.4
2.6
45
80
Peugeot
Partner Professional
5
9.7
2.9
58
81
Renault
Kangoo
4.6
7.5
2.9
63
80
Volkswagen
Caddy 4
5.5
8.2
2.7
49
80
WINNER - VOLKSWAGEN CADDY 4 Driving these vans confi rmed one widely accepted adage there are no bad vehicles on the road today. Each van offers impressive performance, refinement and practicality, and we have no doubt that whichever one you buy will provide years of happy service.
the two best selling vans in their category in Ireland, both are complete all-rounders, offering driving comfort, performance, practicality and refi nement in one package. Ultimately the Volkswagen edged it by a single point, the new contender on the block proving unbeatable for its driving and towing abilities, and ergonomically friendly cabin.
That said, our task here is to recommend one of these vans over the rest, and if many of the differences highlighted are of relatively low importance it highlights just how difficult it is to separate the contenders. Ultimately, as we said at the start, price and TCO will be the main factors in purchasing decisions, something we have deliberately not judged on here. In the end the battle to win the Fleet Van & Utility/Irish Farmers Journal Best Small Van Group Test came down to a battle between the Volkswagen Caddy 4 and the Ford Transit Connect. Fittingly,
Pictured at the presentation of the Award are (l-r) Justin McCarthy, Editor, Irish Farmers Journal; Orla Sweeney, Fleet Transport; Alan Bateson, Brand Manager, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Ireland and Michael Moroney, Irish Farmers Journal.
Fleet Van / Irish Farmers Journal Small Van Test 2016 - TEST RESULTS Feature
Fiat Doblò
Ford Transit Connect
Opel Combo
Peugeot Partner
Renault Kangoo
Volkswagen Caddy
Towing Ability 4
4
4
4
4
3
5
Driveability
4
4
5
4
4
3
5
Noise Level
3
3
5
5
4
5
5
& 3
3
4
3
3
3
5
M irrors Views
Citroën Berlingo
Ease of Access
3
2
5
2
3
3
4
Ergonomics
3
3
4
2
3
2
5
Economy Driving v Towing
5
7
10
8
6
5
9
Totals
25
26
37
28
27
24
38
FLEETVAN&UTILITY | Winter 2016
Texts & Photos: Cathal Doyle & Irish Farmers Journal
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2015
2016
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Fiat Doblò Cargo
Fiat Ducato Citroën Jumper / Relay Peugeot Boxer
1995
2012
2011
Nissan Sunny Van
VAN OF THE YEAR
Ford Transit Connect
Ford Transit Custom
N AT I O N TER A
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
1996
2013
Iveco Daily
Volkswagen T4
1994
2014
Volkswagen T6
2009
Nissan NV200 Peugeot Partner / Ranch
1998
1997
Citroën Berlingo
2008
Fiat Fiorino · Peugeot Bipper · Citroën Nemo
Mercedes-Benz Vito
2007
2000
Fiat Scudo · Citroën Jumpy / Dispatch · Peugeot Expert
1999
Renault Master
Ford Transit
2002
2005
2006
2001
Opel Astravan Iveco Daily
Ford Transit Fiat Doblò Cargo
Opel Vivaro
2003
2004
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Renault Trafic
Ford Transit Connect
Volkswagen T5
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