tESt

2013 - Ford Transit Custom

First in the new generation of Ford vans, Transit Custom introduced a completely new platform with impressive driving abilities. Safety and comfort features were acquired from passenger vehicles. It boasted the largest cargo space in class with a revolutionary opening in the bulkhead which allowed up to 3m of cargo in the short version. It was also the first van with retractable roof rails.

2014 – Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect pulled off what only a few other LCV brands have achieved: winning the IVOTY award two years in a row. It proved the strength of the Transit philosophy. With the Transit Connect, Ford succeeded in building a light van with a strong accent on economics. An important contribution to the reduction of cost was made by new DuraTorq engines.

2015 – Iveco Daily

The Iveco Daily is a really heavy duty LCV, and its win in 2015, against a large and strong field of competitors, was proof of its design and quality. The new Daily family included panel vans and chassis cabs with a broad choice of powertrains from diesel, natural gas, diesel/electric hybrid and electric. 4x4 versions were introduced in 2016.

2016 – Volkswagen Transporter T6

In a very difficult period for Volkswagen AG, winning the IVOTY with the new Transporter T6 was an highly emotional experience for the company. Introducing Euro 6 and raising the standards of efficiency and the sustainability of transport with respect to the environment and safety of people, the T6 took a well-deserved win.

2017 – Volkswagen Crafter

A totally newly design and developed independently by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the second generation Crafter was manufactured at an all-new facility in Września, Poland. Commendations from the jury praised the new Crafter’s overall styling, comfort, smoothness, safety and superb handling amid predictions that it would be a market success due to its wide model and configuration offering.

2018 – Iveco Daily

In selecting the Daily Blue Power, much praise was directed towards Iveco on producing a new range of highly sustainable light commercials with a choice of powertrains that reduce operators environmental impact. The Italian brand offered a choice of efficient viable power solutions such as the Real Driving Emissions (RDE) 2.3 litre diesel Euro 6 diesel, a 3.0 litre Natural (Gas) Power with Hi-Matic automated transmission and an improved electric version.

2019 – Groupe PSA Small Vans

Groupe PSA won the International Van of the Year Award for the fifth occasion with its new new Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo Van and Opel & Vauxhall Combo combination. The new vans are the fruit of a joint collaboration between the various PSA brands, boasting high levels of equipment and comfort features and developed on the Groupe’s latest platform, EMP2, to guarantee the highest quality, efficiency and performance.

2020 – Ford Transit Hybrids

accolade in securing the prestigious title for the sixth occasion in 2020 with its range of Transit Custom Hybrids, comprising the Plug-In Hybrid and EcoBlue Hybrid models. The direction that Ford has taken to develop a viable drivetrain alternative meets both urban and rural requirements in a most eco-friendly fashion. Its Plug-in Hybrid system is zero emission capable, with no range anxiety, has no compromise on payload or load volume and comes with a simple recharging routine.

2021 – Groupe PSA Medium Electric Vans

Groupe PSA’s Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) electro-mobility technological developments were acknowledged in winning the Award for 2021 via the French automotive company’s jointly developed Peugeot e-Expert, Citroën e-Dispatch, Opel and Vauxhall Vivaro-e. Group PSA was praised for its stringent research, development and investment on producing an excellent range of electric powered vans, that exceed expectations and without compromise.

2022 – Renault Kangoo Van & Mercedes-Benz Citan

The new Renault Kangoo Van and Mercedes-Benz Citan were announced as joint winners of the International Van of the Year 2022 at the Solutrans Diner de Gala on 17 November last. Upon appraising the new Kangoo and Citan, the jury heard about the multi-year collaborative project between the French and German automotive companies, with each brand bringing their own DNA and thereby unique features to the joint development programme, resulting in two vehicles with distinct characteristics.

land Rover’s partnership with the latest James Bond movie ‘No Time to Die’ has more connotations than first imagined. Coincidentally, both car and film were delayed to market (for different reasons), while the actual name for the movie particularly suits the new Defender. There was no way that land Rover was going to kill off its iconic ‘go above and beyond’ multi-purpose, all-wheel-drive, utility vehicle. while its replacement had been talked for almost a decade, what materialised was a true, modern day replica and replacement with futuristic design elements blending with familiar styling traits from past models.

Model year 2021 Defender sports a distinctive look (that has received a number of design accolades to date) and comes in 90 and 110 body variants, with a Commercial Hard Top powered by plug-in hybrid diesels, and a new V8.

A pick-up truck body type is also imminent.

From what we have seen and experienced, new Defender remains true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for more than 70 years. Legendary in name, shape and capability, new Defender features the highest standards of technology, innovation and design, according to Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, who said: “New Defender is influenced by its past but is not constrained by it. Our vision was to create a 21st century Defender by pushing the boundaries of engineering, technology and design while retaining its renowned DNA and off-road capability.

The result is a compelling 4x4 that resonates with customers on an emotional level.”

With minimal front and rear overhangs, an upright stance, together with the ‘Alpine’ light roof window and the side-hinged rear tailgate with

Land Rover Defender 110 3.0D Hard Top S Commercial – ‘No Time to Die’

externally mounted spare wheel, makes the new version identifiable to the original. Relating to its heritage, the Hard

Top name dates back to the 1950s original and revives the heritage of the most durable and practical member of the Defender family.

The flat floor area of the 110 Hard Top provides just over 2,000 litres of cargo space and comes equipped with rubber floor coverings, 6 lashing points, hooks, lockable underfloor storage and a full mesh bulkhead partition for added security and safety. A standard europallet fits inside. Its off-road capability will never be found wanting as Defender can wade in water up to 900mm and tow up to 3.5 tonnes. Up front, three occupants can be accommodated, with the middle ‘jump seat’ provided. (However, leg room is limited in this position. Thankfully there are no other obtrusions as the switchgear is well positioned, even for the 8-speed automatic transmission dials and all-wheel-drive modes.

Due to the wider cab area, there is more elbow room, especially for the driver (no more hitting off the door panel!).

Powering the 110 Defender Commercial is the Land Rover 3.0-litre Ingenium Euro 6D diesel with the latest intelligent All-Wheeldrive system to distribute the horsepower and torque. This system uses sensor data from driver inputs and vehicle surroundings to continually vary axle torque and deliver it to where it’s needed. By including Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology into the Stage IV Euro 6 diesel driveline, this enhances refinement, efficiency and lowers the vehicle’s overall carbon footprint.

This time last year, Land Rover’s most capable and durable 4x4 took on the ultimate all-terrain challenge with two Defender 110 support vehicles on duty for the Dakar Rally 2021, supporting the Prodrive-backed team, Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX) throughout the 7,646 kilometre (4,751-mile) race. The Defenders had to negotiate extreme conditions, traversing desert dunes, mud, camel grass and rocks as they carried vital supplies, crew and equipment for the team and drivers.

New Defender fits well into the Land Rover family. It feels like a proper Defender, with plenty of elements to remind one of the brand’s rich history in this specialist sector. A dream to drive, there is only one concern however and that is the price. From a base level of €65,180 for this model, the overall retail price stretched to €72,830 with the extras fitted that included air-suspension, towbar, smart rear view mirror, heated leather seats and the third jump seat.

SPEC CHECK Make/Model: Land Rover Defender 110 Hard Top Commercial S AWD MHEV Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cylinder 24-valve Euro 6 D diesel Power/Torque: 249PS @4,000 rpm/ 570Nm @1,250-2,250 rpm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Wheelbase: 3,022mm Turning Circle: 12.84m Fuel Tank: 89-litres Dimensions; Max Load Floor Length: 1,472mm Max Load Floor Width: 1,423mm Max Load Floor Height: 937mm Total Load Space: 2,059-litres Payload: Up to 800 kg Fuel Consumption (NEDC): 7.8 l/100km CO2 Emissions: 207 g/km