Van Fleet World February 2019 by Fleet World Group

THE AWARD WINNING ISUZU D-MAX

QUITE CLEARLY, IT JUST WORKS Find out more at isuzu.co.uk

CE L EBR

INSIDE

A TI N G

February 2019 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

THE AWARD WINNING ISUZU D-MAX

QUITE CLEARLY, IT JUST WORKS

06 Vauxhall shows British-built Vivaro

Find out more at isuzu.co.uk

Director Jerry Ramsdale jerry@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Editor Dan Gilkes dan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Business Editor Natalie Middleton natalie@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

10 Spotlight > Ford Ranger

Content Editor Jonathan Musk jonathan@fleetworldgroup.co.uk FW Editor Martyn Collins martyn@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

20 Van Excellence focus on driver health

Account Directors Claire Warman claire@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Yvonne Wright yvonne@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Kevin Gregory – Van Fleet World kevin@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Account Executive Darren Brett darren@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Circulation Manager Tracy Howell tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

15 VFW Great British Fleet Awards 2019

Head of Production Luke Wikner luke@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Designers Dan Bennett dan.bennett@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Tina Ries tina@fleetworldgroup.co.uk Victoria Arellano victoria@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

Published by Stag Publications Ltd, 18 Alban Park, Hatfield Road, St Albans, Herts, AL4 0JJ tel +44 (0)1727 739160 fax +44 (0)1727 739169 email vfw@fleetworldgroup.co.uk web vanfleetworld.co.uk

24 All-road traction from the latest 4x4 commercials and pickups

32 Driven > Citroën Berlingo XL

30 Driven > Nissan Navara N-Guard

33 Driven > Mercedes-Benz X-Class 350d Power

To subscribe to VFW visit: www.fleetworldsubscriptions.co.uk Certified circulation Jan – Dec 2017 18,001

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 003

FROM THE

EDITOR Investing in the future

If fleets move away from diesel, Vauxhall will be ready with electric.

The best laid plans, as they say, often go awry. Certainly, anyone who had made business plans around the manufacture of the next generation X-Trail at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, will be wondering what happened. Whether driven by a downturn in demand for diesel SUVs, or influenced by the continued uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the loss of a potential new vehicle line will hit the area hard. Let’s hope that the good news surrounding the Vauxhall plant in Luton, which will begin production of the new Vivaro and Vivaro Life vans in the coming months, remains positive. Vauxhall’s new owner Groupe PSA is investing in the plant, securing 1,250 jobs, while supporting tens of thousands more in the surrounding supply industry. That investment not only maintains manufacturing at the plant, but boosts capacity to 100,000 vehicles a year. Perhaps more importantly, it also looks to the future, with the news that Luton will build an all-new electric version of the van in 2020. If, as expected by many, fleets start to move away from diesel vans in the same way that they are in the car market, Vauxhall will be ready with an electric alternative.

The news that Ford and Volkswagen will be working together on future commercial vehicle design and development should perhaps come as little surprise. Even in a global market, the cost of going it alone when developing a completely new light commercial is huge. What is perhaps surprising, is the speed with which the two companies plan to progress this alliance. Ford and VW plan to have new vans and pickups ready for the market as soon as 2022, resulting in improved financial results for both businesses as early as 2023. Ford will take charge of large van and pickup development, while VW concentrates on the city van market. Interesting times ahead.

Dan Gilkes VFW editor

004 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

The new special edition Amarok Aventura. Power. With added style.

With a powerful 258PS V6 TDi engine, LED-lit stainless steel nerf bars, 20â&#x20AC;? Dark Graphite Talca alloys and luxurious Nappa leather seats, mixing work with pleasure has never been more desirable. www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/amarok-aventura

THIS MONTH IN FLEET www.vanfleetworld.co.uk

HOW FIT IS YOUR VAN FLEET?

Vauxhall looks to the future with new Vivaro Vauxhall’s new Vivaro van will arrive with dealers in the summer, as order books open this month for the British-built LCV. Based on PSA stablemates’ Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert, the van will come in two lengths, three body styles and in three trim levels. A full electric Vivaro is expected in 2020. Vauxhall will aim to put some clear space between the van and its

French partners, plus the Toyota Proace which is basically the same van, by offering customers Edition, Sportive and Elite trim levels. All models will come with dual sliding side doors, driver and passenger airbags, plus cruise control with a speed limiter function as standard. Sportive models will come with body coloured mirror housings, door handles and side mouldings, an

Renault adds to ready-bodied range Renault Pro+ is adding to its Master conversion range, with the Master Aluminium Tipper and the Master Luton. The alloy tipper bodies, built by VFS, will be offered alongside the traditional steel bodied tipper range, delivering a payload improvement of around 150kg. Renault will also offer the aluminium tipper with a secure tool box option between the cab and the body. The Master Aluminium Tipper is available as a single-cab on a frontwheel drive medium wheelbase chassis, or as a rear-wheel drive single-cab on the medium or long chassis. It can also be specified

006 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

with the lockable tool box on the frontdrive long wheelbase chassis. A double-cab is offered on the rearwheel drive long wheelbase model. The Luton box body is produced by Truckcraft, delivering a 40-60kg payload improvement over the previous model. The base list price is also £950 lower than Renault’s last Luton model, thanks to the body being included in the vehicle’s standard specification rather than being supplied as an option. The Master Luton can be ordered as a front-wheel drive long wheelbase model, or as a rear-drive long wheelbase chassis. All of the tippers and Lutons come in Business trim.

alarm, auto lights and wipers and an acoustic windscreen. Range-topping Elite vans will get a host of safety assistance technology, including Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Information, Intelligent Speed Adaptation, Driver Attention Alert Level Three and Blind Spot Detection. Vivaro will be offered as a panel van, with a payload of up to 1,400kg and as much as 6.6m3 of

Electric LCVs for Europe Chinese vehicle manufacturer BYD has unveiled three zero-emission electric commercial vehicles in Europe. They include two electric trucks and the company’s first electric van. Already in use in the company’s domestic market, the electric commercial vehicles will be piloted in Spain before being rolled out across European markets over the coming years. BYD’s T3 van is a mid-weight LCV with a payload of around 730kg. Powered by an iron-phosphate NCM battery delivering 50.3kWh, the van is said to offer maximum power of 94bhp and a torque of 180Nm. Driving range is a claimed 186 miles. The company is also launching the T6 light truck, with a gross weight of 7.5tonnes and the Q1M, a 46-tonne capacity yard tractor. BYD has already established a presence in the UK bus market, where in partnership with Alexander Dennis, the company has secured orders for more than 200 battery electric buses. The company will deliver its first 37 Enviro400EV zero-emission double-deckers to London operator Metroline.

load volume. There will also be double cab vans, with seating for six and a platform chassis for conversions. A battery electric Vivaro will join the line-up next year, as part of Vauxhall’s push into the E-LCV sector. Investment in Vauxhall’s Luton manufacturing plant will increase production capacity to 100,000 vans per year, securing 1,250 jobs.

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THIS MONTH IN FLEET www.vanfleetworld.co.uk

Market giants join forces in van market Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen have announced the first formal agreements in an alliance that was revealed towards the end of last year. Though not involving any crossownership of shares between the two companies, the two manufacturers will cooperate on the design and manufacture of future commercial vehicles. Ford will engineer and build mediumsized pickups for both companies, with new models coming to market as early as 2022. Ford will also engineer and build larger vans for European markets, with Volkswagen concentrating on city vans. Together, the two manufacturers currently sell 1.2m light commercial vehicles worldwide. By working together, it is hoped that cooperation will drive increased efficiencies and scale cost savings. “Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” said Ford CEO Jim Hackett. “It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.” The alliance will be governed by a joint committee, led by Hackett and Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess.

IN BRIEF Battery power pack Nissan has demonstrated a possible use for second-life automotive batteries, in an NV300 concept van conversion. The integrated portable battery solution, called Nissan Energy ROAM, is a weather-proof powerpack that could deliver on-the-go power for tradespeople working remotely. The pack has a storage capacity of 700kW and a maximum power output of 1kW. It can be partially recharged using a solar panel on the roof of the van, making it a true off-grid power solution. The Nissan Energy ROAM portable power solution is due to launch to European customers this Spring.

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Peugeot and supplying dealer Robins and Day Peugeot Maidstone, have been awarded a 27-van deal to supply KeolisAmey Docklands, funded by Groupe PSA Free2Move Lease. The joint venture, of Keolis and Amey, holds the franchise to operate and maintain the Docklands Light Railway in East London. The deal includes Partner, Expert and Boxer vans as well as Traveller Business people-carriers. Many of the panel vans have been converted by Bott, to carry tools and equipment, under the Peugeot Built for Business conversions range.

LCV Values Rise Average used van prices rose during December, according to remarketing company BCA, up 2.3% on November. Year on year values were up 4.8% despite an increase in both average age and mileage. Part-exchange prices also rose sharply in December, to reach the highest point on record, said BCA.

B U I LT T O K E E P Y O U R B USI N E S S M OV I N G F O RWA R D D i s c o v e r m o r e a t f o r d . c o . u k /n e w - t r a n s i t - c u s t o m o r c o n t a c t t h e F o r d B u s i n e s s C e n t r e : 03 4 5 7 2 3 2 3 2 3 | f l i n f o r m @ f o r d . c o m

C0 2

COMBINED MPG

187- 161g/k m

39.2 - 45.6

Official fuel consumption ďŹ gures in mpg (l/100km) for the New Transit Custom range: urban 36.2 - 40.9 (7.8 - 6.9), extra urban 41.5 - 48.7 (6.8 - 5.8), combined 39.2 - 45.6 (7.2 - 6.2). Official CO2 emissions 187 - 161g/km. The mpg figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results (EU Directive and Regulation 715/2007 and 692/2008 as last amended), are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience. Information correct at time of going to print.

SPOTLIGHT Ford Ranger

EFFICIENCY BOOST With more power, increased efficiency and a host of advanced technologies on-board, Ford’s updated Ranger pickup looks set to remain a best-seller across Europe, says Dan Gilkes.

POWER UP The new Ranger does away with the previous generation’s 2.2 and 3.2-litre diesel engines in favour of Ford’s 2.0-litre EcoBlue range, as already seen in Transit models. Leading the line-up is a 213bhp bi-turbo motor that delivers a mighty 500Nm of torque, up 13bhp and 30Nm on the older five-cylinder engine. There will also be two single-turbo models, boasting a still healthy 170bhp and 420Nm of torque, or 130bhp and 340Nm. A six-speed manual gearbox will be standard, with the two high powered engines also offered with a new 10-speed automatic transmission. A wider spread of ratios and real-time adaptive shift scheduling are said to boost economy by up to 9% compared to the current model, with the manual gearbox trucks offering a 4% fuel improvement. Carbon emissions start at 209g/km, rising to just 228g/km for the 213bhp engine, with fuel consumption of 30.7-35.3mpg.

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DRIVER ASSISTANCE Ranger gets Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and an Intelligent Speed Limiter, with Traffic Sign Recognition. There are also lane keeping alerts and assistance systems, Active Park Assist, front and rear parking sensors and a rear camera. The FordPass Connect on-board modem turns the pickup into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. The FordPass mobile app also allows fleet managers to remotely monitor oil levels, tyre pressures and mileage. The app provides drivers with a vehicle locator, for busy car parks, and a remote lock and unlock feature to allow access for colleagues. Ford’s SYNC 3 infotainment system includes an 8” touchscreen compatible with Apple and Android, along with Ford’s MyKey system that allows managers to limit driving speeds and radio volumes, plus to permanently switch on safety systems.

DRIVER FOCUS Ranger is offered in single, super and double-cab layouts with four-wheel drive now standard on all three. Higher powered double-cab models come with Active Noise Control for improved refinement and all models feature revised spring and damper rates for a smoother ride. An Ebony Black interior trim delivers a more upmarket feel, which is taken even further with Ranger Limited models, that feature leather seats and 17” alloy wheels. The Ranger Wildtrak is even more upscale, with dark satin chrome elements and a gloss finish. Both Limited and Wildtrak models now come with an easylift tailgate, that employs a torsion bar to reduce the effort required to close the pickup bed. The trucks will also be offered with keyless entry with button start for the first time, with the tailgate lock now incorporated in the central locking.

IN SUMMARY Improved efficiency, increased technology and a sector-first transmission should keep fleet interest high. Ford sold 51,500 Rangers in Europe last year, with more than 16,000 finding homes in the UK. The revised Ranger will go on sale alongside the new Ford Performance Ranger Raptor by the middle of this year, with no sign of a drop in demand.

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 011

DOES A TON OF WORK

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) 67.3 (4.2) – 70.6 (4.1), Combined: 62.8 (4.5) – 67.3 (4.2). CO2 emissions: 116 – 109g/km.# Model shown New Combo Cargo L1 Limited Edition Nav with offside sliding side-access door (optional at extra cost) and Night Blue metallic paint (no-cost option). #Fuel consumption account in particular use and driving conditions, equipment or options and may vary depending on the format of tyres. For more information contact your local Retailer. Vauxhall Motors

WA DS R

WINNER

LIGHT VAN AWARD

Wh A

n atVa ?

WA DS R

WINNER

LCV OF THE YEAR 2019

JUST LIKE YOU NEW COMBO CARGO Carries British business Up to 67.3 mpg Payloads up to 1 tonne Car like cabin Search VAUXHALL NEW COMBO VAN or call 0330 587 8222 for more information.

and CO2 emissions (g/km). New Combo Van range: Urban: 57.6 (4.9) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 62.8 (4.5), Extra-urban: data and CO2 emission data are determined using the WLTP test cycle, and the relevant values are translated back to allow the comparability into NEDC. The values do not take into Limited reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct at time of print (January 2019).

For all your fleet electric vehicle needs and to stay up to date with the latest news and developments, visit

evfleetworld.co.uk @EVFleetWorld

EV Fleet World

2 0 1 9 AWA R D S

And the Winners are... With the van market under pressure, from legislation, changing customer demands and struggling business confidence, manufacturers are working hard to deliver the vehicles that fleets want. At a packed awards ceremony in London's Hammersmith, we celebrate the best vehicles available, says Dan Gilkes.

hile the LCV market fell slightly last year, down just 1.3% over 2017, the UK van market was still the fourth largest ever. But van manufacturers are under pressure, with legislation continuing to drive lower emissions and improvements in fuel consumption. Customer demands are changing too, as the move away from diesel turns towards the light commercial sector and companies look for alternative fuel sources for tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delivery vehicles.

Manufacturers are working hard to meet these changing needs, developing a host of new vans and trucks to suit those customer requirements. More than that, however, they are developing a new generation of vans that are moving the boundaries of what a light commercial vehicle can be. Driver assistance and safety systems are making tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vans safer, easier to drive and more efficient. This in turn is leading to increased productivity, improved air quality and

safer roads for everyone. In recognition of this fact, Van Fleet World has rewarded those vehicles that we feel best suit the needs of the fleet sector in each weight class today. Following the inaugural Great British Fleet Event, at the Novotel West London, where a host of Masterclass conferences provided fleet managers with essential operating information and a chance to network across the industry, the Great British Fleet Awards 2019 celebrated the best of the UK fleet world. >>

EVENT PARTNERS

vanfleetworld.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ 015

2 0 1 9 AWA R D S

SMALL VAN OF THE YEAR

Nigel Ward of PSA and Derek Wilson of Vauxhall, joined by Dan Gilkes

CITROËN BERLINGO VAN PEUGEOT PARTNER VAUXHALL COMBO CARGO The small van market is hugely competitive and incredibly diverse, but PSA’s new Berlingo, Partner and now Combo have all the bases covered. Offering two wheelbases with two body lengths, the vans deliver a load-hauling solution to suit all operations. A revised three-seat cab, with fold-flat passenger seating and load-through bulkhead provide real versatility. Add in an incredible range of driver assistance and safety systems and it's easy to see why these vans captured the attention of our jury.

The Transit Custom was the third best-selling vehicle of any kind in the UK last year, a remarkable feat for a mid-weight van

016 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

MEDIUM VAN OF THE YEAR

Owen Gregory of Ford accepts the award for Transit Custom

FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM Our reigning Van of the Year from 2018 continues to dominate the UK LCV sector. Indeed, the Transit Custom was the third best-selling vehicle of any kind in the UK last year, a remarkable feat for a mid-weight van. Yet, a few miles behind the wheel of the Custom is all it takes to see why so many operators continue to put their faith in the popular Ford. The latest updates bring a frugal range of EcoBlue diesel engines and this year will see the introduction of a 48V mild-hybrid version, further boosting economy. Ford will also make the Custom PHEV available to UK customers this year, broadening the options for green fleet buyers.

PICK-UP OF THE YEAR

LARGE VAN OF THE YEAR

Martyn Harvey of Mercedes-Benz Vans takes the large van award

Nissan’s Andrea Patti accepts the pickup award for Navara

MERCEDES-BENZ SPRINTER

NISSAN NAVARA

We were impressed with the technology in the new Sprinter last year, but had yet to drive the van on UK roads, which ruled it out of our awards. Having got behind the wheel in mid-2018, it was an easy decision to give Mercedes’ biggest LCV our large van award this year. With the addition of front as well as rear-wheel drive, and more recently new 4x4 versions too, Mercedes has something for everyone with the latest Sprinter. But it is far more than that that puts the van at number one. The technology and connectivity available to customers is second to none and the whole PRO Connect concept should make it far easier for operators to get the best out of their vans.

There are newer trucks and there are more powerful pickups available, but when we look for the best allround package, we keep coming back to Nissan’s Navara. The truck’s combination of powerful yet relatively frugal engines, manual and automatic transmissions, coil spring rear suspension and a range of in-cab technology, like Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility systems, make Navara hard to beat from the driver’s seat. Keen pricing, comprehensive specifications, both for the utility end of the market and the more luxurious SUV-like sector, with long service intervals and an excellent warranty, should also make the Nissan easy to specify for fleet managers.

www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

EVENT PARTNERS

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 017

2 0 1 9 AWA R D S

SPONSORED BY

VAN MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR

Mark Beattie (Venson) presents the VMOTY award to Owen Gregory, of Ford

FORD With car sales dropping sharply, the van market remained strong, dropping by just 1.3% in 2018. That makes it the fourth largest van market ever. To capitalise on that demand, manufacturers have had to up their game, offering mobile service, extending opening hours, ready-built conversions and of course a full range of excellent vans. Having a van brand that not only dominates the commercial vehicle market, but that hits the number three spot in the overall vehicle market, is an outstanding achievement. Capturing one in every three van sales in the UK last year, our Van Manufacturer of the Year has to be Ford.

www.greatbritishfleetevent.co.uk

The Berlingo, Partner and Combo are such an improvement, that this was an easy choice for the judges

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 019

VA N E XC E L L E N C E DRIVER HEALTH

Asset protection Many companies claim that their greatest asset is the staff that work for them. Ensuring van driver health and wellbeing is therefore an essential part of fleet management, says Dan Gilkes. The FTA’s Van Excellence programme will run three Operational Briefings this spring, tackling the physical, mental and safety challenges facing van drivers. Speakers will include representatives of the British Dietetic Association, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the police. The briefings will be on 26 March in Edinburgh, on 28 March in Derby and on 2 April near Heathrow, London. You can find out more at www.fta.co.uk/van-excellence-operational-briefings-2019. Fleet managers need not wait until then to make improvements however, as Mark Cartwright, the FTA’s head of vans and LCV, recently outlined just some of the areas that fleets and their drivers should be focusing on to promote a healthy work environment. Remember daily pre-use checks While daily pre-use van checks are not required by law, this is no reason

to believe they are not an essential activity. The safety of the driver and other road users is reliant upon all of us operating a vehicle that’s roadworthy and fit to drive. Tyres, lights, steering, brakes and mirrors – among many other features – should be checked before departure. The FTA’s Van Excellence scheme has developed a pre-use defect check app to help drivers. For more information, including how to download the app, please visit fta.co.uk/van Seek help if you are struggling Combine tight deadlines with long isolating hours spent on your own in a cab every day, and you have a recipe for stress, tension and more. But van drivers should not suffer in silence – poor mental health is a very common illness and resources are available to help. Van Excellence is working with the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to help tackle the stigma around mental health and raise awareness of the support available. Understand the importance of hydration A recent survey by Mercedes-Benz Vans found that 20% of van drivers avoid drinking fluids during the

day, so they do not have to stop for a relief break. While the pressures of the job often mean relief breaks are not always possible, proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and staying safe. Motorists who are dehydrated make twice as many mistakes, according to research by Loughborough University. Dehydration can have a significant effect on the way we work, in fact a 1% dehydration level causes a 10% drop in performance, something we should all bear in mind when operating on Britain’s busy roads. Strive for higher standards of safety and compliance All van drivers and operators should try to achieve the highest standards of compliance and safety at all times. While this is easier said than done, Van Excellence is here to help. Whether it’s by aspiring to achieve the Van Excellence Code, attending briefings, or taking part in a training course, there are plenty of resources available to ensure that your van fleet is operated to the highest possible standards. Find out more about the Van Excellence code by visiting www.vanexcellence.co.uk

Combine tight deadlines with long isolating hours spent on your own in a cab every day and you have a recipe for stress, tension and more.

020 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

FIRST LOOK DRIVER TRAINING

Truck Experience Centre Used van and truck businesses split, to create experience centre and boost training capacity, says Dan Gilkes. Mercedes-Benz Vans has moved its used vehicle remarketing team to new offices in Leeds. The firm’s used van processing operation will now be delivered by BCA in Doncaster, in the same way that the company already works with Mercedes-Benz Cars. Used van preparation had traditionally been carried out at the MercedesBenz Trucks facility at Wentworth Park, Barnsley. By moving out of Wentworth Park, Mercedes-Benz Vans is looking for increased flexibility, with the aim of boosting its used van sales. It will allow the company to deliver improved customer service and more cost-effective SMART repair solutions. BCA will also provide Mercedes with an independent return inspection facility, ensuring a more transparent relationship with van customers. In turn, the Barnsley site is to become a Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ Customer Experience Centre, similar to the firm’s car facility at Brooklands in Surrey. The site is being developed, with upgraded training rooms, a new cafeteria and a range of event facilities, that will be available to dealers, major customers and key account managers. The site also boasts an

022 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

off-road course for Unimog and allwheel drive training. One major focus for the centre will be to increase the availability of Driver CPC training, with many companies expected to require additional courses this year as the Driver CPC passes its second five-year milestone. Mercedes offers a wide range of driver training at the site. This starts with licence acquisition for new drivers, along with staged training through smaller rigids and on into C and then C+E articulated truck qualifications. A series of intermediate courses deals with product familiarisation, offering specific training for drivers of Canter, Actros, Unimog and the

other trucks in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Advanced driver training then offers specific, targeted courses, looking at how to get best out of the various driver assistance systems incorporated into the latest generation of trucks. As an example of this, the site has a demonstration area for the Active Brake Assist 4 safety system, which includes pedestrian recognition. In a safely coned-off area drivers can experience a fully laden 44-tonne truck being automatically brought to a halt, when a pedestrian is sensed walking out in front of the truck. Safety and eco driver training courses can be bespoke to a customer’s needs.

Van Fleet World spent the day at the Wentworth Park site undergoing the Eco Truck Training module of Driver CPC. This one-day course is designed to help drivers already familiar with the Actros model, to get the best out of the many assistance systems on offer. With fuel equal to around 25% of the whole life cost of a truck, any saving can be significant. Having run through the various systems in the classroom, we spent much of the day on the roads, experiencing Mercedes’ Predictive Powertrain Control system in action. This system uses GPS mapping technology, along with weight, speed and temperature data, to automatically change gear and use the truck’s eco-roll function, in effect seeing the road ahead and ensuring that the truck is in the right gear for the upcoming terrain. Using a three-junction stretch of the nearby M1 motorway in South Yorkshire, we ran the truck without PPC and then again over the same route with PPC engaged. The result was an impressive 10.7% fuel benefit, taking the 44-tonne truck from 7.2mpg to 8.0mpg. Proof, if it were needed, that driver training can have a real positive benefit on the bottom line.

£199

SHOWING THE WORLD HOW IT’S DONE

THE MITSUBISHI L200 SERIES 5 TITAN PER MONTH1

BUSINESS CONTRACT HIRE PLUS £2,388 INITIAL RENTAL

ALL RENTALS + VAT AT 20%

TERM 36 MONTHS

MILEAGE 8,000 P.A. EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGES APPLY

Thanks to its trailer stability assist, smallest turning circle and the fact that it is one of the only pick-ups that can tow on tarmac in 2WD and 4WD2, the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5 is simply the best pick-up to tow up to 3.5 tonnes3. The L200 Series 5 Titan is available from £199 per month+VAT1 over 3 years on a 8,000 p.a. mileage Contract Hire contract provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing, which means that owning one is now more affordable than ever.

Search L200 Visit mitsubishi-cars.co.uk to find your nearest dealer

1. L200 Series 5 Titan rental shown is for manual transmission. Business users only, subject to status provided by Shogun Vehicle Leasing (a trading style of Lex Autolease Ltd, SK3 ORB). Excess mileage charges of 10.92p plus VAT per mile. Vehicle must be returned in good condition to avoid further charges. The offer is valid for new vehicles registered between 1st January and 31st March 2019, whilst stocks last. Other terms and mileages are available on request. Available in the UK (EXCLUDES Channel Islands and I.O.M) subject to availability. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, is correct at time of going to print and may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 2. Super Select 4WD is not available on L200 Series 5 4Life models. 3. 3.5 tonne towing capacity is possible with 3 axle braked trailer; 3.1 tonne towing capacity is possible with 1 or 2 axle braked trailer; 0.75 tonne towing capacity is possible regardless of the number of trailer axles or trailer brakes. The air conditioning system contains fluorinated greenhouse gases. Chemical name: HFC-134a. Pre-chased weight: 0.52kg. Global-warming potential ratio: 1430. Converted CO2 weight: 0.74t.

4x4 LCV

ALL-TERRAIN TRAVEL While high-riding four-wheel drive pickups are very much in demand, it is easy to forget that many fleets actually require a mix of on and off-road capability. Dan Gilkes takes a look at this growing sector of the LCV market. The pickup market has been transformed over the last 20 years, from hard-working, no-frills utility vehicles to luxurious doublecab 4x4s. This has in part been driven by a romantic ideal of the North American outdoors lifestyle, mountain bike and jet ski on the back, heading to the mountains for the weekend, but more prosaically by a loophole in the UK taxation system. As long as a double-cab or super-cab pickup can carry at least 1-tonne on the back, it is deemed by the authorities to be a commercial vehicle. This means that businesses can reclaim the VAT on the truck’s purchase, while the driver will pay a fixed rate of Benefit in Kind taxation, currently set at £3,350, regardless of CO2 emissions or purchase cost. That means that as a 20% tax payer you are looking at just £670 per year, those on 40% tax pay just £1,340. In addition, the taxable benefit on private use fuel is set at just £633 per year, considerably lower than for a similarly priced company car.

024 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

This is equally true for a commercial version of a 4x4 SUV, such as the Land Rover Discovery Commercial. If you can live without the rear seats, there are big savings to be made. Of course, there are still plenty of companies for whom a four-wheel drive vehicle is an essential working tool, providing access to construction sites, forestry tracks and agricultural fields. All-wheel drive vehicles with a towing capacity of up to 3.5-tonnes also provide a stable towing base for festival and events essentials, such as toilet blocks and catering facilities. All-wheel drive isn’t limited to the pickup market, there are vans on offer with varying off-road credentials. This ranges from occasionally bringing the rear axle into play on slippery ground, to full-on mud-plugging capabilities. While not an exhaustive run-down of every vehicle on the market, we take a look at some of the more popular options.

FIAT PROFESSIONAL The commercial vehicle division of the FCA empire has chosen to badge Mitsubishi’s L200 pickup as a way into the truck market. The Fullback and higher trim Fullback Cross models are all but the same as the donor L200, but provide Fiat’s dealers with a full range opportunity for existing customers that require all-wheel drive along with their LCVs. There is talk of a Jeep Gladiator pickup, based on the Wrangler chassis, coming to Europe at some point, but there is no news of a right-hand drive UK model.

Isuzu is unusual in that it is a pickup company only. The firm doesn’t make anything other than the D-Max pickup range, which it says makes it a more professional partner for pickup customers. One of the few companies to offer single, extended and double-cab models, all D-Max trucks are now four-wheel drive. Though offering a wide range of specifications and trim levels, up to the range-topping Blade, the D-Max remains very much a working truck. It can carry a tonne and pull 3.5-tonnes, putting the truck on a par with other pickups in the market. However, all D-Max models now use a 1.9-litre engine, down from the previous generation’s 2.5-litre, offering 164bhp and 360Nm of torque, somewhat less than many competitors. The upside is said to be improved fuel consumption. You can specify the D-Max in Arctic Trucks AT35 trim, with raised suspension and massive 35” tyres, for ultimate off-roading.

ISUZU

FORD

IVECO

Ford’s Ranger pickup is the best-selling truck in the UK and across much of Europe. It is also one of the few still being offered with a choice of three cab layouts, from two-seat single-cab, through extended super-cab and into the full double-cab. Traditionally Ford did offer the single-cab in two and well as four-wheel drive, but all current Ranger models now have the drive to all four wheels. Until this summer, Ranger has been powered by a line-up of 2.2-litre diesels and a range-topping 3.2-litre, five-cylinder engine. As can be seen elsewhere in this issue (Ranger Spotlight pages 10-11) that will change mid-2019, with the adoption of the 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel already seen in Transit. Ford will continue to offer a high-powered model, with a bi-turbo version of the EcoBlue motor, delivering 213bhp. The truck will also debut a 10-speed automatic transmission, in an effort to improve efficiency and cut fuel consumption. Ranger is not the only 4x4 that Ford offers however, the largest Transit model can also be ordered with an intelligent AWD system. As with the pickup, drive is normally sent to the rear wheels, with the driver selecting all-wheel drive when the going gets slippery. The system automatically sends increased engine torque to the wheels with the most grip. The AWD system can be ordered with both the 130 and 170bhp versions of the EcoBlue engine.

Italian truck and van manufacturer Iveco takes a heavyduty approach to off-roading, with the Daily 4x4 being second only to Mercedes’ Unimog when it comes to tackling rough terrain. Offered at 3.5 and 5.5-tonnes GVW, the Daily 4x4 comes with 24 forward gears, a 170bhp diesel engine and three differential locks, to ensure forward motion can be maintained in the toughest terrain. Riding considerably higher than the two-wheel drive versions, the Daily 4x4 offers multiple power take-off options to drive attachments and ancillary equipment. The truck is available as a chassis cab or as a crew cab, with seating for seven. There are two wheelbases for the single cab and a single 3.4m wheelbase for the double cab model.

>> vanfleetworld.co.uk • 025

4x4 LCV

LAND ROVER

MAN

Few manufacturers are as closely associated with the 4x4 driveline as Land Rover. However, for the moment at least, the company’s trusty Defender, which was offered as short and long wheelbase van or pickup, is not available. A new Defender is expected later this year, though there is little information about the commercial offering. Until then, if you want a green oval on the bonnet of your 4x4 van, the options extend to a Discovery Commercial. Following the time-honoured method of converting an SUV to a van, by removing the rear seats and filling in the rear side windows, Discovery Commercial starts at almost £50,000. It does come with a fairly high specification though, in three trim levels from S to HSE. There’s a choice of four-cylinder 240bhp and sixcylinder 306bhp engines, or you can even opt for a 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering 300bhp. All engines drive through an automatic transmission.

As part of the larger Volkswagen group, MAN Truck & Bus has access to VW’s Crafter van, which is sells under the TGE name. As with VW’s Crafter, the all-wheel drive model is based on the front-driven van and powered by a choice of 130bhp and 177bhp engines, the latter available with sixspeed manual or eightspeed automatic transmissions. The 3.5-tonne vans are available in three body lengths, with a choice of roof heights. MAN also offers the TGE in single or double-cab chassis cab layouts on a range of chassis lengths.

MERCEDES-BENZ Mercedes may have come late to the pickup market, but its X-Class truck has certainly made an impact. Based on the Nissan Navara, but re-engineered with a wider track and all new body panels and interior, the X-Class can be had with Nissan’s 2.3-litre diesel engine in 160bhp single turbo and 190bhp bi-turbo formats. More recently, Mercedes has added a V6 model, powered by its own 3.0-litre diesel engine and driving through the 7G-Tronic plus automatic transmission. This model also adopts permanent four-wheel drive. The biggest changes to the pickup however are in the cab and in the driving experience, which is as close to an SUV as you can get with a pickup bed behind the cab. This level of luxury does come at a price however and while VW and Mercedes seem locked in a battle to provide the most powerful V6 engine, list prices continue to reach all-time highs. Though new to the pickup sector, Mercedes has a long history in the off-road utility market, with its Sprinter AWD vans and chassis cabs and of course the heavier Unimog. Having recently introduced a new Sprinter model, with front and well as rear-wheel drive, Mercedes has now updated its all-wheel drive models too. The Sprinter AWD is a more dedicated off-roader than the likes of the Transit AWD, with a raised ride-height and a selectable low-range transmission. The vans feature Adaptive ESP for off-road use, with Downhill Speed Regulation. They also come with hydraulic steering, rather than electronic assistance of the 2WD models, plus mixed-use mud and snow tyres for additional traction off-road. Four-wheel drive is available on both 3.5 and 5.0-tonne models, in van, crewcab and chassis cab formats, using the L2 and L3 chassis lengths.

026 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

MITSUBISHI Mitsubishi has been building all-wheel drive pickups for decades, almost inventing the luxury-trim model with a host of Barbarians and Warriors along the way. The company has shown the look of its next L200 pickup, due in the autumn, though has yet to make a decision about the exact UK engine specification. For now, the Series 5 truck continues to do the job for workers and luxury owners. As with Ford, the L200 can still be had in three cab formats, what the firm calls single, club and double-cab. All have selectable four-wheel drive and all three can be had in utilitarian 4Life trim. The double-cab however, comes in a host of highertrim editions, including the aforementioned Barbarian and Warrior models, along with SVP and Barbarian Black range-toppers. Mitsubishi doesn’t stop at pickups, with both the Outlander PHEV and the recently introduced Shogun Sport due to be offered in commercial trim. This involves removing the rear seats and installing a flat load bed, while blacking out the rear side windows. The Outlander PHEV of course has a USP in being the only hybrid all-wheel drive van on offer at present. This will provide the likes of water authorities and local councils with an alterna-

NISSAN

Nissan’s Navara remains one of the best pickups on the market. It forms the basis for Renault’s Alaskan, which is sadly not sold in right-hand drive form, and also for the Mercedes-Benz X-Class, though in much modified form. One thing that Mercedes has not changed is the fact that Navara runs on coil spring rear suspension, offering a much-improved ride and handling combination than the majority of leaf spring pickups. That suspension system doesn’t hold the Navara back off-road though, where it is perfectly capable of keeping pace with the best of the rest. Nor does it limit productivity, with the double-cab Navara capable of carrying over 1.0-tonne and hauling a 3.5-tonne trailer. It’s available in king and double-cab layouts, with a choice of single and twinturbo diesel engines. You can also have a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. There are also clear specification steps from the base model Visia, up to the range-topping Tekna and N-Guard trucks. As with a number of pickups on the market, you can order the Navara with an Arctic Trucks AT32 conversion, adding 20mm of ride height and monster 32” tyres.

tive low-emission option with off-road abilities. The Shogun Sport Commercial, which should be available in the coming months, is far more of an off-roader, though its high trim level makes it more than comfortable on-road as well.

RENAULT Though Renault has chosen not to bring its Alaskan pickup, based on Alliance partner Nissan’s Navara to the UK, the company does have a presence in the AWD market. Companies that require access to off-road sites can opt for a 4x4 conversion to the Master van and chassis cab. Based on rear-drive 3.5-tonne models, the Oberaigner conversion adds a transfer box and driven front axle, while lifting the suspension and incorporating underbody protection. The all-wheel drive conversion is offered on panel vans, plus single and double-cab dropsides.

>> vanfleetworld.co.uk • 027

4X4 LCV

RENAULT TRUCKS Renault Trucks, which is part of Volvo Trucks, not a part of the Renault car company, also markets the Renault Master van line. This includes the Oberaigner 4x4 conversion, with raised ride height, underbody protection and low-range transfer box. The truck business offers the 4x4 conversion on both its 3.5 and 4.5-tonne rear-wheel drive models, with a choice of single or twin rear wheels. Power options include the 145bhp and 165bhp twinturbo versions of Renault’s 2.3-litre diesel engine and the drive is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox. The Oberaigner conversion includes a new driven front axle and the move from two to four-wheel drive, or high to low gearing, is controlled by a simple electronic control panel on top of the dash. The conversion weighs around 150kg, so will have a slight effect on payload, though contractors that require the level of off-road ability that comes with the conversion will not be too worried about that. Likewise, the circa £11,000 cost of the conversion will not deter buyers that need to get personnel and goods to previously inaccessible locations.

SSANGYONG

Korean manufacturer SsangYong has played a role in the UK pickup market for some years, completely overhauling its Musso truck line last year. Available as a double-cab 4x4 only, the Musso comes in four trim levels, all offering a list price well below their competition. As with Nissan’s Navara, the Musso has coil spring rear suspension, offering an improved ride and handling combination. Like the Nissan, the SsangYong retains the ability to carry a tonne and tow 3.5-tonnes. Indeed, it claims to be the only pickup that can do both at the same time. The SsangYong pickups are powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, delivering 181bhp and 400Nm of torque. A choice of sixspeed manual and automatic transmissions is available.

TOYOTA

Volkswagen has grabbed a major share VOLKSWAGEN of the pickup market with Amarok. Initially launched with a range of 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, the VW is now only offered with V6 power, though in a range of outputs with manual and auto boxes. The big sellers are the higher-powered models, with as much as 258bhp and 580Nm on tap, driving through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a permanent all-wheel drive system. It’s an incredibly capable truck, even with lower outputs and selectable all-wheel drive. Amarok is offered with a host of driver assistance systems, for on and off-road use and the pickup has established Volkswagen as a force to be reckoned with in the truck market. Volkswagen was no stranger to the 4x4 sector, even before Amarok and the company continues to offer 4Motion all-wheel drive in a range of van models. You can have a 4x4 Caddy in other markets, though in the UK the firm has stuck with twowheel drive for its smallest model. However, both Transporter and Crafter can be ordered with 4Motion all-wheel drive, offering sure-footed driving in slippery conditions.

028 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

Toyota, more than any other manufacturer, is almost synonymous with the four-wheel drive pickup, with Hilux known across the world as a byword for unstoppable truck reliability. The company still offers a single cab, the longer extra-cab or the more popular double-cab format. All are four-wheel drive models. There is a wide range of trims and specifications on offer, though all are powered by the same 2.4-litre diesel engine, which offers a serviceable 150bhp. Higher trim models can be had with an automatic transmission, which now boasts six forward ratios. All models can haul over 1.0-tonne, while towing capacity, originally set at just 3.2-tonnes, has now been lifted to a market competitive 3.5-tonne limit. Unusually, Toyota offers a number of conversions from its dealers based on the Hilux chassis, including dropsides and tippers, both supplied by bodybuilder TGS.

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DRIVEN

Nissan Navara N-Guard Nissan maintains interest in Navara with N-Guard special, says Dan Gilkes. Special editions can be a way to extend the life of an ageing car model, but the pickup market has always offered customers a wide range of models and trim levels. For Nissan, the recently announced N-Guard keeps Navara fresh, building upon the rangetopping Tekna truck, with a new front grille, fog lamp surrounds, mirror covers, door handles and rear bumper, all finished in black. Matching side steps and roof rails have been added, along with black 18” alloys and a set of N-Guard decals. The truck also comes with headlamp washers as standard, while Twilight Grey, Metallic Black and Storm White are the only colour options. Under the bonnet the truck is powered by Nissan’s twin-turbo 2.3litre diesel engine, delivering 190bhp and 450Nm of torque. You can choose between a six-speed manual gearbox or the seven-speed automatic that we have here, for an additional £1,450. In the cab, there are restyled leather and cloth seats, door trims and floor mats. You also get the standard Tekna’s NissanConnect 2.0 sat-nav and entertainment system, which has a rather dated looking 7” touchscreen, DAB and a colour reversing camera. Though fairly small, the screen also provides a monitor for Nissan’s Around

030 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

View Monitor, which shows a bird’s eye view of the truck at speeds of up to 10km/h, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces or off-road. Nissan’s Navara has been a favourite of this magazine for some years, regularly taking home our best pickup award. Four years after its introduction, despite many changes in the market, it remains our number one all-round choice. There are less expensive trucks around, more powerful engines on offer and the Nissan itself forms the basis for pickups from a couple of other manufacturers. But, as a fleet proposition, Navara still takes some beating. We had the N-Guard on test while pulling together the finalists for this year’s Fleet World Great British Fleet Awards, to make sure that we weren’t seeing the Nissan thorough rose-tinted glasses. It only took a few miles to reinforce the opinion that the Navara remains at the top of its game. The truck offers a comfortable, refined ride, particularly with that smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission. There are no flappy paddles for manual changes, but you don’t miss them. Likewise, with pickup engines now producing well in excess of 200-250bhp, the Nissan’s 190bhp proved more than enough to cover rapid motorway use and relaxed cross-country travel with ease. I was also glad to have easily selectable four-wheel drive available

during the test, having woken to an ice-covered hotel car park near Barnsley that was impossible to walk on, never mind drive up a slope to exit.

SPECIFICATION MODEL

Nissan Navara N-Guard Double Cab

BASIC PRICE £30,175 ENGINE 4-cyl 2,298cc FUEL INJECTION common-rail POWER 190bhp @ 3,750 TORQUE 450Nm @ 1,500-2,500 WEIGHTS (Kg) GVW 3,045 KERB WEIGHT 1,991 PAYLOAD 1,054 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,500 DIMENSIONS (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,578 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,560 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 474 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,130 LOAD VOLUME 1.16 COST CONSIDERATIONS FUEL TANK CAPACITY 73 ADBLUE TANK 17.1 COMBINED CO2/MPG 41mpg CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS 183g/km OIL CHANGE 2 years/18,000 miles WARRANTY 5 years/100,000 miles

THE VERDICT Aimed more at the owner-driver than fleets, but it tops a range that offers one of the best all-round truck solutions.

RATING

DRIVEN

Citroën Berlingo XL The L2 Berlingo makes a strong case for down-sizing, says Dan Gilkes. By building the latest Berlingo on two distinct wheelbases, rather than putting two different bodies on the same wheelbase as before, Citroën has greatly increased the appeal of the longer L2 model, or what it prefers to call the Berlingo XL. Load volume is up to 3.8m3, which can be stretched to 4.4m3 with the Extenso folding passenger seat and a removable panel in the steel bulkhead. The payload also rises, to 970kg for this model, with the shorter Berlingo capable of handling over 1 tonne in some specifications. That puts the larger Berlingo just under the smallest model in the Dispatch line-up, giving Citroën a seamless range of small to medium vans, but also providing customers with even more choice. If you’ve always run the larger Dispatch but never use its full load volume or payload potential, would you be better off down-sizing to the XL Berlingo and cutting purchase and running costs? The new Berlingo is offered with three BlueHDi diesels, delivering 75bhp, 99bhp and 131bhp. The good news is that the 1.5-litre is smooth, quiet and more than powerful enough, with this range-topping model having the added benefit of a six-speed manual gearbox for easy

032 • vanfleetworld.co.uk

cruising. However, even the 99bhp version with five speeds, copes well with motorway mileage. There are big changes in the cab, with additional space for the driver, a more comfortable driving position and a completely new dash, dominated by an 8” colour touchscreen in this Enterprise model. That screen brings with it DAB radio, two USB ports and compatibility with Apple, Android and Mirrorlink systems. Citroën has split Berlingo trim into four levels, starting with the base X model. That either moves up to Enterprise, or sideways to Worker, which includes Grip Control and underbody protection for construction and forestry use. Alternatively, you can also move sideways from the Enterprise trim, into a Driver spec. This adds comfort seating, front and rear sensors, Surround Rear Vision, alloys and additional acoustic insulation. For many business users, Enterprise will strike the best balance of comfort and utility. There are a host of optional driver assistance and safety systems on offer too, both individually and as part of a range of equipment packs. As an example, the Safety Pack pulls together Active Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, Active Safety Brake and Distance Alert Systems, for a single payment of £750. So, there are plenty of ways to specify

the new Berlingo, which again, may not make the fleet manager’s job any easier. The longer XL is expected to account for around 25% of Berlingo sales. But this time around, it is certainly worthy of a closer look.

SPECIFICATION MODEL

Berlingo BlueHDi 130 XL 950 Enterprise

BASIC PRICE £20,350 ENGINE 4-cyl 1,499cc POWER 131bhp @ 3,750 TORQUE 300Nm @ 1,750 WEIGHTS (Kg) GVW 2,400 KERB WEIGHT 1,430 PAYLOAD 970 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 1,200 DIMENSIONS (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 2,167 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,550 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,243 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,229 LOAD VOLUME 3.8 COST CONSIDERATIONS FUEL TANK CAPACITY 50 ADBLUE TANK 17 COMBINED CO2/MPG 64.2mpg CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS 116g/km OIL CHANGE 2 years/25,000 miles WARRANTY 3 years/100,000 miles

THE VERDICT Having a dedicated wheelbase and chassis, gives the longer Berlingo much improved load carrying abilities.

RATING

DRIVEN

Mercedes-Benz X-Class Spoiler alert! Mercedes grabs the top premium pickup title, at a price, says Dan Gilkes. The premium pickup market is in rude health, despite a fall in car and van sales, with orders climbing as fast as power outputs and list prices. Mercedes-Benz is the most recent entrant to the sector, with the X-Class that we first drove at the end of 2017. Initially the big Merc was only available with four-cylinder power, using the single and twin turbo 2.3-litre diesel engines from the truck’s donor manufacturer Nissan. These offer the same 160bhp and 190bhp outputs that you can find in the firm’s own Navara, mated to six-speed manual or sevenspeed automatic boxes with selectable four-wheel drive. But there was always more to come, with Mercedes set to go after Volkswagen’s premium pickup crown, with a home-grown V6 engine and driveline. That model has now arrived, its 3.0litre Mercedes V6 boasting a faintly ridiculous 258bhp, with an axle-twisting 550Nm of torque. While the auto four-cylinder models drive through a Renault-Nissan sevenspeed transmission, the V6 gets Merc’s own 7G-Tronic Plus box as standard. This in turn powers a permanent fourwheel drive 4Matic driveline. The results, for those worried about such things, are a promised 31.4mpg

and 236g/km of CO2. With prices starting from £38,350 for the V6 XClass however, fuel figures are unlikely to be a deciding factor. The range-topping Merc is only available in the highest Power trim level, though the press office had still seen fit to add a further £6,500 of options to our test truck. The result was, unsurprisingly, a pleasure to drive. As we found with the four-cylinder models, the X-Class is not simply a Navara with a different badge. It boasts completely new body panels, a wider track and a very different driving experience. The V6 simply takes that experience to a new level. Indeed, the big Merc feels more like a luxury SUV, that just happens to have a pickup bed at the back. That’s not to say that it can’t work if you need to, the truck will still haul over 1-tonne and tow a 3.5-tonne trailer, it just drives unlike any other pickup on the market. The engine is of course a dominant part of the experience, delivering crushing acceleration when called upon. Once you get over the novelty of a 2-tonne truck that will outsprint a GTI though, it becomes an incredibly relaxing pickup to drive, cruising effortlessly. The transmission also deserves a mention in dispatches. It comes with steering wheel mounted paddles for manual gear selection, but you will rarely use them. It is just so smooth, yet always seems to be in the right

gear when you need to accelerate. As an executive level truck, with offroad and towing abilities and potential tax advantages, it powers to the top of the premium pickup class.

SPECIFICATION MODEL Mercedes-Benz X350d 4Matic Power BASIC PRICE £38,350 ENGINE 6-cyl 2,987cc FUEL INJECTION common-rail POWER 258bhp @ 3,400 TORQUE 550Nm @ 1,400-3,200 WEIGHTS (Kg) GVW 3,300 KERB WEIGHT 2,233 PAYLOAD 1,067 MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 3,500 DIMENSIONS (mm) LOAD SPACE LENGTH 1,587 LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,560 LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 431 WIDTH BETWEEN W/ARCHES 1,215 LOAD VOLUME 1.06 COST CONSIDERATIONS FUEL TANK CAPACITY 73 ADBLUE TANK 17.1 COMBINED CO2/MPG 31.4mpg CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS 236g/km OIL CHANGE 2 years/15,000 miles WARRANTY 3 years/unlimited miles

THE VERDICT Well worth the wait, the V6 X-Class delivers a driving experience that is more than a match for the competition.

RATING

vanfleetworld.co.uk • 033

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United Vanliners Ltd Tel: 01778 561900 www.unitedvanliners.co.uk

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TMC

VEHICLE CCTV Exeros Technologies Tel: 020 8303 1188 www.exeros-technologies.com

Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

BP Oil UK Ltd Tel: 0845 603 0723 www.bpplus.co.uk .uk etworld.co • vanfle 2018 mber Septe September 2018 • vanfleetworld .co.uk September 2018 • vanfleetworld.co.uk September 2018

CE L EBR

euroShell Card Tel: 0800 915 6021 www.shell.co.uk/euroshell

BR CEL E ING CE L EBRAT

ATING

rld.co.uk • vanfleetwo

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BRATI

For more information, please contact Tracy Howell on 01727 739160 or email tracy@fleetworldgroup.co.uk

p70 p72

p70

TMC Tel: 01270 525 218 www.themilesconsultancy.co.uk

6 x 2 = MASTER

p72

p73

6 x 2 = MASTER

E-CRAFTER

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Volkswagen joins the electric van club

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SUPPLIER DIRECTORY

p73

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vanfeetworld.co.uk • 035

THE MULTI-AWARD WINNING ISUZU D-MAX

GAME CHANGER

Trade Van Driver 2018 DS AWAR

PICK-UP OF THE YEAR

2019

BEST MODEL

CALL 03303 335126 OR VISIT ISUZU.CO.UK TO BOOK A TEST DRIVE #Over 40 MPG figure applies to manual transmission models. MPG figures are official EU test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results. Official fuel figures for the Isuzu D-Max range in MPG (l/100km): Urban 30.4 - 38.7 (9.3 - 7.3). Extra Urban 40.9 - 50.4 (6.9 - 5.6). Combined 36.2 - 45.6 (7.8 - 6.2). CO2 emissions 163 - 205g/km. For full details please contact us or visit isuzu.co.uk *3.5 tonne towing applies to all 4x4 models. **125,000 miles/5 year (whichever comes first) warranty applies to all new Isuzu D-Max models. Terms and conditions apply. Visit isuzu.co.uk