Citroën has launched its new Nemo van, specifically aimed for use in urban environments. It says its compact size, ease of manoeuvrability and low emissions (119g/km CO2 for the 1.4HDi model) will be a major plus for town and city use.
At less than £6,500, the Proton Jumbuck is probably Britain's cheapest four-wheeled CV. Its origins arte Malaysian via Norfolk, as Proton also owns Lotus. It boasts Lotus input in its development but the steering and handling came in for the worst criticism when we drove it.
Two of the handicaps it faces in the marketplace are the lack of a diesel engine and four-wheel-drive. Despite the latter, the former means it probably uses 50% more fuel than a decent oil-burner could achieve. It's not all negative, though, as its car origins provide a reasonably comfortable environment, although the base model provides the last refuge of the vinyl seat. Looked at as a cheap motorised wheel-barrow, it begins to make sense.
Launched two years ago the new Maxus led the market for a while, only to be overtaken by new launches from competitors in the past 12 months. Now under new Russian ownership it appears strong enough to begin fighting for market share.
It's exceptionally good value. Load area is vast and it's equally at home on the motorway or on multi-drops in town. Chassis-cab variants will be welcome.
This all-new vehicle has new styling, new engines, a vastly expanded line-up covering the weight range from 2.8-4.0t and is offered with a 17m3 loadspace option, up from 14m3.
There are three wheelbases, four overall lengths, three roof heights and seven interior volume options. The interior loading length is extended by 710mm to a maximum 4,100mm and the width between the wheelarches is 1,422mm.
While some commercial vehicles excel in certain areas, the Caddy proves it's possible to make a van with no noticeable flaws. Constructed with the build quality the company is famous for, the overalll competence of the design and attention to detail makes it the standout vehicle in the class.
It might be a heavyweight at 2,235kg but it also comes with a payload of 815kg and a load volume of 3.2m3.
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From the outside changes to the new Daily appear to be limited to new headlights and grille, but in reality pretty much every element has been overhauled making it worthy of consideration, particularly for applications requiring a robust product.
A new dash and instrument panel, using superior plastics, gives it a fresh appearance. All dials and gauges can now be seen from the driver's seat in all positions while the fit and vinish is u pthere with the best in class.
The all-new Cabstar will be rebadged as the Maxity and sold through Renault Trucks in the UK. It may also be seen in UK Volvo showrooms as it is in a number of other European markets. On the evidence to date it will give dealers a significant new weapon in their armoury as it is more than capable of challenging the lights of Isuzu and Mitsubishi for 3.5t market success.
Nissan has given the Cabstar a thorough makeover inside, complete with improved driving position, while a new ladder-type chassis addresses durability issues around rigidity of the chassis. Power now comes from the 109hp and 128hp versions of the 2.5-litre engine used in the Interstar, while top power comes from a 3.0-litre engine booting out 150hp.
THe ride is impeccable and Nissan claims a best in class turning circle for the new 3.5-tonner, although we've found the steering lifeless and vauge.
International van of the year 2004, the Transporter can still give the Renault/Vauxhall model a run for its money. In a mid-year analysis of the market in 2006, the Transporter commanded 20% of the medium van sector, second to the Vivaro.
With the 2.5-litre, five-cylinder 174hp engine under the bonnet this is one of the most powerful vans on the market. Options from 84hp and 130hp are on offer. The Transporter in the UK is available with two wheelbase options and three roof heights offering load volumes up to 9.3m3. All-wheel-drive variants joined the line-up last year.
Volkswagen released details of the new top-of-the-range Transporter SPortline in the first quarter of 2006. This high-power special edition version is equipped with the 174hp engine, has sporty styling and all the bells and whistles on the inside. Definitely one for those looking for that little bit more.
The Doblo Cargo is still displaying plenty of qualities to keep it at the forefront of the category.
The load area, featuring a capacity of 3.8m3 for the high-roof version, provides plenty of space to work with, while the optional twin side-loading doors allow easy access.
Ford's Thai-built contender in the one-tonne pickup market has gradually built a reputation for toughness and dependability, accompanied by lacklustre dynamics. We were expecting the revised model to offer more of the same and were totally unprepared for the hugely improved product that rolled off the boat at Southampton.
