What you get with the Berlingo/Partner is a little van that combines simple design with real ability. it's been with us for a few years now, but constant updating and honing has managed to keep it a viable option. The pick of the bunch is the 2.0-litre which manages to combine surprising urge with decent fuel economy.

The UK's best selling van took a substantial leap forward in 2006 with changes to the new generation Transit targeting areas which aid on-the-road efficiency and an announcement that it will get ESP (electronic stability control) as standard. Handling and loadbox functionality are top class.

With the aid of couple of facelifts in its 10-year life, Mercedes’ volume large van has consistently taken the number two spot in the market behind Transit, albeit at around 20% of the volumes in the UK.

The initial body platform was shared with Volkswagen's LT, though the Sprinter has been more highly developed in the meantime. The latest round of major improvements in 2003 saw it gain new common-rail engines, an auto transmission option and improvements to the cabin area as well as a number of traction and stability upgrades.

It has just had a facelift, it has an excellent payload, it has a sophisticated specification and one of the best common-rail engines around. It also has a competitive price tag, but despite all of this, UK buyers just don't seem to notice Toyota's Hiace.

Although the modern D-4D engines are efficient and frugal, 102hp as a top rating is rather too modest for today’s needs. Two wheelbases and a wider than usual selection of trim and door options should satisfy most requirements, although the lack of a high-roof version is a limiting factor. One the first vans to feature standard ABS, safety is good, but driver accommodation is slightly compromised by the cab design - the least European part of the van.

It took a while to understand the L200 phenomenon, where the UK's best selling pickup by a huge margin was some way off being the best. Until recently, service intervals were just 4,500 miles and the engines were getting antiquated. The new model, though, has a decent common-rail engine, service intervals are increased to an acceptable level and the styling does much to disguise the fact that there is still a square-cornered load box out back.

It's unfortunate for Mazda that Ford launched the Ranger six months ahead of the Mazda BT-50 as the new duo are fundamentally more Mazda than Ford.

Built on the same Thai production line, they share the same running gear, chassis and body sub-structure, including doors, roof and loadbox, but the bulk of their development including the impressive new 2.5-litre common-rail engine is by Mazda. The engine has the flattest torque curve in the sector, giving excellent flexibility and eliminating the need for a six-speed transmission.

Isuzu took the bold move of making an automated transmission the standard offering on its truck line-up when it gave the NPR a makeover in the summer of 2005. Updated version also received new 5.2-litre common-rail engine available at 175 and 150hp. It’s lighter than the previous unit and is expected to offer improved fuel economy. The top rating is currently only available with the manual transmission. Torque output is 500 and 404Nm respectively.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.