tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2008:/blogs/builders-vans//94 2008-01-16T15:39:10Z Reviews, news and information about vans and vehicles for local builders and SMEs in the UK construction industry. Movable Type Enterprise 1.53 tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2008:/blogs/builders-vans//94.22250 2008-01-16T15:34:18Z 2008-01-16T15:39:10Z

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...

James Evison 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. ]]> To suit its urban role the new compact high cube Nemo is just 3.86m long, but has a large internal load volume of 2.5cu m and a payload of 610kg. The Nemo will be available with a choice of a 75hp 1.4i petrol engine or Citroën’s economical 70hp 1.4HDi diesel engine (63mpg/4.5 l/100 km on the combined cycle). Both engines are coupled to five speed manual gearboxes. In addition a Citroën five-speed automated manual transmission will also be an option for Nemo vans powered by the 1.4HDi engine. This two-pedal option combines the benefits of automatic transmission with the fuel efficiency and emissions advantages of a manual vehicle, making it especially suited for around-town use. Other Nemo features include the availability of single or twin sliding, side-load doors as well as twin rear doors that can be easily opened to 180o. In addition, the Nemo introduces an Extenso modular passenger seat, as well as a versatile modular bulkhead system. These two features provide the Nemo with a wide range of passenger and load carrying configurations. Full details of the UK Nemo specification and pricing will be announced nearer to its spring on-sale date. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11290 2007-12-18T10:26:22Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11287 2007-12-06T10:08:25Z 2008-01-04T12:12:24Z

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...

James Evison 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. ]]> Power is from Italian-built VM 2.5-litre turbo-diesels with four valves per cylinder and Bosch common-rail injection. Bodies come with standard and high roofs on the short wheelbase, and high and extra-high roofs on the long, giving load volumes ranging from 7.0 - 11.4m3. Even the smallest can take an 8x4 sheet flat on the floor. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11334 2007-09-06T14:20:41Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> Power comes from three new engines. Lowest powered is a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel while at the top end, all versions use Sofim's 3.0-litre engine at 157hp. The interior cab layout cranks things up another level. it's a welcoming environment with plenty of storage space. The gearshift is located on the dash and the instrument panel is clear and well arranged, while the fit and finish, suspect in the previous model, has been vastly improved. Get one on demo, get all the backup and warranty assurance you can from the dealer, then buy one. This van is going to be popular. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11346 2007-07-06T15:04:41Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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. ]]> But this carrying ability isn't detrimental to fuel economy, with the Caddy producing 43.2mpg from the 1.9-litre 103hp on the CM test run. On the road it behaves impeccably with a composed chassis and communicative steering, while the inside is suitably Germanic in its efficiency, with an excellent driving position and lots of storage. Our only reservation is the background noise from the load area at speed. Well, there had to be something... tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11342 2007-07-06T14:57:38Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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....

James Evison 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. ]]> There are big improvements in the structure of the loadbox, from the sliding side door to the rigidity of the panels. The latter cures that horrible booming from the panels every time you go over a pothole or drain. In the Daily the Sofim engines combine to give startling performance with little in-cab noise intrusion. What's more, the handling of the Daily is a revelation - the changes to the rear suspension mean there's no hopping around of the rear when empty and the van felt permanently planted to the ashphalt when hustling through country roads. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11337 2007-07-06T14:34:49Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11333 2007-07-06T14:11:37Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11328 2007-07-06T14:00:01Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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. ]]> Up front, you get an individually designed cabin that reflects the Italian company's penchant for styling quirks and this works well in general. Major controls are close to hand and there's enough storage, including individual parcel shelves. As a driving machine the Fiat is slightly softer in operation than its contemporaries, but its light steering is a bonus in town, while the real jewel in the crown is the MultiJet engine (available in 1.3 and 1.9-litre guise). They provide a near perfect combination of performance and economy, delivering their power in an even and stress-free manner. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11296 2007-07-06T09:48:43Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> True, the external restyling has created a new image with minimal structural changes, but the rest of the upgrade is more substantial. Starting inside, the utilitarian fascia has given way to a more car-like design with a high level of standard kit. The usual three cab options include the extended Super Cab with its rear-hinged rear doors, and three trim levels which tick all the boxes from fleet to lifestyle. The new twin overhead cam engine is a world away from the old donkey and with significantly improved suspension, plays a big part in the much higher levels of refinement. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11293 2007-07-06T09:36:31Z 2008-01-04T12:12:23Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> Isuzu’s auto transmission uses a conventional manual transmission with the shift actuation controlled electronically. To ensure smooth delivery of the power there’s a multiple wet clutch, fluid coupling and conventional clutch actuator, all of this is controlled electronically, hence no clutch pedal in the cab. The change is not as fast as that on offer form ZF in the MAN TGL, but we're not sure if drivers will care. The cab has also received an exterior restyle and although the interior remains virtually unchanged from the outgoing model a fully suspended seat is now available, air conditioning is an option and the interior trim colour is a dark grey affair, which should be simple to keep clean. No fuel test results yet from the NPR, so the jury’s out on the efficiency of the truck, but for payload potential alone it has to be worth a try. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11292 2007-07-06T09:32:16Z 2008-01-04T12:12:24Z

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,...

James Evison 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. ]]> The refined engine is adequately matched by extremely well sorted suspension that manages to give good handling and impeccable ride comfort. Mazda has a more limited UK range than Ford, with three basic versions, 4x2, 4x4 single cabs, and a 4x4 double cab, but not the Freestyle extended cab with rear-hinged doors. The double-cab comes with three trim levels, covering needs from fleet to lifestyle. Even the basic model comes with a reasonably high level of standard equipment. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11288 2007-07-06T09:20:48Z 2008-01-04T12:12:24Z

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....

James Evison 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.]]> Much of Mitsubishi's success is down to its fleet preparation operation, which provides a comprehensive pre-delivery customisation service, from fitting a tow-bar to creating an ambulance. Mitsubishi has resisted the temptation to move the L200's dimensions one size larger like the Nissan and Toyota rivals. The old L200 model remains on sale for a while yet, offering an irresistable financial proposition for the less fashion conscious buyer. tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11284 2007-07-06T08:42:40Z 2008-01-04T12:12:24Z

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...

James Evison 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.]]> tag:www.buildersbox.co.uk,2007:/blogs/builders-vans//94.11281 2007-07-06T08:35:44Z 2008-01-04T12:12:24Z

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...

James Evison 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. ]]> The Sprinter is a formidable force in the parcels and longer distance fleet sectors, and like the Transit and the Daily, benefits from an extension into the 3.5-tonne-plus sector. The ‘original’ Sprinter was replaced early in 2006; the new model is even more technology-heavy and (inevitably) even more expensive.