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.

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.