With a highly comprehensive range of engines and transmissions coupled with the choice of front or rear wheel drive, the Ford Transit van was built to withstand the rigours of daily grind. The range of Duratorq TDCi diesel engines are available in three power and torque configurations aimed at boosting performance and efficiency. The common rail fuel-injection system improves horsepower and torque whilst increasing load capacity and towing capability. We drove the 2.4 TDCi 140 PS which delivers a maximum torque of 375Nm at 2000 rpm. Our model came with a 6 speed Durashift transmission. 

The Transit handles its load phenomenally well due to Ford’s heavy focus on torque. With up to 375Nm of torque available, the Ford transit is more than capable of towing a Gross Train Mass of between 3500-6500kg. The drive is smooth sporting an engine that accelerates strongly from the start and is highly responsive, even when climbing uphill or at high speed. We tested our Ford Transit with a 1000kg/one tonne load, and found that there was little difference in the van’s performance, but you’ll need higher acceleration when in lower gears. The medium-wheel based, medium roof increases the payload by approximately 300kg, but is less versatile for city-based driving. However, the high seating position, and good sized mirrors improve visibility for manoeuvres.

The new and improved warranty terms have been put in place to mirror the Renault Trafic and Master ranges and demonstrates Renault’s continued commitment to quality.

The new, improved warranty terms reflect the confidence that Renault has in the Renault Kangoo range and provides greater peace of mind for businesses in today’s increasingly tough economic climate.

The Kangoo van excels over its key rivals such as the Peugeot Bipper and the Vauxhall Combo as it offers an additional 40,000 miles coverage in its standard package, including 3 years free Renault assistance.

The new Renault Kangoo Van range is on sale now and is priced from £8,690 to £9,390 excluding VAT and OTR charges.

A range of finance offers are available, including a Hire Purchase offer of four years at 0% with £99 deposit, plus free ply lining.

For more information on the Renault Kangoo Van click here

Along with the existing Transporter Sportline panels van and the five-seater Kombi, the new vans will expand the stylish Sportline range to five models.

The Sportline range is designed for van drivers who want to stand out from the crowd, sporting a dynamic and premium image, with a high level of performance to match.

The new Caddy and Caddy Maxi Sportline vans were unveiled by Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at VW’s head office in Milton Keynes yesterday, and are due to arrive in Volkswagen Van Centres in November. 

Unique features of the new Sportline exterior include chrome side rails and front grilles, lower front spoiler with integrated fog lights, body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, plus unique 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels with an embossed Sportline centre logo. Additions to the Sportline interior include bespoke black Italian leather upholstery with red stitching, microperforated red centre panels and an embroidered Sportline logo.

The new Caddy Sportline and Caddy Maxi Sportline boasts s six-speed gearbox with top-of-the-range 140 PS. A 2.0-litre TDI PD diesel engine delivers impressive performance with the flexibility provided by 320 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 2,500 rpm. 

Both models are available in Tornado Red, Reflex Silver metallic and Diamond Black pearl effect paint with basic retail prices (excluding VAT) starting from £17,000 for the Caddy Sportline and £18,280 for the larger Caddy Maxi Sportline. 

For more details of the Sportline range, click here

Sharing your vehicle can save on fuel costs and parking fees, not to mention saving the environment. You can also use it as a way to get to know colleagues a better, however the survey revealed that 55 per cent of drivers would say ‘no’ to sharing if they had a choice. In fact, three out of four respondents admitted they would rather make up an excuse than say yes to lift sharing.
 
Nearly seventy per cent of people who took part in the survey also admitted that they felt their driving changed with passengers in the car, but opinion was split on whether the effect on their driving was positive or negative.
 
Clive Forsythe, sales and marketing director at Masterlease, said: “It is intriguing that respondents described driving more slowly as both positive and negative. For some it is probably a very positive consequence to have passengers in the car as they are more conscientious, but others felt that it cramped their usual driving style.”
 
From personal experiences, I would say that my driving is definitely affected by the presence of  a colleague in the car; I feel that my concentration is lessened by having to respond to someone else as well as concentrate on the road.

I also feel as if driving colleagues outside of working hours can make you feel as if you’re actually at work for longer, as there is often little to talk about except the day’s happenings within the work place.

So, would you car or van share to save some cash and the environment? Or do you feel that driving colleagues outside of the boundaries of your working day is a chore you’d rather ignore! We want to know what you think.
 

As a result, many of the manufacturers who sell temperature-controlled vehicles have already signed up to exhibit in the Cool Pavilion at next year’s show.

Since 2000, when the IRTE Show, TipCon and the Commercial Vehicle and Bodywork Show combined, the CV Show has helped more than 1,200 exhibitors and nearly a quarter of a million visitors to meet and do business at Birmingham’s NEC. 

2009 is forecast to continue the trend, with advance exhibitor bookings already equal to 2008’s show, which brought in over 28,000 business visitors.

There are six months to go before the doors open for the tenth Commercial Vehicle Show which will be held on 28-30 April 2009. For more details on who will be exhibiting there, with web and e-mail details, click here.
 

Although wholesale petrol prices have been dropping for some time, we have only recently seen any difference at the pump. As a result, Motors.co.uk has conducted its own survey which shows that 95 per cent of visitors to the site believe the drop has been too slow.

The survey emphasises the general mood across the UK and has promted Prime Minister Gordon Brown to insist that petrol prices are dropped, else firms could face an enquiry.

Supermarkets have been first to take the lead, with prices dropping to 99.9p per litre for unleaded and 110.9p for diesel.

But major petrol retailers have as yet kept prices well above £1 per litre with average prices, according currently 106.7p for unleaded and 117.7p for diesel, according to website, Petrolprices.com.

‘The public knows that when oil prices go up, it is reflected very quickly in the pump price,’ Said Mr Brown. ‘What we want to know is that when oil prices come down, that is also reflected in the pump price.’

While Mr Brown has no formal power to order price reductions, it is clear that an inquiry will be imminent should petrol retailers fail to take notice.
 

The T28 Transporter SWB was the only medium/large van to achieve more than 50mpg in the event travelling almost three miles further per gallon over the 412 mile route that its rival, the Mercedes Benz Vito. 

‘This clearly demonstrates how cost-effective and economical the Volkswagen Transporter can be in real-world driving, and how operators can cut fuel costs by using more economical driving techniques,’ said Simon Elliott, Director of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

What’s more, the Transporter was carrying 50 per cent of its payload throughout the marathon, and was faced with a variety of A and B roads plus motorway driving to create “real-world” conditions. 

So, which van would you choose, the Vito or the Transporter? If looks are anything to go by, the Mercedes Vito wins hands down. But in the performance stakes, have Volkswagen raised the bar just that little bit higher? Tell us what you think.
 

The upgraded range maintain the athletic looks of the previous model, whist incorporating some further truck-like features to the exterior design which give the fleet rugged reliability and a stronger road presence.

Mazda UK’s sales director, Mark Cameron said: “Across the range, all the technical and practical attributes of the predecessor are retained, including its car-like driving dynamics, and valuable upgrades, such as ABS as standard, and an improved MP3-compatible audio system with auxiliary input jack.  These enhancements, plus fresh exterior colours, will boost the appeal of Mazda’s pickup.”

The upgraded range is five-strong and Mazda BT-50 models are now priced at £10,830.74 (on the road) for the 4×2 Single Cab and £18,680.96 (on the road) for the new range-topping 4×4 Double Cab 3.0 Intrepid model. 

The upgraded Mazda BT-50 continues to deliver excellent off-road performance, with highly competitive approach, departure, breakover and tilt angles.  Measuring 5,075mm in overall length, the Mazda BT-50 has a 465mm-high double-walled cargo box and a rear suspension featuring double-acting shock absorbers, enabling the 4×4 models to carry a load of up to 1,219kg.

For further information on the new Mazda BT-50 range, click here
 

Power for the Daily comes from Unijet engines which go from 96 to 146 hp. The Iveco Daily 35S15 at 17.2 cubic metres is the largest van on British roads. The exterior is stylish in a very Italian way with its bold design of high panels and clean lines. Pre-2005, engines on offer were all 2.8-litres and had power outputs of 90bhp, 105bhp and 125bhp but newer models have 2.3-litre and 3.0-litre engines mated to a new six-speed gearbox, with power outputs up to a 166 hp, making it one of the most powerful vans on the road.

Overall handling of the vehicle for such a very large van is very light and driving at speed un-laden you need to keep your wits about you. The power steering is amazing making parking in confined spaces a doddle. The brakes are really smooth and provide safe stopping regardless of condition or speed provided by discs all round assisted by the vacuum servo. The gearshift is not the smoothest in the sector, it has a notchy feel which demands slow changes. But even the lower powered models feel lusty and at 70mph, settle down to a quiet thrum. 2005 models are noticeably quieter. 

The high seat position in the Relay makes for a more comfortable and easy drive, although until you get a load in the back, you’ll find the journey bumpy and uncomfortable. Once loaded up, the vehicle performs much better, with smoother gear changes and less bumps. But you’ll need to get up to third gear before you notice a difference in noise levels in the cab. The large wing mirrors make manoeuvring such a huge vehicle slightly easier, with the mesh bulkhead allowing additional visibility out of the back which helps when reversing. We found the power assisted steering on the 3.5t Dropside we drove smooth and responsive with a turning circle that was tighter than most competitors. Another handy gadget is the hand brake which beeps at you if you forget to lower it completely to the floor prior to setting off.