The Mercedes Citan is based on the Renault Kangoo but is a much better van – the three-pointed star has polished the original offering and pushed up the quality to warrant the price tag. A new Citan is planned for launch in 2022 but the latest model still has a lot to recommend it.
The new Renault Kangoo Z.E. is a decent offering for those who are looking for an all-electric van with the latest model having its range boosted by 50%; it should, according to Renault, provide 170 miles on a single charge. There’s also a good range of body styles to help maintain the van’s popularity which is the bestselling electric van in Europe.
The latest model of the Volkswagen Caddy is not an all-new creation but a big revamp. There’s a lot to like about the model with plenty of the best bits of the old model brought into the new one; the cargo area is about the same size. However, it does have an impressive new interior which helps to underline its position as one of the most comfortable vans to drive in its class. It’s in a keenly fought segment and while it is pricier than some rivals, it’s certainly worth shortlisting.
The Fiat Talento is a bold step by the Italian van maker into the market dominated by the Ford Transit Custom. As a compact sized van, it has got plenty of space and the comfort levels on board will impress – it is also affordable to run and buy. For Custom as well as Renault Trafic buyers it’s a serious alternative in a keenly fought segment – though, in reality, the Talento utilises the third-generation of Trafic’s platform to good effect. For those who aren’t impressed with Fiat’s previous reputation for build quality it’s probably time to take a closer look at what the firm is producing under its aim to reinvent their line-up.
There are so many positives for the Ford Ranger that they make the niggles sound twee – it’s a great pick-up to drive and one of the best of its kind but the ride and refinement leave a lot to be desired when it’s fully loaded