International Van of the Year shortlist announced
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The votes are finally being counted. UK jury member Andy Salter previews the runners and riders
By Andy Salter THE INTERNATIONAL Van of the Year is awarded to a light CV launched in the past 12 months that is deemed to have made the greatest contribution to the eficient carriage of goods by road.
The jury is made of distinguished CV journalists, representing 21 countries throughout the greater European region.
Over the past 12 months, many of the van makers have been updating their vehicles in readiness for the Euro-5 standard van emissions, which took effect in October this year and required cleaner diesel engines.
These vehicles feature strongly in the shortlist of candidates, although a curve ball is delivered by Renault in the shape of its new Kangoo ZE electric vehicle, which made its UK debut at the CV Show in April 2011.
The International Van of the Year 2012 will be awarded to the winning vehicle today. Check out next week’s CM for all the details.
Iveco Daily
The new Italian-built light commercial is one of this year’s strongest candidates, bringing together new Euro-5 compliant engines with a styling and detail makeover. The Daily beneits from high horsepower engine options, new exterior styling and umpteen other interior detail changes that ensure this tough performer continues to evolve. Verdict: Leading fancy to scoop gold.
Fiat Ducato
Recent victories for the Fiorino and Doblò Cargo makes Fiat the form horse in this year’s race, yet while there’s new engines added to the Ducato, the minor changes elsewhere make it a less appealing contender than fellow Italian product the Daily. That said the all-new
engine line-up ensures Fiat remains competitive, while the addition of the six-speed transmission means the Ducato is a very driveable machine. Verdict: CM will be surprised if the Ducato takes more than bronze this time around.
Volkswagen Caddy
The VW Caddy was launched in Euro-5 guise last November, too late to be considered for the 2011 election, and as a result is in danger of being overlooked in this year’s title race. The new Caddy beneits from a choice of 1.6or 2-litre diesels with a top
rating of 140hp. Standard load volume is 3.2m3, while the Caddy Maxi gives volume a boost to 4.2m3. Verdict: Battling for minor honours only.
Volkswagen Crafter
Crafter’s Euro-5 enhancement sees a tone down in the aggressive front-end styling, improvements in the payload offering and a brand new range of 2-litre Euro-5 diesels. Volkswagen has developed a strong reputation in the 3.5-tonne leet sector and the new Euro-5 is set to build on that position in the market. Verdict: Anything from VW has to be taken seriously – big contender.
Ford Transit
The Euro-5 Transit may be little more than an engine change, but Ford has a strong pedigree in the award and it would be dangerous to write-off any bid from them. The new Transit uses one engine throughout the line-up, the 2.2-litre, while other tweaks include the introduction of a new six-speed transmission and service intervals increase. Verdict: Don’t rule out, but likely to be an also-ran this time.
Renault Kangoo ZE
This is the irst time an electric vehicle has featured in the shortlist for the trophy and the little Renault is certainly the dark horse of this year’s contenders. There’s no doubt
ing Renault is taking electric vehicles seriously – an ambitious production plan for 20,000 vehicles per year should speak for itself – and the operating costs of the Kangoo ZE are starting to get competitive with diesel. Verdict: It’s a very real possibility that the Kangoo ZE could spring a surprise and scoop the top award from all the other contenders. ■