All-new Movano

Vauxhall is launching their all-new Movano commercial van range offering 29 vehicle body type variations to choose from, front or rear-wheel drive, plus new power trains for lower commercial vehicle operating costs.

The modular platform has been jointly designed with Renault and depending on your payload category, you can also choose rear wheel drive variants with twin wheels. The full range of vehicles will include panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four lengths and three roof heights. The new Movano will be an excellent base for any conversions and the van will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van too.

Cabin comfort and safety is high on the agenda, with areas like improved driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column all on offer. The cargo area offers load lengths extending to 4.4 metres and a load capacity upto 17 cubic metres (L4H3 version).

Under the bonnet the van is powered by new generation 2.3-litre CDTi-four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines with three power outputs available (100PS,125PS and 150PS) all linked to a six-speed gearbox as standard. The 125PS and 150PS versions can also be coupled to the semi-auto Techshift. 

Movano cabin interior

ABS and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is standard on all models while ESP (electronic stability program) is also standard on all rear-wheel drive vans and optional for front-wheel drive. Other safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.

The new Movano range launch phase will be staggered according to the body variants and first vehicles will be available in May 2010.

Nissan NV200 Combi

Nissan is introducing a new Combi version of their popular NV200 panel van with five or seven seats plus a huge load carrying capacity. The new Nissan NV200 Combi goes on sale in February and offers a great package of luggage space, passenger carrying capability and good fuel economy too. Access to the 3.1 cubic metres is accessed via twin sliding doors.

All Combis are equipped with Nissan’s ultra-efficient 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine which offers you CO2 emissions of only 139g/km and a combined mpg of 53.3mpg. The entry model is the S version which comes with ABS, EBD, driver and passenger airbags, CD player plus MP3 jack, electric windows and mirrors, plus a trip computer.

If air-conditioning as standard “is a must”, then step up to the SE model, which also gets alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers and a reversing camera for easy parking.

2010 Citroen Berlingo First

The popular Citroen Berlingo First 1.6 HDi 75hp 600kg panel van has been updated for 2010 with a significant specification boost. The van now comes with “Plus Pack” as a standard option and this adds remote control central locking, electric front windows and electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors.

In addition the 2010 Berlingo First specification model gains a near side sliding side load door as part of its standard equipment, to further improve access to the vehicle.

Charles Peugeot, head of commercial vehicles and business sector sales said,”The well proven Berlingo First continues to be a popular budget choice for van buyers. The latest Berlingo First specification upgrade will further enhance the appeal of this evergreen model”.

AST and Citroen

Citroen Commercial has supplied the AST Ambulance Service,one of the UK’s leading suppliers of specialist medical equipment, with two specially converted Relay bariatric ambulances and one Dispatch-based bariatric support vehicle. The Relay ambulances will be used to carry patients weighing more than 318kg (50 stone) or more.

The Relay model is based on the 35 L3H2 120 panel van, is expected to last four years and cover over 100,000 miles. The Dispatch 20HDI support vehicle, which also carries a wide range of medical equipment is also expected to have a similar life.

AST already has a 26 company fleet including Citroen C5 ambulance cars and expects to add further Citroen vehicles to its fleet.

New Transporter

Volkswagen has updated their Transporter range of  vans with new styling and quieter, more economical Euro 5 common rail TDI engines.

The Transporter range continues to offer a choice of panel vans, chassis cabs, shuttle and window van people movers with up to nine seats. Enhancing the range is a new kombi model with a folding and removable rear bench seat that can carry up to six people.

Four new 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines are available, offering greater power and torque plus servicing intervals are extended by 7,000 miles to a maximum of 25,000 miles. Volkswagen has also added ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) as standard for greater stability plus ARP (anti rollover protection),Ready Alert Brake and Rain Brake Support for faster braking. Adding to this you also get a trailer stabilisation function and an all-new hill-start assist.

The 102 PS engine offers a CO2 emission output of 199g/km and 37.7 mpg on the combined fuel cycle while the 140PS engine emits 203g/km and provides 36.7 mpg. Van contract hire leasing prices are available shortly.

Nissan NV200

The generously equipped Nissan NV200 prices have now been released with Nissan contract hire prices also available now. This Nissan van offers class leading CO2 emissions of only 137g/km and a cargo capacity of 4.16 cubic metres.

Two models are available in a 1.5-litre four cylinder diesel engine - the entry level E-panel van and the SE version. The E-panel van comes with many standard options including a CD audio system and MP3 aux jack plus keyless entry. Step up to the SE and you also get electric front windows and a full steel bulkhead. A Combi version with seven seats will also join the range later next year with prices available around February 2010.

Road safety is important to any light commercial van operator and Citroen already offers Trafficmaster’s Smartnav satellite system in the Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay panel vans.

Under a new initiative with Trafficmaster, Citroen is now offering the Trafficmaster Fleet Director system at a subsidised rate of £19.99+ VAT per month. Fleet Director is a real-time fleet management programme that utilises Smartnav telematics to provide direct communication with drivers and to show their exact whereabouts. This is particularly of interest if a driver is working in a remote place allowing instant two-way communication.

The reporting available from Fleet Director also allows a van operator to improve road safety and help maintain their Duty of Care requirements.

Limited Edition X

Volkswagen has introduced a new Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X model as their Sportline sales continue to grow. The Caddy and Caddy Maxi Sportline models in particular have become increasingly popular. There will only be 150 of the Transporter Sportline Limited Edition X models made available in short and long wheelbase panel van mode or short wheelbase kombi.

In addition to the standard specification on the standard Transporter Sportline model of 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome grilles and side sills, leather seats and front and rear spoilers, the X model gets chrome and black “Dakar” alloy wheels, “leather pack” (leather steering wheel and gear lever), specially designed black and blue leather seats, Sportline floor mats and rear parking sensors. There is a choice of two metallic paint colours – Reflex Silver and Shadow Blue.