Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

Transit Courier

As predictably as middle-aged spread,&nbsp;vans tend to get&nbsp;bigger with each new generation – but few models have expanded as drastically as the Ford Transit Courier.

You see, while the original Courier was based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/used-review/n952">Ford Fiesta</a>, this second-generation version takes the larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n20838">Ford Puma</a> as a starting point. As a result, its length has increased&nbsp;from just over 4.1m to 4.3m – and, more importantly, it's now capable of transporting heavier payloads.

As you can see from the photos, it's also had a complete redesign for 2024. The new front end looks closer to, say, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/ford-explorer-electric-suv/n25614">Ford Explorer</a> than the other vans that share the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a> name&nbsp;(the Connect and Custom). It’s unmistakably a van&nbsp;though.

<h2 dir="ltr">Ford Transit Courier van review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gOSKYCXybyo?si=GsKvKVZh14hX84EK" width="560"></iframe>

Despite its growth spurt, the&nbsp;Courier remains shorter than the Transit Connect and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo Van</a>,&nbsp;which measure around 4.4m in overall length. They're also available in long-wheelbase versions, which the Courier is not.

So&nbsp;how does the new Ford Transit Courier stack up as a competitor to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best small vans</a> available? Read on to find out...

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/awards/van-awards">Read more: The best vans in every class</a>

The 2024 Transit Courier is a well-priced small van that's good to drive and surprisingly spacious

Ford Transit Courier

Small Van

Second chances in life are rare – but as any celebrity who has gone through a reinvention and emerged more popular than ever will tell you, they can work out well. So, while the first-generation Mercedes Citan wasn’t quite up to the standards of most&nbsp;rivals, this new version is aiming to be the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best small van</a> on the market.

The second-generation Citan – like the first – shares most of its oily components with the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a>. However, while the original van was essentially a Kangoo with a different badge, Mercedes says this time it has had more involvement to turn the latest version&nbsp;into a standalone product.

It has a new design, for example, which sets it apart from the Kangoo, and a bespoke infotainment system. And as well as being available with a conventional engine, it will also be available as an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans-2022/n21136">electric van</a> for the first time. The electrified version – the eCitan – will form the basis of the upcoming Mercedes EQT electric people carrier.

Still, the Mercedes Citan we're looking at here will need every tool in the box to compete with its accomplished small van rivals. They include&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a>.

Keep reading to find out more about the engine&nbsp;and versions available, and how we rate the Citan in all the important areas.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Citan

Good fuel economy and competitive cargo space, but equipment feels a little basic and some rivals are better to drive.

Mercedes Citan van

The Citroën Berlingo Van is the best-selling compact van in the UK, just squeezing the Ford Transit Connect into second place and beating all its (almost identical) Stellantis-made siblings.

It must be doing something right&nbsp;then –&nbsp;but that’s not stopped <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/citroen">Citroën</a>&nbsp;giving the Berlingo a refresh to ensure it remains competitive for another few years.

That includes a new look on the outside, with the French brand reviving its double chevron logo from 1919 and placing it in the middle of a revised nose. There's also a bold horizontal bar running between the headlights and a new bumper, but everything has been done with a light touch.

Inside, the higher-spec model now has a 10in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a> mounted high in the centre of the dashboard, but other changes are few and far between. The Berlingo retains its impressive payload and car-like handling.

So far, so good – but the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a> stablemates have been updated too, so the competition includes revised versions of the Fiat Doblo, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo</a>&nbsp;as well as the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-city/van/review/n22091">Toyota Proace City</a>. You'll also want to consider the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a>, Mercedes Citan, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a>&nbsp;and several others.

Read on to find out how we rate the latest Citroën Berlingo against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best compact vans</a> you can get in the UK and which version we recommend…

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

BERLINGO CV

The Berlingo remains one of the best small vans you can buy with excellent cargo versatility

New Citroën Berlingo Van

In the UK, the Fiat Doblo has long been the least-loved of a range of small vans from Stellantis, and that seems a little unfair.

You see, the Doblo is&nbsp;literally the same van as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo Van</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo Cargo</a>. It&nbsp;shares their engines, gearboxes, equipment and even body panels&nbsp;– and they're&nbsp;all well-respected models.

Despite it being dominated by its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a> siblings, Fiat isn’t giving up on the Doblo. It’s had a facelift to bring it up to date, giving the front end a distinctly Italian design with the FIAT text writ large in the centre of the grille. A new bumper and some other touches mean it’s a fairly subtle makeover, but it has freshened it up.

Not much has changed inside. You’ll need to be in the high-spec Primo model to get the most from the updates –&nbsp;which on that version include a 10in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment screen</a> –&nbsp;but all models get a new squared-off steering wheel. Revolutionary&nbsp;it is not.

Its rivals have been refreshed too, with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/citan/van/review/n20256">Mercedes Citan</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-nissan-townstar-small-van-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n23910">Nissan Townstar</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a> all recently receiving updates&nbsp;or changing&nbsp;soon. Has Fiat done enough to put the Doblo into contention?

Read on to find out how we rate the latest Fiat Doblo against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best compact vans</a>&nbsp;and which version we recommend. Or if you're interested in the all-electric version&nbsp;see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/doblo/van/review/n26658">Fiat E-Doblo review</a>.

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

DOBLO

The 2024 Doblo is a capable diesel small van with competitive cargo and payload volumes

New Fiat Doblo

It’s not often that a&nbsp;vehicle model is so iconic that it spawns a family&nbsp;of versions sharing a name – but the Ford Transit Connect is part of one such dynasty.

The Transit Connect van is the second-smallest spin-off from&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a> – although this time round it's built by Volkswagen and is, under the skin, virtually identical to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a>. Not that you’d notice: each has its own distinct looks.

For the owner-operator, there’s a side benefit&nbsp;because the Transit Connect shares its underpinnings with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW Golf</a>. So, as with the&nbsp;Golf and Caddy Cargo, there's a good choice of engines – including a petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> – and you can have a manual or automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

The choice doesn't end there. There's a Transit Connect&nbsp;Active with more rugged looks, plus a FlexCab model with a moveable bulkhead and three fold-down seats in the back.

All that sounds great, but is it enough to help the Ford Transit Connect win out in the&nbsp;very competitive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">small van class</a>, where you'll find a whole fleet of rivals, ranging from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo Van</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a> to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/citan/van/review/n20256">Mercedes Citan</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a>?&nbsp;Read on to find out...

TRANSIT CONNECT

The 2024 Transit Connect is an impressive small van with a wide range of engines and configurations

New Ford Transit Connect

The Peugeot Partner is one of five closely related small vans that each look very similar but have their own unique qualities and quirks.

So what sets the Partner apart from its badge-engineered stablemates? Answer: it’s got a Peugeot-specific driver's display and steering wheel. That might not sound groundbreaking, but it makes the Partner feel a bit different when you're behind the wheel.

The related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a>&nbsp;models are the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo Van</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/doblo-cargo/van/review/n18505">Fiat Doblo Cargo</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-city/van/review/n22091">Toyota Proace City</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo Cargo</a>&nbsp;and they've all been refreshed for 2024.

As part of that, the Partner's interior has been updated, giving some versions a new&nbsp;10in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a>.&nbsp;On the outside, there's a&nbsp;new grille&nbsp;with bold lion claw marks stretching towards the middle from the redesigned&nbsp;headlights.

It’s a rather light touch for a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">compact&nbsp;van</a> that’s been around for six years – so is it enough to keep the Peugeot Partner competitive against rivals ranging from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/citan/van/review/n20256">Mercedes Citan</a>&nbsp;to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy</a>? Read on to find out...

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">Read more: How we test vans</a>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Partner

The 2024 Partner is a competitive small van with class-leading payload limits and great handling

New Peugeot Partner

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo&nbsp;is in a market position that sounds like the start of a joke: "There was an English van, two French vans and an Italian van..."

You see, the Combo Cargo is one of four near-identical small van models&nbsp;from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis group</a>&nbsp;– and sadly for Vauxhall,&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo Van</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a> outsell it (although not the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/doblo-cargo/van/review/n18505">Fiat Doblo Cargo</a>). So are French manufacturers doing something special with their commercial vehicles?

In this review, we're&nbsp;taking&nbsp;a look at the newly updated Combo Cargo compact panel van, with its fresh gloss-black "razor"&nbsp;grille and slim LED headlights dominating the front end. It’s got a new bumper, and some other bits have been moved around and fiddled with slightly, but apart from the grille and lights, it’s much the same van as it’s been since 2018.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1OmN4c_i7eA?si=pNNNVa8Goeerr8SF" width="560"></iframe>

Inside, updates include a larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment screen</a> and a new digital driver's display on some models, and a four-spoke, slightly squared-off steering wheel.

Is that enough to propel the Vauxhall Combo Cargo to the top of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best small vans</a> league – or are its rivals better? Read on to find out how we rate it against rivals, which also include the closely related <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-city/van/review/n22091">Toyota Proace City</a> plus&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a>…

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">Read more: How we test vans</a>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

COMBO CARGO

The 2024 Combo Cargo compact&nbsp;van offers an impressive car-like driving experience and a big load bay

New Vauxhall Combo Cargo

The new Vauxhall Combo Cargo Electric arrives as demand for compact electric vans is flattening out a little, so it needs to be good to win over buyers. Indeed, this&nbsp;electric version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo van</a> is not alone in getting a refresh.

As part of the Europe-wide <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis Group</a>, it shares its body panels, motors, battery, underpinnings and interior trim with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/e-berlingo/van/review/n23712">Citroën ë-Berlingo</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/doblo/van/review/n26658">Fiat e-Doblo</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e-partner/van/review/n23711">Peugeot e-Partner</a>. There’s also the identical <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-city-electric/van/review/n23710">Toyota Proace City Electric</a>, which is built under a joint-venture agreement.

Combined, Stellantis sells more <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans/n21136">electric vans</a> than its rivals, but then its rivals are few and far between. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/ecitan/van/review/n26086">Mercedes eCitan</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/townstar/van/review/n26092">Nissan Townstar EV</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo-e-tech/van/review/n20116">Renault Kangoo E-Tech</a>&nbsp;– which all share parts – are&nbsp;impressive alternatives to the Combo Cargo Electric. There's the larger and more expensive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/maxus/e-deliver-3/van/review/n22665">Maxus eDeliver 3</a> too.

The 2024 Combo Electric van – previously called the Combo-e – gets significant improvements to the battery and motor, increasing the overall range to just over 200 miles (according to <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/wltp-meaning-official-economy-emissions/n1223">WLTP test results</a>). Beyond the electric parts, there’s a new nose&nbsp;and a few changes to the bumper's shape, while inside&nbsp;there’s a new, larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment screen</a>&nbsp;and, on some models, a digital instrument panel for the driver.

Read on to find out how we rate the new Vauxhall Combo Cargo Electric against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans/n21136">best electric vans</a>...

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">Read more: How we test vans</a>

The electric version of the Combo small van has a decent range and excellent practicality

New Vauxhall Combo Electric van

The Nissan NV200 is something of an anomaly in the small van sector. Its compact footprint makes it instantly comparable to the likes of the Volkswagen Caddy, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroen Berlingo</a>, yet it’s slightly higher body and much narrower width really set it apart from all rivals.

Load volumes are the most obvious benefit of the NV200’s unusual proportions, with the taller van able to carry as much as 4.2m3.

Launched in 2009, the NV200 has to-date only ever undergone minor changes during its lifespan, but the concept of a taller city van has won it many admirers, not least in New York, where it was &nbsp;approved and launched as a replacement for the ageing and world-famous Lincoln Town Car and Ford Crown Victoria yellow taxis.

<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-best-small-vans-2023/n20723">What's the best small van to buy?</a></h3>

If it’s not a taxi you are after then there are panel van and crew van versions available, plus a refrigerated model. There is also the possibility of tailor-made conversions from a number of approved body-builders.

A 1.5-litre dCi engine powers the NV200 and is available with either an 89bhp or 110bhp power output.

The NV200 is front-wheel-drive only and there’s no option of an automatic transmission. Instead, a six-speed manual is fitted on the higher-powered van while the base- level 89bhp vehicle gets a five-speed gearbox. The NV200 is also available as a full-electric van, the Nissan eNV200.

Three different levels of trim are available on the NV200, with Visia, Acenta and Tekna options each adding improvements on top of the other.

While the obvious competition is the wealth of city vans available including the Transit Connect and Berlingo, extended wheelbase versions offer a closer match for carrying capacity.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">Volkswagen Caddy</a> Maxi and Renault Kangoo Maxi offer similar load volumes but in a longer footprint, while the short-wheelbase versions of mid-sized vans that offer as little as 1.5m3 additional space could even be considered as rivals – although the purchase price and running costs of vans including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vivaro/van/review/n18281">Vauxhall Vivaro</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/vito/van/review/n18152">Mercedes-Benz Vito</a> are considerably higher.

The NV200 is no longer available from new, but you can find examples on the used van market. This review will let you know how to buy a good example, and you can see our picks for the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best small vans</a> in our dedicated feature.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

NV200

The Nissan NV200 is a surprise package, with load carrying capacities above and beyond its rivals. Supported by a generous five-year warranty and high levels of standard equipment, the Nissan city van is a tempting proposition.

Nissan NV200 van

The&nbsp;Renault Kangoo provides a lot, for not a lot. So, it has lots of load space, but doesn’t take up a lot of road space. And it gives you lots of standard equipment, but doesn’t demand a lot of your wallet.

And with this latest version of the Kangoo, Renault has introduced new technology, rather than slashing costs, to ensure it remains a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-best-small-vans-2023/n20723">value for money small van</a>.

What does that mean for buyers? Well, the safety systems are better for a start, and include&nbsp;active emergency braking, and highway and traffic jam assist systems. The Kangoo is also available in either standard-wheelbase or long-wheelbase versions.

There are two trim levels, Start and Advance. Start includes auto lights and wipers, air-conditioning and 10 anchorage point in the load bay. Advance adds an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring and rear parking sensors.

The solitary petrol and three diesel engines are cleaner than ever. (If you want zero tailpipe emissions, there's an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans-2023/n21136">electric van</a> version – see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo-e-tech/van/review/n20116">Renault Kangoo E-Tech review</a> to read about that.) A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on most of the fossil-fuelled engines, although&nbsp;the most powerful diesel has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic ’transmission.

The styling of the Kangoo mirrors that of the rest of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/renault">Renault</a>&nbsp;model range. So, there’s a prominent chunky grille&nbsp;flanked by big headlights with C-shaped LED running lights.

The Renault Kangoo has a wide customer base, which means it has to deal with a great variety of rivals, from vehicles such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo/estate/review/n17319">Citroën&nbsp;Berlingo Van</a>&nbsp;and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo</a> up to more premium vans such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/citan/van/review/n20256">Mercedes Citan</a> –&nbsp;which was developed alongside the Kangoo in a partnership between the two brands –&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW Caddy Cargo</a>.

Over the next few pages of this review, we'll tell you how the Kangoo's performance compares to those rivals, and which version we recommend.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Kangoo

Extensively updated&nbsp;van has larger body, greater comfort and improved power and emissions.

Renault Kangoo van

The&nbsp;Suzuki Jimny LCV&nbsp;– or Light Commercial Vehicle –&nbsp;is carrying on where the now-discontinued Jimny small SUV left off.

You see, ever-tightening emissions regulations meant the Jimny was no longer viable as a no-nonsense, go-anywhere <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-cars/n16996">family car</a>&nbsp;because it risked jeopardising the brand's chances of meeting the&nbsp;95g/km across-the-range target outlined in European legislation.&nbsp;

However, Suzuki realised that, with&nbsp;small vans&nbsp;covered by separate, more lenient emissions targets, the model&nbsp;could live on for a while if the&nbsp;rear seats were removed.

The Jimny LCV range is an undeniably simple one. In fact, it can’t really get any simpler, because there’s only one model to choose from – take it or leave it.

<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-best-small-vans-2023/n20723">What are the best small vans to buy today?</a></h3>

Various trim levels? Nope. Different body styles? Not here, sir. Choice of engines? There’s a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and… that’s it. All Jimny LCV models are fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox and a selectable four-wheel-drive system.

The good news for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/suzuki">Suzuki</a> is&nbsp;that there are not that many direct rivals. The closest competition comes from the similarly priced&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster-commercial/van/review/n25152">Dacia Duster&nbsp;Commercial</a> 4x4,&nbsp;while the Fiat Fiorino is a slightly larger but doesn’t have four-wheel drive.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo-4x4/van/review/n22773">Vauxhall Combo Cargo 4x4</a>&nbsp;offers more space but won’t go as far off road as a Jimny LCV. You could also look at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n23209">Land Rover Defender Hard Top</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/land-cruiser/4x4/review/n23714">Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial</a>&nbsp;but they cost much more.

If you do more of your miles on-road than off, there’s the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta-van/van/review/n22198">Ford Fiesta Van</a>&nbsp;and the electric&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe-van/van/review/n22211">Renault Zoe Van</a>. However, neither of those has anywhere near the cult appeal&nbsp;the Jimny has managed to build up over the 50-year lifespan of the nameplate.

The next few pages of this review will give you a great insight into the pros and cons of Suzuki Jimny LCV ownership, and how it rates against rivals.

Once you've decided what to buy, you could save thousands of pounds by checking out the best prices on the What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

Jimny

Rich in character and great off road, but limited payload restricts its usefulness

Suzuki Jimny LCV

The Toyota&nbsp;Proace City is automotive proof that teamwork makes the dream work. It’s pretty much identical to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo Cargo</a>, which&nbsp;were jointly developed by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a>&nbsp;and are all pretty well established and trusted small vans in their own right.&nbsp;

However, Toyota has gone its own way when it comes to engines. While each of the Stellantis trio is available with petrol power,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/toyota">Toyota</a>&nbsp;offers a choice of only diesel or pure electric motivation. If you’re keen to take the zero emissions route, take a look at our full review of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace-city-electric/van/review/n23710">Toyota Proace City Electric</a>.&nbsp;

Here, though, we’re sticking with the diesel version, which offers two versions of a 1.5-litre engine, producing 99bhp and 128bhp. So equipped, we think it's among the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-best-small-vans-2023/n20723">best small vans on the market</a>.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox optional on the more powerful model – so that could be the one to go for if you’re a delivery driver who spends a lot of time in stop-go traffic. Better still, the engine meets Euro-6.2 emissions levels without a pesky AdBlue tank to keep topping up

The Proace City is available in two lengths – 4408mm and 4753mm. The shorter of the two has a load volume of 3.8 cubic metres, while the larger offers 4.4 cubic metres. There’s only one roof-height available, though.

Buyers have a choice of three trim levels, starting with Active and ascending through Icon on the way to bells-and-whistles Design trim.

It’s fair to say that the Proace City has its work cut out, because it competes against not only the Stellantis vans, but also the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/kangoo/van/review/n18460">Renault Kangoo</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/van/review/n18482">VW&nbsp;Caddy</a>. It’s just as well Toyota provides a warranty that can stretch for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles (as long as an official dealer does its servicing).

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

ProAce City

The Toyota Proace City is based on a van developed and built by Citroen, Peugeot and Vauxhall, but it comes with a longer warranty and some interesting tech as standard

Toyota Proace City van

The Vauxhall Combo Cargo 4x4 is special. Unique, in fact. Not words you’d expect to be associated with a Vauxhall van, but it’s true, because it’s the only <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel-drive</a> small van.

It is, of course, based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo Cargo</a> but built by 4x4 specialists Dangel. It uses a 128bhp 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine&nbsp;and Dangel’s own traction control system, and can be switched between two-wheel drive and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a> in an instant, using a rotary control on the dashboard.

There are two body-length options, giving you up to 3.9m3 of loadspace and a maximum payload of 892kg.&nbsp;The suspension has also been raised by 90mm over that of the standard Combo. A 4x4 Plus Pack further increases the off-roading potential with a rear differential, mud-and-snow tyres, and a ride height raised by a further 20mm.

While the Combo Cargo 4x4 is no longer available from new, it can be found on the used van market, and this review will tell you everything you need to know to get a good one.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Read more: Vauxhall Combo Cargo review</a>

Combo Cargo 4x4

A welcome package for those buyers looking to take items safely and securely off-road

Vauxhall Combo Cargo 4x4 van

The Volkswagen Caddy Cargo&nbsp;has traditionally been based on the best-selling Volkswagen&nbsp;small family car&nbsp;model of the day, usually the Golf.

That’s still the case with this latest Caddy Cargo, and while the connection is looser, it still shares one important thing with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n17371">VW&nbsp;Golf</a> – a cult following.&nbsp;And it’s well deserved. This is widely considered to be one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">best small vans</a> out there, which is quite a feat when its&nbsp;rivals include&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/berlingo-cv/van/review/n18480">Citroën Berlingo van</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-connect/van/review/n18510">Ford Transit Connect</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/partner/van/review/n20209">Peugeot Partner</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/combo-cargo/van/review/n18391">Vauxhall Combo Cargo</a>.

Over and above all those vans, the Caddy Cargo’s popularity boosts the values of used examples, which means that while it costs more to buy, you’ll probably make more money back when the time comes for you to sell it on.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZICn2WPCQ4" width="560"></iframe>

This fifth-generation Caddy Cargo is based on the same floorplan (known as MQB) as the very latest Golf. It also shares it with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a3/hatchback/review/n77">Audi A3</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/hatchback/review/n89">Seat Leon</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/octavia/hatchback/review/n39">Skoda Octavia</a>… we could go on.&nbsp;Why does that matter? Well, the theory goes, if you stick a car underpinnings under a van, you’ll make it more car-like, and therefore&nbsp;easier and more comfortable to drive.&nbsp;

Certainly, the modern 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Caddy Cargo is more refined and less polluting than ever before. It can be had in two different power outputs, with a manual or automatic gearbox, and even with the rare option (for a small van) of four-wheel drive. There’s also a 1.5-litre petrol engine available.

Basing the Caddy Cargo on a car hasn’t hampered its flexibility. You can choose between a short-wheelbase&nbsp;version and a long-wheelbase one (called the Maxi), and there are three equipment packages available: basic Commerce, mid-range Commerce Plus&nbsp;and plush Commerce Pro.&nbsp;There’s also an&nbsp;MPV model – called the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/caddy/mpv/review/n24292">VW Caddy</a>&nbsp;– which has its own review.

This, in short, is a van you probably want to know more about. And that’s exactly what we’re here for. Over the course of this review, we’ll give you the lowdown on this particularly popular small van, detailing the way it drives, how much it’ll haul, how smart it feels inside – and most importantly, how much it’ll set you back.&nbsp;

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

CADDY

VW's small van&nbsp;combines quality and&nbsp;practicality with great value, delivering on all the promise of its Golf-based underpinnings without breaking the bank

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