Van and Commercial Vehicle Awards 2025: Best Small Van

Priced from £16,200 (excl VAT) Fuel economy 41.5-54.3mpg (WLTP) CO2 emissions 135-155g/km Load space 2.9m3 Payload Up to 849kg Power 99–123bhp Torque 125-184lb ft

The original Ford Transit Courier didn’t experience tremendous success; with a load volume smaller than the competition and a modest payload, sales figures were never great. But 2024 saw the introduction of an all-new Courier, where not only have any previous criticisms been put to rest, but the van is bristling with state-of-the-art driver and safety aids together with an excellent level of specification, leaving the established competition wanting.

The Transit Courier is available in just a single body size, giving an internal load length of 1802mm — a difference of less than 2cm against the best-in-class Renault Kangoo and Vauxhall Combo Cargo — although a load-through bulkhead will allow 2660mm lengths to be carried. Twin rear doors are standard, as is a side loading door on all but the entry-level Leader model. Depending on the model and options, payloads range from 615kg to 849kg.

Allowing the operator to select their fuel type preference, the Courier is offered with either a 1.0-litre petrol engine at outputs of 99 or 123bhp or a 1.5-litre diesel unit producing 99bhp, which offers official fuel economy of up to 55.3mpg.

With passenger car underpinnings inherited from the Ford Puma, the Courier is blessed with some class-leading safety tech, helping the van to achieve a Platinum EuroNCAP safety award — a first for any Ford commercial vehicle — with a score of 93%. All models have Pre-collision Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane lane-keeping system, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Alert, Reverse Parking Aid, Cruise Control, and Hill Start Assist fitted as standard.

Although competing manufacturers are reducing the number of trim levels offered, Ford continues to provide four specifications, from the fleet-friendly Leader to the plush Limited with its alloy wheels and other enhancements. All have Ford’s latest ‘SYNC4’ 8.0in multimedia touchscreen, including smartphone integration, and there’s a handy built-in clip to mount your phone to. We’d like to see some physical heater controls, but at least the dashboard is clutter-free.

Behind the wheel, Courier takes advantage of its car underpinnings. Its handling and road holding are exemplary, and the suspension absorbs coarse surfaces and bumps with ease. It’s a van that drivers will love.

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