What makes a good medium van? Affordability, versatility and a decent loadbay combined with city-friendly dimensions. But we’d also argue that technical innovation is increasingly important, especially given the immense pace of change in the motoring world right now. The brilliant Ford Transit Custom ticks all of those boxes.
The Ford Transit Custom is a phenomenon. Since the start of the global pandemic, it’s consistently ranked as the bestselling vehicle of any kind in the UK, racing to support businesses large and small during the toughest times and the recovery. It outsells every other van in the UK by a huge margin, and it’s developed a substantial cult following amongst its owners and operators in the process. None of this is undeserved.
The Transit Custom is not only practical, coming in four different body sizes and with payload ratings that challenge the best in the medium van sector, it’s also innovative, enjoyable to drive and good looking. The widest range of trim levels means there’s a version to suit every kind of buyer, while clever tech includes a plug-in hybrid and built-in connectivity that’s useful to businesses of all sizes. Outstanding, even with a brand-new model on the horizon.
The Toyota Proace is based on the same platform and technology as the Stellantis family trio of Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Vauxhall Vivaro – and Stellantis builds the van for Toyota, too. So why is it here as a medium van runner-up on its own? This year the firm introduced the new Toyota Relax 10-year warranty programme, which really sets the Proace apart from its cousins (which only field three years of cover).
High payloads, good fuel economy and a modern driving experience confirm its practical credentials. Just watch-out for the offset driving position, and a spec list that isn’t quite the same as the Stellantis alternatives.
The Volkswagen Transporter needs no real introduction from us – its legend extends back over six generations, and it continues to offer medium van buyers of all kinds an unrivalled image alongside carefully thought-out practicality. If there’s another vehicle sold in the UK that so successfully bridges between basic working requirements and full-on lifestyle enthusiasm, we can’t think of it.
Offering the most powerful engines, up-to-date tech and a lot of class, it’s a great choice if you can’t resist its allure. Payload doesn’t quite match up to the best in the sector, though, and the platform it’s based on is starting to feel its age now.
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