Click to view the Toyota Proace City full review
The eagle-eyed among you will notice that this is the third year in a row the Toyota Proace City has won the award for the best small van – jointly with its platform siblings for 2021, then flying solo in 2022. We singled it out then for its amazing aftersales package, which includes up to 10 years of warranty cover.
We still think that’s a great reason to opt for this small van, with this plus impressive dealer support offering a reassuring level of protection on a vehicle that’s likely to live quite a hard life. And don’t think that’s the only feather in the Proace City’s cap. It’s great to drive, as are all its mechanically identical sister vans – with efficient, refined diesel engines and a comfortable cab. And the best models will carry over a ton of payload, which makes it highly useful for such a small van.
There’s even an all-electric model available, expanding the Proace City’s appeal even further. A simple, well-equipped trim line-up is another plus point, helping Proace City ownership be a totally painless experience right from the very start. This is a great small van that’s elevated over its siblings thanks to the ownership experience.
RUNNERS UP
Click to view the Citroen Berlingo full review
Click to view the Peugeot Partner full review
Click to view the Vauxhall Combo full review
These mechanically identical vans were joint winners back in 2021 and they remain excellent choices for small van buyers. We find it difficult to separate these vans, as they differ very little – only minor changes in pricing and trim levels set them apart, though the Peugeot Partner does offer the brand’s ‘i-Cockpit’ gauge cluster which is a love-it-or-hate-it addition.
The trio offer high payload ratings – over a ton in the best models – and a car-like driving experience with smooth, refined, and efficient diesel engines. All three also have an associated fully electric model, and benefit from some clever loading features and high-tech trim additions. Definitely very worthy runners-up, then, but sadly their three-year warranties can’t match that offered by Toyota.
Click to view the Ford Transit Connect full review
This time last year, the Volkswagen Caddy made the final shortlist in this category, having edged out the Transit Connect. However, this was largely because the Transit Connect was thought to be in the approaching the end of its time on sale. The demise of the Ford in its current form has been delayed somewhat, with it now due to remain on sale until the end of 2023 at the very earliest.
This means we can confidently recommend the Transit Connect once more, safe in the knowledge that you will still be able to buy one for a while yet. The Connect is all that is good about Ford vans, in a slightly smaller package. It is good to drive, has an excellent range of versions to choose from with some payloads to compete with the best and there are some lifestyle-focused models to appeal to those who don’t want their van to be a tool alone. We’ll miss it when it goes.
