WINNER
Ford Transit Courier
Something special was needed to knock the Toyota Proace City off the top spot in the small van category, and that something is the new Ford Transit Courier. Rather than using a conventional van platform, the new baby Transit is based on similar car underpinnings to the Fiesta and Puma – and the result is exceptional.
No van, regardless of size, drives as well as the Courier and its petrol and diesel engines are some of the smoothest and quietest around. It’s larger than the previous Courier, too, meaning it can handle two Euro pallets with ease. With a choice of versions – including a more rugged-looking ‘Active’ trim – it’s more desirable than the other rather plain-looking small vans in this class.
With safety and convenience technology borrowed from Ford’s much larger and more expensive vans – and cars – the Transit Courier is a fine small van companion, and a worthy winner.
How much would this van cost to insure?
Based on a 45year old Male the Ford Transit Courier would cost £826.31 to insure. Compare prices in less than five minutes at Parkerscompare.com
*Insurance quotes are from parkerscompare.com in October 2024 and are based on a 45-year-old, employed, married male living in Huntingdon with 20 years NCD and no claims or convictions. Insurance quotes will vary depending on individual circumstances.
To find out more read our full Ford Transit Courier review
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Toyota Proace City
After three years at the top, the Proace City loses its crown in the small van category but is still a very close runner-up. Based on the excellent Berlingo/Partner/Combo/Doblo Stellantis platform, this Toyota manages to be the best of the bunch owing to its exceptional range-wide warranty that lasts for up to 10 years and 100,000 miles, as long as you have the van serviced at a Toyota main dealer. That could make a real difference to how much your van costs to run over the years.
The Proace City also has a much simpler trim structure than its sibling vans, and is hugely versatile with an impressive payload and spacious load area, despite its fairly compact dimensions.
To find out more, read our full Toyota Proace City review
Renault Kangoo
Arriving a close third in the small van category is the Renault Kangoo. Launched as a new model a few years ago, it stands out with its impressive choice of versions available – including petrol, diesel and an electric model that leads the way in this class.
It’s an excellent van, which follows closely behind the Transit Courier for its pleasing experience behind the wheel, with a car-like driving position and smooth-shifting automatic gearbox both highlights. The only things stopping the Kangoo climbing any further up the ladder are an average payload and the fact right-hand-drive models miss out on various clever technologies available on LHD versions.
To find out more, read our full Renault Kangoo review
