The 2016 CV Show proved to be one of the biggest in the show’s history, with more than 20,000 visitors and almost 500 exhibitors including a number of manufacturers keen to show off their new metal for the first time. Toyota and LDV returned to the show for the first time in eight years, while Fiat Professional exhibited its first-ever one-tonne pickup truck.
Here are our picks of the show:
Citroen Dispatch
The long-awaited Citroen Dispatch received its global unveiling at the CV Show alongside its sister vans, the Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace. The new model features the same 1.6- and 2-litre diesel engines but offers a whole host of new safety systems.
There will be three body lengths but no option of roof height, offering load volumes of between 5.1 and 6.6 cubic metres. There are now three nominal gross vehicle weights (2.7t, 2.9t and 3.1t) which provide payloads of between 1,000kg and 1,400kg.
Read more on the Citroen Dispatch 2016.
Fiat Fullback
Fiat Professional’s new Fullback pickup made its debut at the CV Show 2016. After being first shown to the public at the 2015 Dubai Motor Show, and then again at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, two models of the new pickup were displayed in Birmingham.
Based on the Mitsubishi L200 Series 5, the Fiat Fullback features the same 2.4-litre engine (with a 152bhp and 178bhp output), six-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions and the 3.1t towing capacity. The only difference between the two models is the grille and front bumper.
Read more on the Fiat Fullback 2016.
Isuzu D-Max AT35
Isuzu is celebrating 100 years of operations this year, and the Japanese company has teamed up with Iceland-based Arctic Trucks to offer a special-edition model. The D-Max AT35 features upgraded suspension, attractive styling cues and specialist off-road tyres, but the £30,995 plus VAT list price means it will cost you £6,000 more than the top-of-the-range Blade model.
Read more on the Isuzu D-Max AT35.
LDV G10
LDV made its surprise return to the UK official at the CV Show. Irish firm Harris Group has been appointed as the official distributor for the Chinese–built product, and it showcased the medium-sized G10 panel van alongside the larger LDV V80.
The LDV G10 will be powered by the same 1.9-litre diesel engine that powers the MG6, and offers a 5.2 cubic metre load volume and a 1,093kg payload. Prices have yet to be announced, but they will be priced extremely competitively at around £12,500 plus VAT.
Read more on the LDV G10.
LDV V80 range
The other main exhibit on the LDV stand was its range of V80 panel vans and conversions. The new model may seem familiar because it is based on the old LDV Maxus, and still features the same 2.5-litre VM Motori engine which produces 136bhp.
There will be three panel van load derivatives: a short-wheelbase low roof, a long-wheelbase medium roof and a long-wheelbase high roof. LDV will also be offering two dropsides, a tipper and Luton van, converted by Irish bodybuilder Thompsons, and an electric version called the eV80.
Read more on the LDV V80.
Peugeot Expert
The big news on the Peugeot stand was, of course, the global unveiling of the new Peugeot Expert van. Like the Citroen Dispatch, there are three load lengths, two engines (1.6 and 2-litre), three gross weights (2.7t, 2.9t and 3.1t).
Among the new driver assistance and comfort systems are the automatic side loading doors, which open when you wave your foot underneath the rear bumper. There’s also a seven-inch touchscreen display with the ability to mirror certain applications on your smartphone and front and rear parking sensors.
Read more on the Peugeot Expert 2016.
Toyota Hilux
Toyota had two UK debuts on its stand on its first appearance at the CV Show in eight years. The eighth-generation Toyota Hilux was one of the most popular exhibits at the show with its eye-catching new design.
The new Hilux is powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine, but offers just one power output of 149bhp and 400Nm which isn’t the most economical at 40.4mpg combined. The towing capacity has been increased to a joint-best-in-class 3.5 tonnes.
Read more on the Toyota Hilux 2016.
Toyota Proace
The third sibling to be unveiled at the CV Show was the second-generation Toyota Proace. This shares the same body architecture, driveline and basic trim structure with the Citroen Dispatch and Peugeot Expert, although it features Toyota’s own distinctive front-end styling.
Toyota UK has said it will be investing in the dealer network to support its growing commercial customer base.
Read more on the Toyota Proace 2016.
