FIGURES released by the SMMT (Society of Manufacturers and Traders) prove that the number of vans on British roads is at an all time high with over 4 million pounding the tarmac and to quench the thirst of UK buyers, there’s been a bumper number of new launches at this year’s CV Show 2016 at the Birmingham NEC.
Business Vans worked its shoe leather over the three halls, to bring you what we think were the key launches at this year’s show.
CV Show 2016: Citroen Dispatch
Revealing the Citroen Dispatch among new launches at CV Show 2016
Business Vans might have already had a good prod and poke around Citroen’s all-new Dispatch, but the double-chevron manufacturer’s Transit Custom rival had its world premier at the 2016 CV Show.
Citroen also took the opportunity to reveal the UK range and prices for the Dispatch, although we’ll have to wait a little longer for the full UK technical specifications that will be released closer to its on-sale date of 1 September 2016.
The new Dispatch will be available in X, Enterprise and Enterprise Plus trim levels, with the choice of 47 different versions including Chassis and Crew Cab versions. Basic prices excluding VAT and delivery charges is £17,495 for the BlueHDi 95 manual XS 1000 X Panel Van , increasing to £26,545 for the BlueHDi 180 XL 1250 Enterprise Plus auto.
According to Jeremy Smith, Head of Commercial Vehicle and Business Sector Operations at Citroen, the Enterprise and Enterprise + trim levels will be key for SME buyers.
Enterprise standard kit includes an alarm, rear parking sensors, the clever Moduwork under seat loading system, a Touchscreen DAB stereo system, air-conditioning, plus heated/electric door mirrors. Enterprise Plus models offer an improved payload, a rear parking camera, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, body colour bumpers, front fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint.
CV Show 2016: Fiat Fullback
Fiat’s first pick-up the Fullback kicks off with a football theme for launch at the CV Show 2016
Fiat used a football backdrop to debut the new Fullback pick-up to the British audience at the 2016 CV Show.
This re-nosed Mitsubishi L200, will be sold through the 74-strong dealer Fiat Professional CV network and is available from June.
Powered by a choice of 148 and 178bhp versions of the 2.4-litre diesel, the Fullback has a payload of 1,054kg.
CV Show 2016: Ford Transit EcoBlue
Ford Transit Custom EcoBlue among new launches at CV Show 2016
Ford is looking to capitalise on its top-selling Transit and Transit Custom’s sales position, with new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel versions launched at the 2016 CV Show.
The new EcoBlue diesel, which is built in England, boasts 20 per cent more torque than the 2.2-litre TDCi diesel it replaces. On top of this, the EcoBlue diesel engine is cleaner with a 10 per cent reduction in CO2. Ford have also managed to achieve a 55% reduction in NOx emissions and this engine meets the more stringent Euro 6 emissions standards that come into force this September.
You’ll be able to spot EcoBlue Transits by the new chrome flash on the front grille.
CV Show 2016: Iveco Daily Euro 6
The Iveco Daily Euro 6 among new launches at CV Show 2016
Euro 6 versions of Iveco’s popular Daily van made their debut at the 2016 CV show.
Key updates for the Daily are the new 2.3 and 3.0-litre diesel engines, which as the name suggests meet Euro 6 emissions standards. This means 210bhp and 470Nm on the 3.0-litre.
On top of being more powerful and meeting the upcoming stringent emissions regulations, these new engines are even more efficient, with Iveco claiming an 8% improvement over previous Euro 5 models.
Another Iveco Daily innovation also shown at the 2016 CV Show is the ‘Business Up’ smartphone app. Designed to work with the van, it includes a driving style evaluation system, satellite navigation and an interactive owner’s handbook for the vehicle.
CV Show 2016: Isuzu D-MAX Arctic Trucks AT35
The Isuzu D-MAX Arctic pick-up among new launches at CV Show 2016
Isuzu chose the 2016 CV Show to debut not one but two new versions of its D-MAX pick-up truck. However, most interesting in our view, is the Arctic Trucks-converted AT35.
Previously known for their pumped-up versions of the Toyota Hi-Lux, Arctic Trucks were made famous by the former Top Gear presenters, Clarkson and May, in the popular car show.
Anyway, the Arctic Trucks version of the D-MAX, available in double-cab or extended-cab versions, is designed to laugh in the face of arduous terrain and is the first that can be ordered direct from dealers priced at £30,995.
However, despite being capable off-road, all the off-road kit doesn’t affect the impressive one-tonne payload or 3.5-tonne towing (braked) capacity.
Powered by the same 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, the Arctic Trucks transformation centres on the D-MAX’s running gear. These include uprated Fox Performance shocks, special Nokian Rotiva AT tyres and special 17”x10” wheels.
CV Show 2016: LDV EV80
The electric LDV EV80 among new launches at CV Show 2016
On top of relaunching the LDV commercial vehicle brand to the UK market, the now Chinese-owned brand also used the CV Show as the place to launch not one but two vans.
The first, the EV80 – is a large, all-electric version of the V80, itself a reworked old LDV Maxus. The EV80 can be fitted with a battery up to 75kWh, which the company claims will equal a 180 mile range. Although we reckon 100 miles is more realistic and puts this LDV in direct competition with Nissan’s e-NV200.
CV Show 2016: LDV G10
The new LDV G10 among new launches at CV Show 2016
Also coming soon to the LDV range is the G10, an all-new mid-size panel van and MPV.
Details were fairly scarce on this smaller new LDV van, but what we do know is that the van will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions. More interestingly, British sports car manufacturer Lotus has supposedly breathed on the chassis, although with its tall body our expectations are low.
One of the many reasons you’ll choose this G10 and the EV80 is the impressive five-year 200,000-mile warranty. Also included is five-years’ roadside assistance which is confidence inspiring.
CV Show 2016: Peugeot Expert
The new Peugeot Expert among new launches at CV Show 2016
Sister van to the Citroen Dispatch, the Peugeot Expert also received its world premier at the 2016 CV Show.
Like its Citroen sister, we’ve been lucky enough to have a good look at this new Peugeot van, but Peugeot took this opportunity to let us know the Expert’s UK prices and specifications. Expert S, Expert Professional and Expert Professional Plus trims will be available. Basic prices excluding VAT and delivery charges is £17,495 for the BlueHDi 95 manual Compact 1000 S Panel Van , increasing to £26,545 for the BlueHDi 180 XL 1250 Professional Plus auto. This is the same as the Citroen Dispatch.
Nick Crossley, Head of Commercial Vehicle and Business Sector Operations at Peugeot, revealed to us that he expected the Expert S and Expert Professional trim levels will be key for SME buyers. Expert Professional standard kit includes an alarm, rear parking sensors, the clever Moduwork under seat loading system, a Touchscreen DAB stereo system, air-conditioning, plus heated/electric door mirrors. Enterprise Plus models offer an improved payload, a rear parking camera, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, body colour bumpers, front fog lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and metallic paint.
CV Show 2016: SsangYong Korando Sports
SsangYong’s Korando Sports made its debut in camo among launches at the CV Show 2016
On top of the special paint finish, this Korando Sports boasts 19-inch alloy wheels and the same one-tonne payload for just £19,195.
CV Show 2016: Toyota Hi-Lux & Proace
The new Toyota Hi-Lux pick-up and Proace van among new launches at CV Show 2016
Back at the CV Show for 2016, after a particularly quiet time in its CV Show operations, is Toyota with the Hi-Lux and Proace.
Launched later this year with the choice of single and double cab versions, both Hi-Lux versions will be powered by the all-new 2.4-litre diesel, with six-speed manual transmission as standard and automatic optional.
Safety and driver assistance are also improved and the increased 3,500kg towing capacity is also welcome.
The third member of the new Citroen/Peugeot van family is the Proace which also debuted at the 2016 CV Show and like the Hi-Lux, benefits from Toyota’s comprehensive five-year warranty.
CV Show 2016: Volkswagen Crafter Tipper
The new Volkswagen Crafter pick-up among new launches at CV Show 2016
The current Crafter’s days might be numbered, with a new model due at the Hanover show this September. However, this hasn’t stopped Volkswagen revealing a new Tipper body version at the 2016 CV Show.
Based on the adaptable Crafter Chassis Cab Platform, Volkswagen has worked with conversions specialist VFS, to produce a tipper with a high payload vehicle, with the choice of single and double cab versions.
Developed to meet the latest European design regulations, this Tipper features a high strength steel platform, with the tipper mechanism designed to limit maintenance through the Crafter’s life.
The reveal of this Crafter Tipper at this year’s CV Show was well-timed, as Volkswagen Commercial vehicles also launched a new Converter Recognition Programme. Designed to work alongside the existing ‘Engineered on the Go’ and ‘Engineered for you’ programmes, this new scheme will extend the range of off-the-shelf and bespoke conversions on offer to customers. Plus, guarantee the quality of conversions.
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