Volkswagen’s Crafter is one of the best vans for NOx emissions

The Volkswagen Crafter has been declared the cleanest new van for NOx emissions

Independent real-world testing by AIR Index found the Volkswagen Crafter to be the best Euro6 van for NOx emissions, with the long wheelbase high roof 2.0 TDI emitting 53 mg/km NOx. The Caddy also performed strongly, scoring a maximum A rating for NOx.

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Diesel NOx (nitrogen oxide) is linked to a wide range of health issues that include respiratory problems, heart disease and some forms of cancer. 

Modern Euro6 vans are designed to meet strict emission targets, which reduce the levels of harmful NOx being released into the air. However, while all new vans meet the in-laboratory Euro standards, Air Index says huge variation exists between real world and laboratory-based limits. 

The company attached exhaust gas measuring equipment to some of the UK's best-selling vans and claims to have evidence of the large gaps between the laboratory and the on-the-road figures. 

The worst van was the Mercedes-Benz Citan, with the 109 Dualiner 1.5 diesel emitting almost nine times the official level of NOx. Air Index claims the Citan emitted 902 mg/km NOx, which was significantly higher than its 105 mg/km limit. The Mercedes-Benz Vito and Citroen Relay also reportedly struggled to get near their limits.

Nick Molden, co-founder of AIR, said: “The 10 Euro6 diesel vans we tested represent just under half of the annual sales across Europe. If just those rated D or E were prevented from entering the centre of urban areas the AIR Index could bring all European cities into air quality compliance.

“But the ultimate responsibility to implement change lies with the manufacturers. With simple service-led engine management updates, it is possible to make vans much cleaner, dramatically reducing emissions immediately.”

The results of the vans tested and rated on the AIR Index: