Top 10 vans from the CV Show 2016
Wed, 27 Apr 2016
More than 20,000 people flocked to the NEC in Birmingham on 26 - 28 April to enjoy the CV Show 2016. Now in its 15th year, the event hosted dozens of new vehicle launches spanning everything from nimble city vans to lorries weighing 44 tonnes.
Honest John Vans was there to find the best vans and pick-ups. Click through the gallery below to see our top 10 highlights from the CV Show 2016.
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LDV is back in 2016, with updated vans and an all-new dealership set-up. The commercial vehicle manufacturer went bust in 2008, but has been given a new lease of life by SAIC, the Chinese automotive firm that also owns MG.
The new(ish) LDV range included an updated version of the Maxus panel van - rebadged as the V80 - alongside a new medium-sized G10 panel van. The V80 is expected to be LDV's biggest-seller, with a 2.5-litre diesel engine producing 136PS and 330Nm of torque. Payloads will vary from 1200kg - 1400kg, while gross vehicle weights will span from 3.2 - 3.5 tonnes.
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Citroen reveals new Dispatch
The new Dispatch panel van was unveiled for the first time in the UK, with an all-new platform, engines and interior. Like its sister van, the Peugeot Expert, the Dispatch is powered by an all-diesel line-up that is split between 1.6 and 2.0-litre powertrains. The highlight of the range is the 1.6 115PS engine, which will return an official 55.3mpg.
Prices for the entry-level 1.6 diesel start at £17,495, while the 115PS unit will be available from £18,295. The range topping 180PS unit will cost more than £22,000 in base trim and all models get twin-sliding doors as standard, along with full steel bulkhead and a full-size spare wheel.
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New Toyota Proace launched
The new Toyota Proace is built in partnership with Citroen and Peugeot. As a result it shares the same engines, running gear and platform as the Dispatch and Expert. In short, it's the same van.
However, there are some slight differences, with the chief one being a five-year, 100,000 miles warranty and £18,660 entry-price. The smallest variant, called Compact, is 4.6m long, with a 4.6m3 load area that’s 2.1m long and 1.6m wide.
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Ford Transit range gets improved economy
The Transit and Transit Connect got a boost at this year's show, with Ford announcing a new range of 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engines. Ford claims the new powertrain will lower running costs and save the average driver £1250 on fuel over 80,000 miles.
That means the Transit Custom will return a claimed 157g/km of CO2 and 46.3mpg, while the full fat Transit will provide 174g/km CO2 and 42.2mpg. As well as improved economy, the Transits gets upgraded safety, with the option of pre-collision assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition.
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Fiat launches Fullback pick-up
Fiat has entered the pick-up market with the new Fullback. The pick-up will carry a one-tonne payload and tow up to 3.1 tonnes when hooked to a braked trailer. Under the bonnet the 2.4-litre diesel will officially return up to 42.8mpg.
The Fullback is based on the L200 and shares the same platform, engine and running gear as the Mitsubishi. Fiat hasn’t released any details on pricing on trim yet, but we expect the Fullback to start from £21,000, before VAT, when it reaches the UK in the summer.
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Toyota unveils new Hilux
Another pick-up that dominated the CV Show 2016 was this, the new Toyota Hilux. Powered by a 2.4-litre engine, the new Hilux will produce more power and torque than its 3.0-litre predecessor, with 400Nm available from as little as 1600rpm.
Six-speed manual and six-speed auto transmissions are available and economy is expected to be in the region of 40mpg. As well as boasting a one-tonne payload, the new Hilux will also tow up to 3.5 tonnes when linked to a braked trailer.
Facelifted Fiat Fiorino debuted
The updated Fiat Fiorino was another van that got its UK debut at Birmingham’s NEC. The 2016 Fiorino will reach showrooms in the next few weeks and return a claimed 74.3mpg and 100g/km of CO2. It retains its 660kg payload.
The four metre long van gets a slight exterior facelift, with new bumpers and a larger front grille. Inside the cabin gets easier to read instrument clusters and a new, smaller steering wheel with remote audio controls.
Four-wheel drive Renault Master breaks cover
Renault confirmed a raft of updates for its van range in 2016, including a four-wheel drive option for its largest vehicle, the Master panel van. The Master 4x4 is available with single or twin-rear wheels, while a locking rear differential can be fitted as paid-for option.
The Kangoo and Trafic don't miss out on the improvements, with both getting the option of enhanced X-Track traction, which adds a limited slip differential and metal underbody protection. Ground clearance is also raised to help the vans cope with uneven ground or muddy tracks.
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Volkswagen introduces Crafter Tipper
Volkswagen revealed a new tipper body for the Crafter chassis cab platform at the NEC. Available in single or double cab bodystyles, the tipper is sold with a three-year, unlimited mileage warranty that covers both the vehicle and tipper conversion.
The tipper body has been developed in partnership with VFS, a UK-based commercial vehicle convertor and is available with an optional cage, with sliding sides if necessary.
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SsangYong Korando gets new 2.2 diesel engine
The SsangYong Korando LCV received a power boost at the CV Show, with the introduction of a new 2.2-litre diesel engine. The 2.2 unit packs more torque than the outgoing 2.0-litre diesel, with 400Nm available from 1400rpm.
As a result the Korando LCV will tow some two tonnes, while its load area will carry payloads of 433kg. Buyers can also choose between two-wheel and four-wheel drive, with prices starting from £13,995 plus VAT.
