Best-selling vans in the UK 2017

With low borrowing costs and a huge boom in new models, there has never been a better time to buy a new or used van.

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 2017 is shaping up to be a bumper year, with 210,000 new vans and pick-ups being registered between January and July. To see the latest deals, check out Honest John Vans For Sale

Not sure what to buy? Click through the gallery to see the UK’s top 10 vans for sale

Ford Transit Custom

The Transit Custom has been the UK's best-selling van for a number of years now and it's easy to see why small businesses love the Ford so much; all are good to drive, frugal on fuel and packed with practicality.

Capable of carrying three Euro pallets and towing up to 2.8 tonnes, the Transit Custom is a great workhorse and supremely refined, with low levels of engine noise and supportive seats providing plenty of long distance comfort for up to three adults in the front. 

Read our full Ford Transit Custom review

Ford Transit

Like the Transit of old, the latest model is dependable and versatile. In fact, it's available in a staggering 450 different variants, which includes three different load lengths and two roof heights. As you might expect, payloads are broad and the largest versions will have little trouble shifting loads weighing 1.4 tonnes. 

As part of a 2017 revamp, Ford replaced the Transit's 2.2-litre engine with an all-new 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel. This means you get more power and better economy, with claimed ratings ranging from 37.2mpg to 42.8mpg. 

Read our full Ford Transit review

Volkswagen Transporter T6 

The Transporter has a proven reputation as a refined and capable workhorse. The latest T6 was launched in 2015 and continues the tradition by pairing heavy duty carrying capacity with affordable, car-like fuel costs. 

Like its mid-sized rivals, the Transporter will carry three Euro pallets, weighing up to 1330kg, while maximum towing limits peak at a respectable 2.5 tonnes. As with Volkswagen’s car range, the T6 is comfortable and easy to use, with responsive handling that make it enjoyable to drive.

Read our full Volkswagen Transporter T6 review

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The large and capable Sprinter panel van feels every inch a Mercedes-Benz, with strong diesel engines and huge choice of bodystyles making it an ideal workhorse for builders and delivery drivers. Smart and tech laden, the interior is robust with lots of high quality and hardy materials.

Gross vehicle weight ratings span from 2.2 to 2.8 tonnes, which means there is effectively a Sprinter for every job, while the well-judged handling makes this an easy van to drive on the motorway, with near-perfect weighting for the steering. 

Read our full Mercedes-Benz Sprinter review

Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vauxhall Vivaro is the last of the mass-produced British-built vans. Of course, the Vivaro is not unique; it's part of a joint venture with Renault, which has its own version in the Trafic. That said, this is still very much a British van, built at Vauxhall's Luton plant

Depending on which version you choose, the Vivaro will carry payloads weighing up to 1.2 tonnes and the standard L1 model will hold three Euro pallets. Under the bonnet the 1.6-diesel will return up to 47.9mpg, according to the official figures, while the range-topping bi-turbo models will make short work of towing with a thunderous 320Nm of torque. 

Read our full Vauxhall Vivaro review

Ford Transit Connect 

Despite its diminutive size - compared to its larger Transit cousins - the Connect packs a commercial punch, with flexible loading that will allow it to carry planks or pipes measuring up to 3.4 metres in length. 

The Transit Connect shares much of its mechanical underpinnings with the Ford C-MAX, which means it drives like a family car, with a comfortable ride and rewarding handling. There's also an impressive range of petrol and diesel engines available, which includes 1.5 TDCI that will return an official 60+mpg. 

Read our full Ford Transit Connect review

Peugeot Partner 

The Peugeot Partner might be getting on in years – the original was launched back in 2008 – but it remains one of Britain’s most-trusted compact panel vans, with thousands sold every year.

Diesel versions will carry up to 860kg, while electric Partners will cover up to 90 miles on a single charge and shift payloads weighing 636kg. However, both boast a load area width between the wheel arches of 1.2 metres, which mean both can easily accommodate a Euro pallet. 

Read our full Peugeot Partner review

Peugeot Boxer

Like its rivals, the Peugeot Boxer is a large van that majors on huge carrying capacity. Under the bonnet the Boxer is powered by a superb 2.0 BlueHDi diesel engine, with power outputs ranging from 110PS to 160PS. 

Available as a standard panel van, a window van, chassis cab or crew cab, the range has plenty of choice with three wheelbases, three load lengths and three heights. Maximum payloads peak at 1.9 tonnes, while gross vehicle weights go all the way up to four tonnes.

Read our full Peugeot Boxer review

 

Renault Trafic

The Renault Trafic is almost identical to the Vauxhall Vivaro, which means it majors on versatility, with two load lengths and two heights that can carry items measuring up to 4.1 metres in length.

Under the bonnet the Trafic features an impressive 1.6 turbodiesel that can be specified with 95PS or 120PS, while fuel economy for both sits at a claimed 43.5mpg. Renault also offers an excellent twin-turbocharged version of the 1.6-litre engine with 125PS or 145PS and economy up to 47.9mpg. 

Read our full Renault Trafic review

Citroen Berlingo

Like the Partner, the Citroen Berlingo was launched 10 years ago, but its nimble handling and comfortable ride make it a great all-rounder for builders and gardeners with a payload capacity spanning from 596-1000kg.

Engine choices are kept simple with a straight division between 1.6-litre petrol and diesel motors. The 95PS petrol will suit those using the van for short hop deliveries or town work, while the diesel is offered in 75PS and 90PS versions that deliver up to 55.4mpg according to the official figures.

Read our full Citroen Berlingo review