Best new vans for 2018
There’s plenty of news in store for van and pick-up buyers in 2018, with a broad range of new light commercial vehicles and alternative powertrains set to enter the market.
The biggest launches are the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, along with the German firm’s first-ever pick-up, while the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo are set to be the first LCV products to emerge from the PSA/Vauxhall-Opel partnership.
Citroen Berlingo
On sale: Mid-2018
A new version of Citroen’s best-selling van is expected to arrive in the summer of 2018, with a cabin inspired by the French firm's passenger cars. That means the new generation Berlingo will get touchscreen technology, along with high tech safety aids. There should also be a new range of four-cylinder diesels and, as one of the pioneering companies in commercial vehicle electrification, expect a full electric version from launch.
Ford Transit Custom
On sale: Early 2018
The Transit Custom will get improved engines, more tech and a new cabin. We've driven the new diesel, but the big news is the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model, which is already in service with fleets across London. Styling changes include a wider radiator grille and smaller headlamps, while all models will come with a form of Ford’s Sync infotainment platform and a brand new dashboard. An urban friendly EcoNetic model also debuts, with stop/start technology and low rolling resistance tyres.
Ford Transit Connect
On sale: Spring 2018
The Transit Connect is also due a facelift in 2018. The exterior will get the same front end styling treatment as the latest Transit Custom, along with a similarly revised interior that includes design themes from the latest Fiesta. The old 1.5 TDCI diesel will get an overhaul to improve fuel economy and emissions, while the 1.0 EcoBoost will get the added bonus of cylinder deactivation tech to save fuel when the loads are low.
Transit Courier
On sale: Spring 2018
Another Ford. Another van getting a 2018 update. The Transit Courier will get a new interior and 1.5 EcoBlue diesel and 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engines, along with exterior updates that will mirror the larger Transit Connect. To improve fuel costs further, diesel versions of the Courier will get an active grille shutter system to increase airflow to the engine and reduce aero-drag by opening vents within the front grille.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
On sale: Late 2019
Hyundai showed its Santa Cruz concept at the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, and a production version of the lifestyle-oriented pick-up is said to be close to launch, though in which markets remains a closely guarded secret. Given the strength of the UK pick-up market, a right hand drive version could be on the cards by 2019.
LDV G10
On sale: Late 2018
It returned to the UK market in 2014 with the Maxus-based V80, but LDV’s first all-new van is expected to appear in showrooms next year, having already been demonstrated as a passenger vehicle at the CV Show 2017. The G10 is smaller than the V80, with a much more refined, European-style cabin. An electric version is also expected in 2019.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
On sale: Late 2018
The big news in the van market for 2018 will be the all-new Sprinter, which – unlike previous generations – has nothing in common with the Volkswagen Crafter. The newcomer is expected to bear a very close resemblance to the Vision Van Concept, shown at the IAA Hanover Commercial Vehicle Show. Expect the latest in driver assistance tech, a new engine line-up and the promise of an electric model in the not-too-distant future.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class
On sale: Early 2018
Not content with having the most eagerly anticipated van on sale in 2018, Mercedes also has the hottest property in the pick-up market. Even before pricing has been announced, there are advanced orders and a waiting list for the German company’s first foray into the pick-up truck market. Under the skin, the X-Class shares its architecture with the Nissan Navara, as, indeed, is the soon-to-be-launched Renault Alaskan.
Nissan e-NV200
On sale: Spring 2018
Already the best-selling of the electric vans on the market, the e-NV200 looks set to add another string to its bow with the launch of a new model with an extended range of up to 174 miles. A refrigerated model will also be added to the range, along with panel van and kombi variants.
Peugeot Partner
On sale: Mid-2018
The sister van to Citroen’s Berlingo, the Partner goes into production in mid-2018 and has an interior heavily influenced by the 3008 Crossover. Expect it to be one of the most car-like vans on the market to drive, as it also shares the mid-size architecture found beneath PSA Group’s cars. As per the Berlingo, an electric version is expected pretty much from the outset.
Renault Alaskan
On sale: Late 2018 (TBC)
It's hoped that 2018 will be the year we'll finally see the Renault Alaskan in the UK. Based on alliance partner Nissan’s Navara pick-up, the new Alaskan will be a natural fit into the Renault commercial vehicle line-up, where a truck has been notable by its absence for quite some time. The Alaskan will tow up to 3.5 tonnes and boast a one-tonne payload.
Ssangyong Musso
On sale: Late 2018
An all-new version of the Ssangyong Musso is expected before 2018 is out, and while the current model (pictured) is very much a niche player, those that own them tend to like to them. The new model will keep the existing one-tonne, double cab format, with a focus on its off-road capabilities. It'll also get a wallet-tempting five-year unlimited mileage warranty for both business and private buyers.
Toyota Hilux facelift
On sale: Mid-2018
The current Hilux isn’t especially old, but a new face will join the range next year, with squarer frontal styling, new lights and a taller radiator grille. Expect the same levels of indestructibility and off-road ability that the Hilux has always enjoyed, and benefits even more so today following the demise of the Land Rover Defender.
Vauxhall Combo
On sale: Mid-2018
Plans for the new Combo have changed dramatically now that Vauxhall is no longer part of General Motors, with the joint alliance with Fiat on the current model due to come to an abrupt end. It will be replaced late 2018, with a bigger Combo that will be based on the same architecture as the Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo.
Volkswagen e-Crafter
On sale: Late 2018
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has recently refreshed most of its models, but a move away from diesel-only powertrains is the most significant news it has in store. The electric e-Crafter is due to arrive in 2018 in the 3.5 tonne sector, where it promises to be one of the most heavy duty electric vans ever. As with the standard van, expect a modern and refined interior with space for three adults.
