Fleet Transport June 2020

GROUP TEST | 53
Comparison: Arctic Van Test – Positives & Negatives
The development of the one-tonne category of vans is
noticeable when compared to, for instance, the Arctic Test
of 2015. In that year, the Ford Transit Custom, Renault
Trafic and Mercedes-Benz Vito were compared, and all were found
to be top notch vehicles suitable for professional use.
With all the vehicles having received upgrades over the years, these
vans have become even better, notably in the provision of more driver
assistance systems. Additionally their multimedia systems are more
versatile, with each van tested here now boasting a large touchscreen
in its console. Hand-in-hand with these developments is the growing
importance of smartphones for delivery drivers, and as a result the
connectivity features of these vehicles have also evolved.
storage space inside, with cubby holes under the benches.
Trafic’s load compartment was particularly well equipped, with 17
lashing loops to ensure that the load can be secured in a versatile and
secure manner. LED strips illuminate the area in the back. Trafic’s
load capacity was also admired, with functionally shaped doors
increasing efficiency.
+ Engine
+ Load area
+ Visibility
- Road noise
- Seats
- Passing through cabin
Improvements made to the powertrains is also noticeable, as the average
consumption figures for high-performing Euro 6 diesel engines are
about a litre lower compared to five years ago.
The competition in the tonnage van market is interesting because
there are several good and functional products.
From the consumer’s point of view, the service ability of the van is
of great importance. Location of Service Networks, maintenance
packages and warranties do their part in making the ownership
experience a positive one, together with considerations such as fuel
economy, insurance, the price of the vehicle and spare parts which all
make up the total operating and running costs. Differences in total
cost of ownership for this test are indistinguishable and vary from
customer to customer, for example in terms of geographical location
and/or vehicle use.
Ford Transit Custom 320 L2H1 Limited 2.0 TDCi EcoBlue
The Ford Transit Custom proved versatile in terms of driveability.
It was praised both in the city and out on the countryside.
Special credit went to the Transit Custom for its large exterior
mirrors. Good mirrors make reversing safer in tight parking lots,
even if there is assistance in the form of radars and cameras.
There is a folding writing pad in the cab and large luggage compartments
under the driver’s seats. The Transit Custom has a large load area but
its shape is more impractical than other test vans due to its tapered
top. The hard plastic floor in the load area proved to be very slippery,
leading to issues securing the filled plastic water canisters which were
used as load weights.
+ Driveability
+ Cabin noise
+ Mirrors
- Shape of the load area
- Gear stick restricts legroom
Renault Trafic 2.0 dCi L2H1 EDC Navi Edition
The Renault Trafic proved to be a good all-rounder. In city driving,
the van was an actual powerhouse and yet quiet to drive. While
driving outside the city, however, it did emit some road noise and
some complaints were recorded.
The visibility from Trafic was good and the exterior mirrors decent.
Visibility was enhanced by a handy detail in the cabin, a blind-spot
mirror attached to the sun visor. There was a reasonable amount of
Toyota Proace L2.0 D 120 Automatic Edition Pro Premium
The Toyota had the lowest-powered engine in the test, which
surprisingly did not hinder acceleration and driveability. In fuel
consumption terms, especially on the road, the lower power from
the 2.0 litre was obvious with the Proace returning the best fuel
economy figures.
Proace was the only van equipped with a HUD display. Another difference
from the others was the gear selector, which is fitted as a disc shape instead
of a stick. This solution allows a little more space inside the cab, but it takes
time to get used to it. Its use can also prove cumbersome with gloves on.
This Toyota van had the best load capacity of all the test vehicles, but
the lifting height at the load doors was the highest of all.
+ Fuel consumption
+ Load capacity
+ Passing through cabin
- Load lifting height
- Heating controls
- Mirrors
Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 2,0 TDI 4MOTION DSG
The Volkswagen Transporter was upgraded to the
T6.1 version last year. Among other things the update
sharpened its appearance and improved its driveability.
Equipped with a 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the Volkswagen
T6.1 was praised by test drivers in terms of driveability, especially
in terms of handling and steering equipment. The dashboard
controls were clear and the heating gauges easy to use.
Criticism for T6.1 was directed towards the tight space to get into
the cab.
It seems most of this space is dedicated to the load area and doors
which are large. The T6.1 was the only one of the vans tested that did
not have a hatch in the lower section of the bulkhead to allow long
items to be carried. The load capacity was the lowest of all but on the
other hand, the Volkswagen had most pulling power.
+ Steering ability
+ Controls
+ Pulling power
- Access to the cabin
- Load capacity
- Mirrors
Text: Henri Pakarinen (IVOTY Finland) Photos: Henri Pakarinen & Juho Kauranen
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