So you want a van but you don't need too much space ... what can you choose?
One of the things that are most remarkable around Europe is the presence of "Panel vehicles." Image your regular small hatchback but without glasses from the B-pillar backwards and no backseat. You can put quite a lot of stuff in one of these, although your payload won't never reach a regular van. So here's when the "van" models of your regular hatchback comes in, sometimes at 50+ mpg.
Such is the case of the Fiesta Van. With more than 1000 liters of space available behind the front seats, you can carry about 500 kg and still be able to park (almost) anywhere. Of course, if you have to carry bulky stuff, remember that this vehicle might not be suitable for you (but I've seen unbelievable stuff being carried in a car like this). Of course, this can only be had in Europe.
There are two engine options:
- A 1.3 liter gas engine good for 70 HP and 106 Nm (128 lb lb) of torque, but also good 6.1 l / 100km (39 mpg) and 144 g CO2/km (if you wondered, 0-60 is made in 17.3 seconds).
- A 1.4 liter diesel engine with 68 HP and 160 Nm (217 lb ft) of torque. It makes 4.5 l / 100 (52 mpg) and 119 g of CO2 per km (0-60 in 15.5 s).
The picture above shows the SportVan concept, which adds more spice to the model.
[Source: Ford]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mattias 12:55AM (9/04/2007)
If you want it a bit larger you choose the Dacia Logan Van, it offers 2300 litres and around 1600 pounds of Cargo. Starts around 6000€ (excl. VAT):
http://www.daciagroup.com/category.php?id=56
Slightly shorter but higher is the SEVEL Minicargo that is build by TOFAS in Turkey (soon to be sold as Citroen and FIAT). Also around 2300l, expect prices starting around 8000€ (excl. VAT):
http://news.caradisiac.com/Future-Fiat-Fiorino-Minicargo-c-est-elle-533
Relatively new and like the Dacia derived from a passenger vehicle is the Skoda Praktik:
http://www.skoda-auto.de/index.php?e=1-30-1
Then there are the classics: Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo, Nissan Kubistar, Volkswagen Caddy and Ford Transit Connect. At least the Transit Connect will be sold in the US. All these offer between 2600 and 3300 litres and 1500 to 2000 pounds of payload.
All of these cars are available with small diesel engines that get ECE figures around 5.3l/100km (53mpg), however 6l/100km (47mpg) are more realistic.
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Mattias 1:04AM (9/04/2007)
Just one note: Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, Renault Kangoo, Nissan Kubistar, Volkswagen Caddy and Ford Transit Connect are built around an "DIN Gitterbox" (1240x835x970mm) which uses measures derived from the "European Pool Pallet":
http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gitterbox
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pallet#ISO_Pallets
Unlike the passenger vehicle derived vans they can be loaded with a forklift -- which is regarding dings and dents fast and common here...
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Nils 3:57AM (9/04/2007)
Don't forget these cars pay only a small road tax, even if ur not using them for professional use like i do :)
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john riley 8:55AM (9/04/2007)
In N Am, there is the HHR panel now, FWIW.
N Ams really seem to be reluctant to buy anything that doesn't look like an SUV. I _really_ wish they would overcome their distaste for wagons. I am really happy with my Toyota Matrix, and hope when it gets replaced in a few years, there will still be something comparable.
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Mattias 10:58AM (9/04/2007)
The HHRs retro look is very cool. Unfortunately the cargo space is less than 1800l -- although it is larger on the outside than the Kangoo or Berlingo.
Nevertheless I'd like to see an HHR panel with either the FIAT sourced 105hp 1.3l Diesel or a three cylinder gasoline in two mode hybrid layout.
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EnviroBob 12:51PM (9/04/2007)
Or you can restore a 1959 Corvair Van, the first American mini-van.
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