WHAT VAN? AWARDS: Top van industry awards unveiled

The What Van? Awards are renowned as the most prestigious in the light commercial vehicle industry. James Dallas takes a look at the outstanding products in the 2013 list.

The recipient of the 2013 Van of the Year Award from?BusinessCar sister title What Van? is indisputably one of the big beasts of the commercial vehicle industry.

When it broke cover earlier this year, it was apparent the Ford Transit Custom was destined to raise the bar in the medium van sector.

It brings unprecedented style to the segment and offers a refined, engaging driving experience. It also boasts a class-leading, “car-like” interior with quality and equipment unmatched in the CV sector, and introduces practical innovations such as a retractable roof rack and a load-through hatch in the bulkhead to enable the van to carry long pipes and ladders.

Powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine with power outputs of 100, 125 and 155hp, Ford claims the 100hp Econetic version will deliver best-in-class efficiency, and early reports indicate the Transit Custom’s residual values will lead the field too.

The Custom’s high style should see owner/drivers proud to park it in their driveways. When good looks and drivability are combined with the practical loading features that reinforce its sound credentials as a working vehicle, the Transit Custom becomes a worthy winner of our sister magazine’s Van of the Year prize.

Predictably, the Custom also scooped the top prize in the medium van category ahead of the enduringly excellent Volkswagen Transporter, and a good year for the Blue Oval brand also included its sophisticated, tough and extremely capable new Ranger collecting the top gong in the pick-up sector. Highly Commended in this category was the Isuzu D-max. It is competitively priced, available in four trim levels to suit a wide range of tastes, comes in single-, extended- and double-cab guises and impresses with both brute strength and frugal fuel economy for the sector.

Elsewhere, the Vauxhall Corsavan retained pole position in the small van category where it once more held off the challenge of the Ford Fiesta van.

It will be interesting to see if both models can lower CO2 emissions still further to make them eligible for exemption from the London Congestion Charge, which Transport for London is set to drop to 75g/km.

The Fiat Doblo held onto the light van prize but was joined on the podium this time by the Vauxhall Combo – both vans share the same DNA and are built alongside each other at Fiat’s plant in Turkey. A sophisticated bi-link independent suspension system enhances ride quality and handling, stop/start is widely available across both line-ups, and generous payload and load capacities of up to 1000kg and 4.2m3 respectively increase functionality.

Rock-solid build quality, fine engines and the option of VW’s excellent DSG transmission meant the Caddy was once more Highly Commended.

The Iveco Daily kept hold of its large van award for the second year. With a wide model range on offer, which now extends to a choice of conversions, the Daily is robust enough to stand up to the most punishing of schedules. Powerful, flexible and smooth engines, a dependable gear change and remarkably good handling for a heavy van all contributed to its success.

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter captured the 4×4 prize for its combination of off-road ability and civilised on-road behaviour. Key to its triumph was Mercedes’ decision to fit it with 4ETS (Electronic Traction System), which is fully automatic and kicks in when one or more of the wheels starts to spin – directing more torque to those with grip.

The three-pointed star brand also won again in the safety category where it continues to lead the way; Vauxhall picked up the Green Award for its Ecoflex vans, which are available with all models; and the Innovation Award went to Emerald Automotive for the development of its lightweight, range-extended electric vehicle prototype, which will be targeted at large fleets when it comes to market in 2014.

The Editor’s Choice prize went to the eagerly anticipated Mini Clubvan, which will appeal to businesses keen to dress to impress as well as adding some rare glamour to the light commercial vehicle segment when it goes on sale early next year.