Like the Combo/Berlingo/Partner trio above, the Kangoo crew is based on the longer Maxi body, so you don't lose as much space as if it was based on the standard version. A range of up to 80 miles is fairly modest, though, so route planning will need to be a priority. If you're more interested in being green, the Kombi also comes in electric e-Transporter guise, with running gear taken from the e-Golf. The other downside to that lack of bulkhead is that there's a bit more road noise at higher speeds, which goes against the Transporter's comfort-oriented nature. It's a shame that the 7-speed DSG gearbox is a bit slow to react from a standstill, but once on the move, the Transporter Kombi feels strong. The 2.0-litre diesel comes in 148bhp TDI and 196bhp BiTDI guises, the latter with twin turbos to deliver surprisingly rapid pace.

What's not in any doubt is the Transporter's performance. This does mean that long items can be loaded pretty easily, but cargo security could be better. Another issue is that the Kombi doesn't have a bulkhead between the back seats and the load area. While the Transporter is popular with those wanting a sporty looking van that's capable of carrying families and their kit, the current Kombi is only offered in Startline and Highline trims, which might not impress owners of previous Sport versions. You also get 314, 315 and 317 CDI engine options, and six-speed manual or excellent seven or nine-speed GTronic auto boxes are available. However, since it's an optional upgrade, that does mean you can get a Crew Van in a wide variety of sizes, and there are two roof heights and four body lengths on offer.

It's not the most luxurious Crew Van, but it does the job. The upgrade includes a three-seat bench added in the back, adds windows to the sliding side doors and extra interior panelwork to make it a bit more hospitable. It adds around £3,500 to the price if you include a bulkhead, or it's around £2,000 extra if you opt for the open-plan version. Instead, it's a Crew Van Pack upgrade option that's available on the rear-wheel drive panel van. Technically, Mercedes doesn't sell a Sprinter Crew Van. It's a comfortable panel van, and adding a second row of seats simply means more people can come along for the ride. The separate cargo area is large and boxy, so you never need to travel light, while the passenger compartment is well equipped, with carpets, leather trim on some models and decent infotainment taken from the Ford passenger car range.įor the ultimate in cargo and passenger carrying, the Mercedes Sprinter is a premium choice. Power comes from Ford's EcoBlue diesels (the PHEV option hasn't migrated to the DCIV just yet), and the top-spec 185PS (182bhp) engine packs plenty of punch if you're carrying a full load. All models feature a steel bulkhead with an inspection window behind the second row of seats, while the standard-fit unglazed barn doors mean the cargo area (which measures 3.5 and 4.3 cubic metres in L1 and L2 guises) is secure from prying eyes. The DCIV is a five-seat crew van (there is an option to add a sixth seat between the front seats on some models) and choosing a high-spec Limited, Active, Trail or Sport model gets you a van with some style. That means you can either buy a basic work version, or move up through the range to a high-spec variant that is equally at home carrying the family as it is cargo. It's offered in standard and long wheelbases, and it comes in a wide range of trims.

The Ford Transit Custom Double Cab In-Van (DCIV) really has perfected the passenger-carrying van formula.

5 passenger vehicle