The Doblo Cargo won the prize for best small van – an award it also won in 2013. Judges praised its “unrivalled combination of engine choice, payload and load volumes, with no fewer than four body sizes available and a dropside pick-up”, adding that the new-look model delivers an “unbeatable choice” for fleets.
Volkswagen’s Transporter scooped prizes for best new van and best medium van, with the sixth-generation model standing out against other strong mid-weight contenders. “This is perhaps the hardest class to decide, until you get behind the wheel,” says Dan Gilkes, Van Fleet World’s editor.
“The T6 Transporter had this award sewn up from the moment we first turned the key in the ignition,” he adds. “Of all the vans that we tried last year, Volkswagen’s T6 Transporter was the one that delivered a winning drive.”
Topping the category for best large van was the Mercedes Sprinter – the seventh time it has won this award since 2008.
Gilkes says large vans form “the backbone of fleets” across the UK.
“While there are many strong vans in this sector, the Van Fleet World judges felt that Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way with Sprinter. The wide range of Euro 6 engines and transmissions on offer, including the increasingly popular seven-speed automatic transmission, provide enough power and economy for any operation.
“There are such a huge range of body styles, sizes and capacities that it would be impossible to list them all here. Add in the option of a robust 4x4 system and a chassis cab that can be converted into literally thousands of LCV models, and Mercedes-Benz really does have a van to suit any application,” he adds.
The Freight Transport Association’s Van Excellence scheme picked up a special editor’s award at the event, cited for its contribution to the LCV market.
Giles describes it as “a beacon of professionalism” and adds: “The work that the Van Excellence team puts in is benefiting all van operators, whether members or not, and that should be applauded.”