PHPD takes a look at three new commercial vehicles ready to hit construction sites across the UK, from VW, Vauxhall and Iveco.
VW Crafter Startline Igimex Tipper
The VW Crafter design is available in a diverse range of models: panel van, single/double cab dropside and tipper in three heights and three lengths – around 70 derivatives in total.
A lot of thought has gone into the configuration of the sturdy cab, with plenty of coherent and practical storage areas for a host of personal accessories needed in today’s frantic business world. The central passenger seat can be folded down to create a desk and a 12v power outlet is useful for charging tools and devices on the move.
Cutting edge infotainment and safety technology includes air bags, driver alert system and ESP including ABS and ASR and front assist including city emergency braking – which reduces the chance of a collision by triggering emergency braking when it detects critical distances.
All of the Crafter’s engines are 2.0 litre units from VW’s EA family of commercial vehicle power trains, so they have proven pedigree for durability, low down pulling power and efficiency. All are Euro 6 compliant common rail injection engines with advanced SCR Catalytic convertor system to clean the exhaust gases.
Crafter comes with a wide range of payloads on offer, from 735kg to 2,573kg. On the Tipper, load volume comes in at an impressive 2.71m3 with a top payload of 1065kg and around town owners can expect a very reasonable 36mpg.
Vauxhall Combo
Crowned International Van of the Year 2019 at the IAA Show at the Combo is based on an all-new architecture and is offered in a selection of variants, including short wheelbase, long wheelbase and crew van. It can carry a load volume of up to 4.4m3 and a payload of up to a tonne.
Longer items up to 3440mm, such as pipes and ladders, can be stored safely and securely, thanks to the rear swing doors and FlexCargo load-through hatch.
The ergonomically designed interior provides the driver with a lot. All controls are instinctively located and easily accessible and the upright seating position is upright and gives the driver a commanding view. The driver and front seat passenger can also enjoy heated seats on cold days, while the optional heated steering wheel to add a touch of luxury.
Elsewhere, the dual zone climate control ensures pleasant temperatures inside the new Combo and allow the driver and front seat passenger to enjoy separate settings. Integrated sun sensors adjust the system depending on intensity of the sun, while the humidity sensor and automatic air dispersion prevent misting. If your phone supports wireless charging, smartphones can be charged without cables, while DAB+ provides a wide range of radio stations and ensures better sound quality.
Combo customers can choose between a variety of turbocharged, direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, all of which combine driving pleasure with low CO2 emissions from 109g/km and fuel economy up to 67.3mpg.
Iveco Daily
The new Daily is powered by a choice of large four cylinder diesel engines, the F1A 2.3 litre option with ratings from 116 to 156hp in both light and heavy duty homologation and the 3.0 litre heavy duty F1C engine with increased performance from 160 to 210 hp. All are available with a choice of eight speed Hi matic automatic or six speed manual gearboxes – more than enough power there to cope with load volumes that start at 7.3m3 and expand to a cavernous 19m3, with the claimed added bonus of up to 10 per cent fuel savings on previous models.
A range of headline grabbing driver assistance systems have also been added as part of the latest refresh, including advanced emergency braking and City Brake PRO, Adoptive cruise control with Queue assist and Active Lane Assist and Crosswind assist. An electric parking brake is another new feature, along with a host of other useful but, not universally essential, optional extras.
There is a smaller leather multifunctional steering wheel, designed to feel more car-like and the addition of electric power steering is also welcome, which is precise and more reactive to the driver’s inputs, damps vibration and compensates for drift and wheel unbalances.
New Daily features a tweak to the front grille, which has been extended to increase ventilation while protecting the engine and radiator. New lightweight alloy wheels contribute to optimising payload whilst sharper beam LED lights should last the entire lifespan of the vehicle. A new bumper is divided in to three sections for the first time, so that, in a small accident, only one damaged piece needs to be replaced, reducing repair costs.
