Renault launches updated Trafic van

Renault has updated its Trafic van, which now gets a revised dashboard and enhanced equipment.The interior now gets an A4 document holder at the top of the centre consol, storage slot above the glovebox (on versions without passenger airbag) and a new centrally-positioned stowage spaces.
The instrument panel now incorporates a redesigned hood to improve the visibility and legibility of the information display. The warning lights have been repositioned, again to improve visibility.

New equipment includes:
o Automatic climate control across the light commercial and passenger-carrying range
o Carminat TomTom® navigation incorporating IQ Routes™* technology, the best-value integrated navigation system on the market.
o A new range of audio systems with radio CD MP3 player with a more clearly visible remote display, USB connectivity and Bluetooth telephone connectivity with audio streaming.
o Cruise control and speed limiter with controls located on the steering wheel. The on-off button is conveniently located on the dashboard for easier activation.

On commercial versions of New Trafic the fuel consumption of the 2.0 dCi 115hp engine with manual gearbox is slashed by 4.2mpg and CO2 emissions drop by 19g/km to 195g/km.

Renault Launches Larger Kangoo

Renault has launched an enlarged version of its Kangoo van, called the Maxi. The new version is almost 40cm longer than Kangoo Van and boasts an additional cubic metre of load volume.
Extended by 39cm, the new model is available as either a two-seater or a five-seater. It offers a useful load volume of up to 4.6m3 and a maximum load length at floor level of 2.9 metres, as well as featuring a more modular interior.

With an overall length of 4.60 metres, Kangoo Van Maxi is 384mm longer than Kangoo Van. All of this extra length is contained within the 3.1 metre wheelbase.
Boasting an extra cubic metre of load volume over and above that of Kangoo Van, the new model’s load capacity rises all the way to 4.6m3, for a payload of 800kg. In terms of towing capacity it can handle a braked trailer weight of 1.05 tonnes.

New van registrations look to be bottoming out in January

New van registrations look to be bottoming out, with just a 1.7% fall for January, however with just 11,546 vehicles sold it’s hard to see it getting any worse. Nissan took the biggest hit with a drop of 73.4% for the month, followed by heavy hitters Ford and Vauxhall with 16.9% and 16.8% respectively. Mercedes achieved the biggest success with an increase of 73.9% thanks to some rather large fleet deals.

“New van and truck registrations continue to reflect a weak economic recovery and businesses reluctant to commit to new investment,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. It is extremely important that government uses the upcoming Budget to encourage new investment in capital goods and help re-build business confidence.”

Manheim Auctions says its January light and heavy commercial vehicle sales got off to strong start for the year, despite the weather. Its auction halls had 40% more physical and online buyers in January compared with the previous month.

The biggest increase was the for the buyers use of Simulcast, Manheim Auctions' live online broadcast of its physical auctions. Double cab 4x4s, Transit panel vans and tippers have been in particular demand.

Ford Transit in drifting debacle, most impressive says Ultimate Van Blog

Ultimate Van Blog believes there are two types of people in the this world, those that are aroused by a drifting Ford Transit, and those that are not. UVB sits in the first camp, naturally, and would contest that it's a harder task to achieve than when driving a car

However having left the back doors open on the previous attempt, and in the process leaving the family's Xmas presents rolling around the A3, watching is currently more appealing than taking part, particularly as UVB found all the locks on the house had been changed in the New Year...

Van jump part 2 - the revenge, or something like that

If you're anything like Ultmate Van Blog, you'll have always wanted to jump a Bedford Rascal. There's something about this little van that makes you want to launch it in some capacity, whether firing it out a cannon, or hitting at ramp with a strong wind behind you.

Second-hand van prices continue to rise

Average second-hand van values continued to rise in December according to British Car Auctions (BCA).Buyers continued to compete strongly for commercial stock right through to the year-end

Second-hand van values continue to rise

Average second-hand van values continued to rise in December according to British Car Auctions (BCA).Buyers continued to compete strongly for commercial stock right through to the year-end


Buyers continued to compete strongly for commercial stock right through to the year-end. Over £100 was added to average van prices during the month as the £4,000 watershed was breached for the first time on record.
Average values increased from £3,902 to £4,008 to establish a new high point for LCVs. The rise of £106 was equivalent to a 2.7% increase – and marked the end of a year that saw average values start below £3,000 in January and end above £4,000 in December. Over the year values increased by 37% - a result of both how strong the demand was in 2009 and how far prices had collapsed over the previous year.

BCA’S Duncan Ward commented “In review, 2009 has recovered all of the ground lost in 2008 and a little bit more. It seemed that values might have peaked in September, but high demand kept prices firm in the run-up to Christmas, breaking records on the way.”

He added “With small businesses being significant buyers in the used commercial market, this suggests that confidence is returning to the SME sector and reflects the news that the UK officially came out of recession in the final quarter of 2009.”

According to BCA, model mix was broadly the same in December as the previous month, and there were reduced numbers of higher value nearly-new vans for the second month running. Volumes were slightly down on November as would be expected in a short working month.

Despite the average price increase, performance against CAP continued to fall for the third straight month, settling at 95.21% and representing another three points off last months average. Overall CAP performance has fallen by nearly 10 points since September.
The year-on-year price differential increased again, with December 09 values ahead by a resounding £1,236 – the biggest year-on-year margin on record - and reflecting both the strong performance in December 2009 and just how weak the LCV sector was generally during 2008.

Volkswagen van jump, don't try this when on the phone...

Ultimate Van Blog has always wanted to conduct a van jump...however it's always had a few concerns. Will the weekly shop of alcohol in the rear smash on impact? Will the wife be woken up when she feels the seat belt being unclicked beforehand? Will the jump design conform the the relevant Health and Safety regulations?

Electric vans - the solution to the world's ills, possibly

Ultimate Van Blog likes to think it sports well established green credentials, why only yesterday it recycled 24 cans of Stella and a three bottles of Chateau du Troosers ’86.

However this constant championing of electric vans as if they’re solution to the world’s ills is getting out of hand...

(An electric vehicle, yesterday)

Van driver performs exit mid-crash

Ultimate Van Blog likes a good van smash, as long as everyone walks away to regale the tale of course. It's a bit like watching two drunken ladies arguing over 'Darren' outside the local Weatherspoons at midnight -you should look away and retain your dignity, but the sheer horror draws you back in...

New Renault Master price and spec announced

Renault's new Master van has recieved full pricing and spec. Available from 2.8 to 4.5-tonnes GVW, the latest version starts at £20,765 for the front wheel drive panel van and, surprisingly, the crew cab, while the range-topping 4.5-tonne RWD version comes in at £29,945...

Vauxhall releases more details of its Movano van

Vauxhall has released more details of its new Movano van, which goes on sale in May with a claimed 29 different body styles, which include includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights.

Commercial vehicle production up for the first time in 17 months

Ultimate Van Blog could do with a bit of good news, what with accusations of being a shoe bomber while in the queue at Iceland, and then the incident with Russian dating website, so the announcement that commercial vehicle output has risen for the first time in 17 months (up 15.6% in December 2009) has been greeted with enthusiasm.

But before we all start ordering Thai Brides, there was an overall drop of 55.3% for 2009 compared with the previous year...but it's a start.

New Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master go on sale

The latest version of Vauxhall's Movano and Renault's Master goes on sale this week, in a continuing collaboration between the two van manufacturers. There are claimed improvements in performance and consumption over the outgoing versions, while there's also a step up to 4.5-tonne GVW.

Ford Super Van 3 - enough said

Ultimate Van Blog always appreciates a van with a bit of poke, how else we going to make the bookies for the 4.45 at Kempton? And one van that's an shining example of this is Ford's Super Van 3.

Powered by a long-stroke version of Ford-Cosworth’s DFV Formula 1 engine it tops 150mph - something to worry the suits in their BMW 3-Series perhaps.

Ultimate Van Blog Valentine's Day reminder

Ultimate Van Blog is nothing if not romantic, and with Valentines Day just round the corner - February 14th to be precise - what better way to show you love your partner more than a fully loaded Transit Sport Van (possibly) by replacing their current wheels with a less old van, courtesy of our friends at http://www.vanandtrucks.com/.

Van and house in perfect harmony

When van and man develop a bond, there's little to stand in the way of this passionate relationship. So at the end of the day, when you have to leave the cabin, there's a tug at the heart strings that's hard to ignore until the sun rises again.

Extended crew-cab van more practical than self-cleaning underpants

Ultimate Van Blog always appreciates something different when it comes to commercial vehicles, such as an interior with built-in trouser press facilities, glove box-come-cocktail cabinet, or even monogrammed cup-holders, however when it comes to practicality you can’t beat a crew-cab. However it seems you can...

Yes folks, by simply doubling up, instead of taking just the wife and kids on holiday to Blackpool for a week of pure hell, you can also take the mother-in-law (if she’ll fit), granny, pet parrot and even the mistress.

Supertrucks launches low-loading Citroen Relay

Supertrucks Ltd has launched a version of its low-loading Citroën Relay based Space Van. In standard format the Space Van has a load deck height of just 550mm and a step height of 370mm. However, with the low cost optional rear air suspension the Space Van offers one of the lowest deck height/step height measurements of any van now available in the UK – this gives it a load deck height of just 370mm and an associated step height of 190mm.

High performance van with 900 horsepower should ensure a prompt delivery time

Ultimate Van Blog remembers a time when having 100 horse power under the bonnet was seen to be a bit reckless, then this went to 150hp, and now you can get a Mercedes Vito with over 200hp...has the world gone mad?!!
However, these figures pale into comparison when you check out this Jarvis Performance modified Chevy van, which happens to do a standing quarter mile in 11 seconds...

Iveco releases details of its new Daily van

Iveco has released details of its new Daily range, which now gets a Euro-5 version of its 3.0-litre engine meets the tougher EEV (Enhanced Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) standards.

Badged under the EcoDaily low emissions logo it’s initially only available at 170hp/400Nm, though will joined by a 140hp/350Nm version in the summer.

Ultimate Van Blog is always appreciative of free stuff, and more so since that vicar said it was ok to steal at Christmas...the 42" plasma TV is doing just fine thankyou.
However even UVB reserves caution over this van based offer, tempting as free sweets are...

Vans aren't just for driving, no sir'ee

Ultimate Van Blog knows that vans' aren't just for driving, they also have many, many other uses including mobile bedroom, dining room, office, entertainment centre and so on.

Van conversion is ice (cream)

While Ultimate Van Blog has fond memories of the tinkle of the ice cream van's tunes eminating down the road to signify another sugar rush, and therefore another three hours of running in a circle, we we're always a little let down with the actual vehicle itself.

Average van prices in December at new high

Van sales in December displaced November’s place in the record books to deliver a new high for average LCV values as buyers continued to compete strongly for commercial stock right through to the year end.
Another £100 plus was added to average van prices over the month as the £4,000 watershed was breached for the first time on record.

Dodger Viper crashes into van...

There's nothing quicker on a motorway than a van...as we all know. So pity the driver of a 500 horsepower Dodge Viper who forgets the rules...I pity the fool

Now it's a given that most of you van owners out there like a pick-up, and the same goes for Ultimate Van Blog, in fact we can't get start the day until we've had a half bottle of vodka in the shower, but seriously folks...one vehicle that we're looking forward to later this year is the Volkswagen Amarok.

Nissan introduces NV200 Combi

Nissan's NV200, the 2010 Van of the Year, is soon to be available as a Combi, with either five or seven seats.

Vauxhall introduces the Combo Joan Collins...SE

There comes a time in every vehicle's life when it just gets past caring, wandering out the show rooms dressed in god knows what, with little concern about its reputation, as it cruises down the road, oblivious to the back-handed comments.

It's never a pretty site, a bit like your single aunty getting a facelift and boob job at 50+.

Ultimate Van Blogger comes up with revised scrappage scheme

It seems that 2009 was a bad year for new van buying, as if you didn’t know…total sales were down a rather sharp 35.6% to 186,386…and two Bedford Rascals.

Personal trainer takes on VW Caddy to celebrate career change...

It seems that you don’t need a Bugatti Veyron to signify success in your new life (Ian Tonkin). 24-year old Hannah Ingram signified her career change by splashing out on a brand new Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life, according to the VW press office.


The former Leicestershire athlete has started up her own business as a personal trainer and needed a vehicle to suit this new role.



And she’s done it in style. As well as a healthy 4.2m cubed load volume there’s a low front spoiler, chrome side rails and 18” alloy wheels…very nice.

Hannah says: “The only problem now is my work life balance is challenged as the seven seats are a real bonus when I go out with my friends – I now permanently seem to be the chauffeur!”



This would be a problem for Ultimate Van Blogger as he doesn’t have seven friends. However after a slight career change plans are afoot to acquire a new vehicle that represents these forward strides, with the desired steed pictures below…

If you go off-road in a van, you'll probably be wanting to get back on it at some point. This function used to be the arena of specialist 4x4 LCVs, however Citroen offers a cheaper, lighter alternative to all-wheel-drive on its Berlingo van.
It's called the XTR+ and comes with a limited slip-differential that transfers up to 75% of power between the front wheels for extra traction. You also get beefed up suspension, higher ride height and more suitable tyres. If you don't believe me here's the ruddy video road test...

What was your first love? The ultimate van blog asks the intimate question...

Right folks, its question time. Can you remember the first van you travelled in or went to work in? I can, and it's not pretty. Its goes by the name of a Toyota Hiace circa 1979, which was purchased from new in 'Migrane Yellow', by my dad.


He owned a supermarket in Merseyside at the time and many a school holiday we would drive back from the 'cash n carry', ahem, fully loaded, with the rear axle scraping the ground, hoping we wouldn't collapse the Mersey Tunnel as we veered through on the way to the shop in Birkenhead. Here's a picture that's as near as dammit to our trusty carrier. So which van made it's debut in your life?

T5 videos...for all you T5 forum boys

As promised here are the two vids for the updates Volkswagen T5...let me know if you'd like to see a UK road test video, and yes I do need a shave...

Yet more potholes on the roads...and vans

Good news folks, it seems there's going to be more potholes on the roads than ever before after the big freeze. All that lovely ice is now turning to water, pushing open those cracks into a more substantial arrangement ...which got me thinking.


Just who makes the best riding van? Well, you can always count on those Germans (Mercedes and Volkswagen) to put together a vehicle with well sorted suspension, however one vehicle that still draws my praise is Vauxhall's Vivaro.

Ok it's been around for a while now, but by crikey, it still impresses with its excellent damping arrangement, ideal for soaking up that hangover the morning after.

However this title may be inder threat...by a Fiat. Yes, the new Doblo Cargo, on sale in March really impressed when I tested it on its launch, check out the video...

There's a deathly silence across van world...and I'm here to cheer you up!

Besides the recent introduction of Nissan's NV200 based on Renault Kangoo, a slight disapointment based on an underwhelming product, there's little to get excited in van world at the moment.


And considering its the CV Show in April, minus a small outsider called Ford at least, it seems every CV manufacturer is holding their breath, awaiting to resurface in 2011.

But let's not get too down shall we. This blog, and the subsequent video road tests, should keep you company throught the year as I dig a little deeper into that most practical of vehicles



Jules