The Van Expert

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded a third consecutive month of growth in June, with registrations rising 11% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While overall demand remains positive, market growth continues to be reliant on rising large van registrations, while pickup and small van sales falling once again year-on-year in June.

Make and model: Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Description: Double-cab pick-up Price range: £36,295 to £39,995 CVOTR Summary: The new Mitsubishi L200 is a capable and convincing return to the UK pick-up market, with strong towing, off-road ability and a surprisingly polished drive. More Mitsubishi van and pick-up reviews, news and features The new Mitsubishi L200 is a significant vehicle for Mitsubishi in the UK.

Vauxhall is one of the most familiar names in British motoring, and its van range remains a major part of the UK light-commercial market. The badge is well known, the dealer network is broad and the company has a commercial vehicle history that stretches back through Bedford to the early days of the van market. Today’s Vauxhall vans are also closely related to other models sold across the Stellantis group.

Toyota is best known for its cars, but its commercial vehicle history goes back almost as far as the company itself. The first vehicle it produced was a small truck, launched in 1935. In the UK today, Toyota groups its vans, pick-ups and commercial vehicle services under the Toyota Professional name. It covers the models themselves, along with sales, servicing, finance, fleet support and roadside assistance for business users.

Make and model: Mercedes-Benz Vito Crew 119 CDI Select L2 Description: Crew van Price as tested: £45,400 + VAT Mercedes-Benz says: “The versatile Vito Crew is the ultimate crew cab van.” We say: The Mercedes-Benz Vito Crew Van has the engine, the badge and the safety record – but for the money, it needs to be better than this.

The all-new Mitsubishi L200 will arrive in UK showrooms this Summer – a pick-up truck with improved off-road technology, enhanced towing capability and two distinct model grades. Soon available in ‘Titan’ and ‘Barbarian’ trims, the seventh-generation L200 builds on Mitsubishi’s long-standing reputation for rugged off-road performance, drawing on technology developed through decades of success in events such as the Dakar Rally.

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market recorded a second consecutive month of growth in May, with registrations rising 3.6% year-on-year to 23,620 units, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). While overall demand remains positive, the market continues to be heavily reliant on large van registrations, while pickup sales suffered another significant decline and battery electric van uptake remains well below government targets.

Van operators are under pressure to reduce emissions, but switching to an electric van is not yet practical for many. Cost, charging infrastructure, and operational demands still make diesel the more realistic option for many businesses. That is why hydrotreated vegetable oil, commonly abbreviated as HVO, has attracted growing interest in the commercial vehicle sector. It is promoted as a lower-emissions alternative to diesel that can usually be used in existing diesel vans without modification.

Make and model: GWM Poer300 Description: Diesel-engined pick-up truck Price as tested: £32,495 to £37,830 (CVOTR) GWM says: “Whether you’re conquering the great outdoors, navigating city streets, or looking for a reliable workhorse, the GWM Poer300 series has a variant perfectly suited to your needs.” We say: Rivals are more refined, but the GWM Poer300 offers a value-for-money option for those who need a tough pick-up to keep their work moving.

Following a 3% fall in sales year-on-year in March, the new light commercial vehicle market recorded a promising 7% registrations uptick in April, according to numbers published this morning by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).