Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroen and Peugeot, all of which sit under the Stellantis banner, have updated their LCV ranges as the group positions itself as a key player in the sector.
Each model in the various ranges benefits from an exterior design refresh and technology updates, while electric models see performance improvements and the addition of a 400V e-Power Take-Off. There’s improved safety, too, with each van fitted with LED headlights.
Each brand is concentrating on a core element of the update to differentiate each product, but there will be little to choose between a model from each manufacturer.
Compact Vans: Citroen Berlingo / Fiat Doblo / Peugeot Partner / Vauxhall Combo
Regarding external styling, the compact vans in the Stellantis range have seen some cosmetic updates, and each brand has taken a distinctive approach — you’ll see the Vauxhall ‘vizor’ and Peugeot ‘claws’.
Under the bonnet, the electric LCVs have seen significant upgrades, with range increasing by 20% thanks to a new 50kWh battery pack. At 205 miles, the new eLCVs have a best-in-class range. A new energy regeneration system has also been installed, which recovers power as the van slows. Paddles mounted on the steering column allow the driver to adjust the system's strength and balance energy recovery with driveability, depending on the circumstances.
A heat pump has been installed, meaning less energy is required to keep the cabin warm, and a 400-volt electric power take-off, which draws power from the main traction battery rather than requiring a separate power source, will give operators the ability to power equipment while off-site.
There has been an improvement in safety technology across the range; each van now has 12 sensors placed around the vehicle, giving 360-degree obstacle awareness, as well as lane centring assist and adaptive cruise control, which operates down to a standstill.
Once inside, the interior has a more modern feel, with a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, front and centre. The driver’s instrument panel has also received an update, and some models benefit from a customisable 10.0-inch digital panel. A smartphone cradle will be available for lower specification models, allowing operators to connect their smartphones to control the infotainment system.
Medium Vans: Citroen Dispatch / Fiat Scudo / Peugeot Expert / Vauxhall Vivaro
The medium-size vans' updates are mostly cosmetic, with each brand taking a distinctive approach to the exterior updates.
Under the skin, there are updates to steering, with the all-electric setup being replaced by an electro-hydraulic power assistance system.
There is no change to the battery pack sizing for electric models, with either 50kWh or 75kWh options available. However, thanks to efficiency gains, the official figures now show a range of up to 224 miles for models with the larger capacity battery.
Inside the cabin, there have been more updates. Gone is the 7.0-inch infotainment screen from the old model, replaced by a new 10.0-inch version. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available, and there’s now a dedicated space for a smartphone, along with a wireless charging pad. There are also larger cup holders, a space to stow a tablet or laptop, and a heated steering wheel option.
There’s more rear visibility via a digital rearview mirror, which transmits a live video image via a rear-mounted camera — a great addition to the windowless panel van configuration.
A hydrogen fuel-cell power option will join the range in 2024, which should have a 249-mile range and provide zero-emissions motoring with minimum downtime, thanks to the refuelling time of around five minutes.
Large Vans: Citroen Relay / Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Vauxhall Movano
Diesel-powered models will see the fewest changes, and having been introduced in 2010, they are some of the oldest vans on the market. There is, however, the promise of improved capability and economy, thanks to a revised engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior gets a refresh, but the design is dated, and there’ll only be relatively minor changes. As the body panels and even headlights are fixed across all models, any differences between the different brands will be minimal.
Electric versions will see the most significant upgrades, with a 110kWh battery pack now being fitted as standard. This will see a substantial improvement in range, increasing it to 261 miles from a full charge, which is around 65% higher than in the outgoing models. Rapid charging will also be available, so charging from empty to 80% should take under an hour.
Payload limits will be increased, too, to 1,500kg, thanks to the government’s rules allowing gross vehicle weights to rise to 4.25 tonnes.
Fiat has specifically commented that the electric e-Ducato will be built in-house rather than being subcontracted to a conversion company. This, it says, will bring costs down by 25%, which we would expect to be reflected in the list price when that becomes available. This should be the same across the rest of the Stellantis range, and if it holds true, will make the brand more competitive with rivals in the sector.
When the hydrogen fuel-cell power option arrives in the line-up next year, it is expected to boast an impressive 311-mile range, giving emission-free motoring with fast refuelling.
Pricing and Availability
The first deliveries of the updated vans are expected to be in early 2024. UK specifications and pricing details should arrive in December, and significant price cuts to some electric models could be possible.
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