More and more businesses are downsizing from large vans to something more compact - and these are some of the best medium-sized alternatives to lease right now.
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The working landscape has shifted in the UK over the past few years.
It’s now commonplace for construction materials to be delivered directly to work sites by the company supplying them, which means less time running between depots and warehouses for the average white van driver.
And because there’s potentially less load-lugging to do, many firms and fleets are switching to more appropriately-sized vans instead of having to opt for the largest vehicles going.
The cost implications here are huge, whether you’re running just one LCV or an entire fleet, as medium-sized vans are typically more affordable to lease than their larger equivalents.
When it comes to the downsizing trend, don’t just take our word for it - have a look at the latest new van registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Stats for August 2023 show the largest volume growth recorded was for medium-sized vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes, which more than TREBLED, up 227.4% in the month.
And the best-selling light commercial vehicle in the UK of the year so far is..? The medium-sized Ford Transit Custom, which has shifted almost 8,000 more units than the larger Ford Transit, which sits in second place in the sales chart.
Deliveries of 4x4s and pickups also saw SMMT sales growth, up 159.3% and 48.3% respectively.
So, with all that in mind, what are your best options if you’re looking to size-down from full-fat large? Here are our Top 5 suggestions.
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The Ford Transit Custom wasn’t just the UK’s best-selling van in 2022, it was the best-selling vehicle full stop, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai.
And the 42,762 people who got to enjoy a new one last year can’t all be wrong!
The very latest version of the Transit Custom, released earlier this year, is available in various load lengths and heights and gets a maximum payload of 1,327 kg.
The outgoing model - and the one you can still lease right now - gets an even greater payload of up to 1,459 kg.
To put that into context, the larger, regular Ford Transit has a max payload of 2,410 kg.
While a 2.0 diesel engine will be par for the course with lots of lease customers, the Transit Custom will also be available as both a frugal plug-in hybrid and an all electric model (pictured above)- the latter of which will have a target range between charges of up to 236 miles when it arrives early next year.
Entry-level Ford Transit Customers also get a 13-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a full metal bulkhead.
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There are a clutch of medium-sized vans that all come from the same manufacturing group - Stellantis - and which can definitely be considered sibling models.
They are the Citroen Dispatch, Fiat Scudo, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and the Vauxhall Vivaro.
But it’s the Vivaro that wins the day when it comes to payload, offering a fraction more - around 10kg - than its Stellantis cousins.
The Vivaro gets a max payload of around 1,458 kg, which trumps the latest version of the Ford Transit Custom.
And, like the Transit Custom, you can also lease a battery-powered model in the form of the Vivaro Electric.
The good news here is that you don’t have to sacrifice much on payload with the rechargeable Vivaro, as it still weighs in at 1,226 kg, and you also get a range of up to 205 miles between charges.
The Transporter has an almost cult-like following, and for good reason - it’s nothing short of a van icon.
The Transporter is simply one of the most stylish and comfortable medium-sized vans out there, with entry-level models coming with a suite of driver assistance and safety systems that include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking.
Both the short wheelbase and long wheelbase models are available with VW’s ‘4MOTION’ all-wheel drive system, and you can also access power of up to 204 PS.
A 1,278 kg maximum payload isn’t to be sniffed at, either.
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Of course, the VW Transporter you REALLY want to lease is the sporty, aggressive-looking Sportline model (above), which comes with a unique exterior body kit, 18 inch alloys, an uprated interior, and the ability to sprint from 0-62mph in just 8.9 seconds.
When it comes to fully electric medium sized vans, the Citroen e-Dispatch is one of the most affordable leasing options going, which makes it worthy of a spot on this list.
There are three versions available - an XS, an M and an XL - with load volumes running from 4.6m3 to 6.6m3.
There are also two battery sizes up for grabs, with a very decent range of up to 196 miles between charges available.
The brilliance in the Citroen e-Dispatch’s design is that the extra weight added by the battery hasn’t resulted in a small payload - you still get a 1,275 kg maximum carrying capacity.
When you use a 100 kW rapid charger, you’ll replenish the battery back to 80% in around 30 minutes, which should keep you and your business on the move.
Meanwhile even the cheapest versions available to lease come with creature comforts like a 7-inch colour touchscreen, a 180 degree rear view camera, an Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
If you’re downsizing, you might not necessarily want to choose another panel van lease.
And there are plenty of reasons why you might opt for a versatile pickup instead, not least because of the dominating road presence it brings, alongside an SUV-like ride quality.
The Ford Ranger dominates the class when it comes to payload, no matter if you’re going for a single cab or double cab.
The single cab Ranger gets a mighty 1,200 kg payload and a 3,500 kg towing capacity, which is right up there with the 1,327 kg payload you get with a Ford Transit Custom. The double cab makes do with a 1,067 kg payload but is still practical enough.
The mid-range ‘Tremor’ trim is perhaps the sweet spot of the range, as it attempts to find the balance between being good-looking but also capable of the graft.
Meanwhile the V6-engined ‘Platinum’ models really bring the style.
** For expert advice on leasing your next van, particularly if you are planning to downsize, speak to one of the friendly consultants in our dedicated Select Van Leasing division. Email us at enquiries@selectcarleasing.co.uk or alternatively call us on 0118 338 3799 and one of our van specialists will be happy to help you.
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