Van of the Year Awards 2006

Welcome to Vans of the Year 2006, What Van?’s annual verdict on what the manufacturers have to offer. Every year we sort the best from the rest and pick out the top light commercials on the market today. After all, choosing the right van for the job is vital these days for the success and smooth running of any large or small business.

Standards were particularly high this year as there has been so much brand new product introduced, but this can only be a good thing for the buyer.

Our verdicts were reached after extensive testing by the What Van? staff. At one time or another we’ve driven every light commercial vehicle on the British market, assessing them for drivability, comfort, performance, handling, refinement, safety, load area, economy and value for money.

The awards are split into 13 categories and out of all the section winners we select our overall supremo, or as is the case this year, supremos; the Vans of the Year 2006.

Van of the Year 2006
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Volkswagen Crafter

Microvan
Piaggio Porter

Small Van
Ford Fiesta

Light Van
Ford Transit Connect

Small Panel Van
Nissan Primastar
Renault Trafic
Vauxhall Vivaro

Large Panel Van
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Volkswagen Crafter

Pick-Up
Mitsubishi L200

Minibus
Ford Transit

4x4 Van
Mitsubishi Shogun

Security
Ford Transit
Ford Transit Connect

Safety
Bosch ESP

One-Stop Shop Conversions
Ford Transit

Technology
Volkswagen DSG

Editor's Choice
Vauxhall Astravan