Welcome to Vans of the Year 2004, 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 big or small business.

The eitorial contains our verdicts 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 driveability, comfort, performance, handling, refinement, safety, load area,
economy and value for money. Standards are very high these days so this is no easy task.

The awards are split into the same 13 categories as last year’s line-up and out of all the section winners, we select our overall supremo; the Van of the Year 2004.

There are also five ‘fleet’ awards decided upon by our sister magazine What Van? Fleet, but these will be announced January 2005. Congratulations to all the winners and keep up the good work.

Van of the Year 2004
Nissan Interstar, Renault Master
&Vauxhall Movano

Microvan
GOLD - Piaggio Porter
Commended - Daihatsu Extol

Small Van
GOLD - Ford Fiesta
Commended - Peugeot 206

Light Van
GOLD - Ford Transit Connect
Commended - Fiat Doblò

Small Panel Van
GOLD - Volkswagen Transporter
Commended: Nissan Primastar, Renault Trafic
& Vauxhall Vivaro

Large Panel Van
GOLD - Nissan Interstar, Renault Master
& Vauxhall Movano
Commended: Ford Transit

Pick-Up
GOLD - Isuzu Rodeo
Commended - Mitsubishi L200

Minibus
GOLD - Ford Transit
Commended - Citroën Relay

4x4 Van
GOLD - Jeep Cherokee Pioneer
Commended - Mitsubishi Shogun

Security
VAN - Ford Transit
LIGHT VAN - Ford Transit Connect

Safety
GOLD - Delphi Automotive Systems
Commended - Mercedes-Benz ESP

One Stop Shop
GOLD - Citroën Relay
Commended - Vauxhall Movano

Eco Van
GOLD - LTI e-Mercury
Commended - Renault Master Electric

Manufacturer Web Site
GOLD - Mercedes-Benz
Commended - Ford