What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

Ford’s Transit vans have dominated the UK light commercial vehicle market for 50 years and the positive response given to the launch of the Transit Custom last year, including it becoming What Van? 2013 Van of the Year, suggests the status quo is set to continue for a good while yet.

The manufacturer has moved to draw a clear line between the one-tonne Custom and the heavy two-tonne Transit that will follow in 2014, both in naming and styling. It has also broadened the Custom range, with two models at opposing ends of the scale: the Econetic, positioned as the most efficient model in the line-up, and the more generously endowed and striking SWB Sport 290 van (see opposite page). The 290 nomenclature designates a gross vehicle mass of 2900kg, with a payload of 1075kg. The Econetic, on the other hand, comes with a choice of five models covering three payloads and in short- and long-wheelbase form. Both versions are front-wheel drive and are powered by Ford’s 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, but whereas the Econetic is propelled by 100hp the Sport is harnessed to an output of 155hp.

Fuel-saving features

Fuel consumption on the Econetic is kept down by a series of features not included as standard on the

other derivatives in the line-up. A stop/start system works seamlessly in traffic and a gear-change indicator helps to encourage frugal driving habits. Ford’s Acceleration Control system counters aggressive driving styles by progressively limiting acceleration as engine speed increases, which the manufacturer claims can improve fuel economy by up to 15%. The Econetic also gets a switchable 70mph speed limiter, a coolant bypass valve for a quicker warm-up, optimised gearing with a 6% longer final drive ratio, low rolling-resistance tyres and aerodynamic wheel trims.

The result of these fuel-saving devices, according to Ford, is combined consumption of 44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 166g/km. To the Custom Econetic’s credit, its 100hp engine did not seem to be unduly hindered by these constraints upon its performance, even with a half-load in the back. A 62mph fixed speed limiter can also be specified and this, says Ford, will improve economy to 46.3mpg and cut CO2 by a further 4g/km.

The cabin in the Econetic, as in the Sport van, does not offer overhead shelves, but otherwise the stowage provisions are good and the interior environment overall is light, roomy and comfortable. There is ample space to stash a bottle of water in the door buckets and the cup holders are stylishly moulded into the shape of both of the doors. There is also a lockable glovebox with space for an A4 file.

Unlike some single cab vans, the three-person bench seat would probably accommodate three adults in relative comfort, and we managed a driver plus two children with no bother at all.

The dashboard-mounted gear stick means there is plenty of room to move around inside the cab too. It is not advisable, however, to attempt to reach the temperature controls while on the road – they are a bit of a stretch from the driver’s seat and in a slightly awkward-to- reach position behind the gear lever. On the Econetic derivative, as is the case with the entry Base trim, manual aircon is not standard but can be added for an ex-VAT price of £600. This may seem like an unnecessary expense to most operators bearing in mind the UK’s usual summer climate, but driving the Econetic in the July heatwave this year made us aware just how much a decent system can improve the in-cab environment, particularly during a busy working day. Wind blowing through wide open windows can also play havoc with any paperwork on the dashboard that’s not securely held in place.

The Econetic comes with AM/FM radio, with USB, Bluetooth and steering wheel-mounted audio

controls as standard, but in addition we had the ICE Pack 5 option, which includes satnav, DAB radio and Ford’s Sync communication system. This will set you back £310 excluding VAT.

Seating