The top vans released in 2019 - what's new?

Each year sees numerous new and upgraded van models hit the market. While petrol and diesel vans still dominate, the focus is turning to so-called alternatively-fuelled vehicles, including plug-in hybrids and electric vans.

If you’re looking to purchase a new van – petrol, diesel, electric or otherwise – for your business, you might be interested in finding out what have been some of the best releases so far this year.

And when you do eventually pick a model that’s right for you, the Insurance Factory can arrange  a van insurance policy that reflects both your business and budget.
 
The Insurance Factory can arrange cover for couriers, scrap dealers, transporters of hazardous or fragile goods and more.

You’ll enjoy a great range of benefits as standard, and can tailor your policy with a range of optional extras including 14-day van replacement, excess protection, key care cover and insurance for your gadgets.
 

Which have been the most popular models this year?


Before we take a look at some of the latest vans to hit the showroom this year, which have been some of the favourite models of 2019?
 
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), shared by Parkers, lists the 10 best-selling vans and pickups in all of 2019 so far – here they are:
 
Sales position Van make and model Number sold
1 Ford Transit Custom 43,416
2 Ford Transit 21,544
3 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 19,638
4 VW Transporter 15,243
5 Ford Ranger 12,655
6 Peugeot Partner 12,309
7 Ford Transit Connect 11,893
8 Citroen Berlingo 11,528
9 Vauxhall Vivaro 12,892
10 Vauxhall Combo 9,562
 
General van sales dipped in September this year – by 23.5% compared with September 2018.

This has been attributed to a combination of the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, together with the current political uncertainty.

However, sales for the whole of 2019 are actually up 4.5% compared with 2018.
 

So, what are the best van releases of this year?

A line of new yellow vans at a depot
Buy a Car notes how 2019 is turning out to be a noteworthy year in the van world, with the industry becoming increasingly ‘green’.

The electric revolution is very much underway for cars, and it looks like it’s heading the same way for their larger counterparts.
 
Buy a Car lists some of the best new vans for 2019. Here they are:
 

Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vivaro is one of the top-selling vans in the UK and is a great option if you’re after a medium-sized model.

The new Vivaro is marketed as being more practical, economical and feature-packed; the top-of-the-range Elite version boasts new safety systems like blind spot detection.
 
The van is available in two lengths (L1H1 4.95m and L2H1 5.20m) and three body styles including panel van, double cab and a platform chassis.

It’s got a payload of up to 1,400kg, cargo capacity of 6.6m3 and a 2,500kg towing capacity.
 
If you’re keen on saving some money (who isn’t?), then you’ll be pleased to hear the Vivaro is leading in its class when it comes to CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.
 

Ford Transit Custom PHEV

The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is suited to drivers who can travel short distances using the battery alone, but also need a combustion engine for those longer trips.

Ford says that you’ll manage 31 miles on electric power alone, while the multi award-winning 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine supports the van in achieving excellent efficiency when you’re racking up the miles.
 
Good news: the PHEV hasn’t compromised on any of the best-loved features of its non-electric twin. It still offers up to 6m3 of load space, has a maximum gross payload of over 1,000kg, and has the widest load door-opening of any van in its category.
 

Ford Transit

Sticking with the Ford Transit, the manufacturer claims that it’s altered around 4,000 parts for the 2019 model, improving efficiency, tweaking its design and making enhancements to its carrying capacity.
 
It’s no doubt one of the best large vans you can buy; with an impressive load space of 15.1m3, it can comfortably accommodate more than three metres of cargo.

Loading and unloading is a doddle, too, thanks to the extra wide side doors, optimised opening height and step at the rear.
 

Mercedes-Benz eVito

The eVito is the first all-electric van from Mercedes-Benz, designed with delivery and city-based drivers in mind.

It promises a range of just over 90 miles on a single charge, but this can depend on your driving style.
 
The model is available in a long wheelbase only, with a cargo volume of 6m3 and payload up to 1,015kg.

Similar to the Ford Transit custom PHEV, the electrification of the eVito hasn’t led to any compromises.

Its large door openings and low sill mean you can handle every tricky task – making loading and unloading safer, more comfortable and efficient.
 

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes calls its new Sprinter the ‘most adaptable large van on the market’.

The latest model comes with enhanced cabin environment as well as the highest spec of any large van in its class.
 
All Sprinters are powered by Mercedes PRO connect, which is real-time vehicle monitoring software that connects drivers and companies to boost efficiency and improve safety and security.

Meaning, this van could be a great option for fleets.
 
There are four lengths and two heights to choose from.

If you need the biggest option possible – L4 with H2 – this will give you vehicle length of around 7.37m, max roof load of 150kg and cargo volume of 15.5m3 .
 

Van insurance from the Insurance Factory

A delivery man unloading packages from his van
Whether you end up buying a new van released this year or a reliable second-hand model, you need to take out van insurance to protect your business assets.
 
Here at the Insurance Factory, we take pride in helping business owners find van insurance packed with benefits, for the right price. Find out how much you can save by getting a free, no-obligation quote today.