Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

Relay (2019)

The Citroën Relay forged its reputation as an affordable large van many years ago, its popularity driven at least in part by the fact that attractive discounts were all the rage at the French manufacturer at the time.

Now, as it draws towards what should be its swansong, this&nbsp;large van has undergone one last revamp in order to keep with the times, adding new Euro-6d TEMP engines that enable the&nbsp;big workhorse to soldier on.

Perhaps counter-intuitively, Citroën has tackled the new emissions regulations by increasing the size of the Relay's engine; the theory goes that a larger engine will be more comfortable with a heavier workload, and therefore work less hard and emit fewer pollutants.

In the case of the Relay, it has also provided an added benefit in that the power ratings across the range have also increased, the 2.2-litre unit is&nbsp;now available in 188bhp, 138bhp and 163bhp outputs.&nbsp; All engine options come with stop-start as standard, which also helps them all to meet the emissions regulations.

A six-speed gearbox is standard, but there is no option of an automatic gearbox. If you’re in need of an automatic we would recommend the rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">Volkswagen Crafter</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes&nbsp;Sprinter</a>.

The Citroën Relay shares its underpinnings with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a>, which also has the same engine range, and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/ducato/van/review/n18227">Fiat Ducato</a>, which makes use of the body but not the driveline.

Design changes on the outside of the Relay have been limited since its 2006 launch. While the van was facelifted in 2014, with a larger grille being added, there’s little to split the models apart except for a noticeable band of LED daytime running lights within the headlight unit of the most expensive new models

Keep reading the next few pages of this review to find out how the Citroën Relay&nbsp;compares with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans-2021/n20727">best large&nbsp;vans</a>&nbsp;in terms of performance, interior quality, day-to-day usability and, of course,&nbsp;load-lugging ability. We'll also let you know whether it should be on you or your company's shopping list.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

The Citroën Relay may not be the most modern van on the market, but it is one of the most capable and affordable no-nonsense&nbsp;load-luggers money can buy

Citroën Relay van

Large Van

When many people think of Fiat, their minds probably jump to small, fashionable Italian cars like the 500. It’ll escape many that the same company builds a big van in the shape of the Fiat Ducato.&nbsp;

Little do those people know that the Ducato is actually one of the most popular and vans in Europe and has been the dark horse of the large van sector since its last major update in the middle part of the previous decade. In the UK it should be thought of as an alternative to the more familiar <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes-Benz Sprinter</a>; it offers just as much choice, but is better value by dint of carrying more standard equipment.&nbsp;

The Ducato has always shared its platform with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/relay-2019/van/review/n22193">Citroën Relay</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a>, known in Europe as the Sevel vans after the factory in which all three models are made. Now that Fiat, Citroën and Peugeot are all one big, united family under the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-stellantis/n26975">Stellantis</a> umbrella, there’s a real opportunity for these big vans to forge their own identity and footing in the market but in many ways, the Fiat Ducato has been doing that all by itself. In the past, Fiat has regularly given the Ducato a different engine or alternative gearbox option to its siblings, and by being a little different it has found itself a niche as Europe’s most popular donor vehicle for motorhome conversions.&nbsp;

However, while the needs and demands of a van driver are very different to a holidaying motorhome owner, the fact that the Ducato overlaps the two makes it all the better; it’s a comfortable van, packed with technology (Fiat proclaims it to be the first Level 2 autonomous commercial vehicle – that’s to say it has an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) that allows the van to steer itself and regulate its speed) and it has a wide range of engines, body sizes and body types for buyers to choose from.&nbsp;

Whether you’re after a panel van, or chassis cab, double cab or tipper truck, there’s a Ducato in the range, with three wheelbase options giving four different lengths and three roof height options.&nbsp;

We’re going to tell you what the latest Ducato is like to drive and&nbsp;work with. Keep reading to find out if this versatile Italian is right for you.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Modern Fiats fall into two categories: the retro models and those with more functional designs.

Cars in the first camp appeal to the heart and include the 124 Spider sports car and the 500 series: a hatchback, a convertible, an SUV and two MPVs.

By contrast, the remaining models rely on their practicality and attractive pricing, with the Panda city car, Tipo hatchback and Fullback pick-up truck all prime examples.

Fiat can trace its roots back to the 19th century but is now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group, along with Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Jeep and Maserati.

FIAT

DUCATO

Delivers a great blend of practicality and comfort&nbsp;and is available in a huge range of derivatives.

Fiat Ducato van

Choice. Iveco Daily buyers get a lot of that. And it’s not just this-or-that sort of choice either –&nbsp;it’s more of a pick and mix range of models, sizes and options. Indeed, if you click on the Iveco Daily configurator, the first screen tells you there are 226 models available, and you might want to think about narrowing down your search a bit.

It’s certainly comprehensive, if a little daunting, and none of Iveco’s&nbsp;rivals can offer that kind of variety. As with most <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans-2023/n20727">large vans</a>&nbsp;diesel is the primary fuel source, and the Daily engine range offers everything from 114bhp up to 204bhp. There’s also an electrically powered model – to read about that, see our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/iveco/daily-electric/van/review/n25500">Iveco eDaily review</a>.

Iveco Daily panel van variants range from 3.5 tonnes to 7.0 tonnes gross weight, and you can also have it a chassis-cab for bespoke bodywork, as&nbsp;a crew van with space for seven people, or as a minibus.&nbsp;

Need to go a little bit off the beaten track? That’s no worry for the Daily driver if they opt for one of the four-wheel-drive models. They’re offered with single or twin rear wheels, and with locking front, centre and rear differentials.

Basically, they have everything it needs to keep moving over rough terrain.&nbsp;However, this vast array of choice is just as well because the Daily faces a diverse army of rivals,&nbsp;including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/relay-2019/van/review/n22193">Citröen Relay</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/movano-2019/van/review/n22215">Vauxhall Movano</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW&nbsp;Crafter</a>.

Over the next few pages, we’ll help you to decide whether or not the Iveco Daily should be on your shortlist. We’ll tell you exactly how it stacks up for load carrying, performance, interior quality and how useable it is day to day –&nbsp;and more besides.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Iveco

Daily

There's lots of choice in the Iveco Daily range, whether it's in terms of bodies, lengths, engines or options. However, it looks very expensive in the context of its main rivals.

Iveco Daily van

Doesn’t MAN make trucks? Well, yes, but since 2017 the brand has&nbsp;also been making a van thanks to its&nbsp;group partner, Volkswagen.

The MAN TGE is based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">Volkswagen Crafter</a>. In fact, it is identical in every way, except that as a truck manufacturer, MAN has service centres that are open 24 hours a day, and as a result you can get your MAN TGE booked in for a service “out of hours”. For a busy business, that can be a real blessing.

The TGE range is just as diverse as the Crafter’s, with two different length vans and two heights, as well as single- and double-cab chassis platforms. There’s even a campervan version, which is a traditional body-on-frame model, rather than a fitted out panel van like the Crafter-based <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">Volkswagen Grand California</a>.

You can also have the TGE with gross vehicle weights of 3.0 tonnes or 3.5-tonnes, plus there is a much larger 5.0-tonne version should you need to carry very heavy payloads. Towing capacity is also 3.5 tonnes.

Unlike other vans which have set trim levels, the TGE comes as a basic van with an enormous options list which allows for a huge degree of flexibility and means you really do get what you pay for.

There is choice when it comes to the engines, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel unit available in four different power outputs. This is where it can get a little confusing, because the TGE is available in front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive forms, and there are different engines to match.

Front-wheel-drive models come with 101bhp, 138bhp or 174bhp, while rear-wheel drives start with a 121bhp option and have the same 138bhp or 174bhp engines as well. Four-wheel-drive vans are only available with the 138bhp or 174bhp engines.

On front-wheel-drive vans the two higher output engines can be specified with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, but on the rear- and four-wheel-drive vans it is just the top-power engine that has that option.

In addition to its Volkswagen Crafter sibling, the MAN TGE has to compete with a host of other large vans, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/nv400/van/review/n18248">Nissan NV400</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-2019-new/van/review/n20295">Renault Master</a>. Yet, it is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter</a> that the TGE is best compared with.

The Sprinter also has the full range of front, rear and four-wheel-drive drivelines and has manual or automatic gearboxes across its range. Plus, like the TGE, it's also available as an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans-2023/n21136">electric van.</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

A very competent entry into the large van market, as well as one of the most customisable.

MAN TGE van

If any van could be considered an object of desire, it’s the Mercedes Sprinter. The prestigious badge means it’s often considered the pinnacle of van-dom, and behind that badge sits a vehicle of considerable talent.

Over the years, the Sprinter has been gradually but inexorably refined, and picked up awards – and happy customers – galore along the way.

This is the third-generation Sprinter, and while the latest version has gained up-to-date connectivity and technology in an attempt to keep pace with its main rivals (the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW Crafter</a>), it still holds true to its core values of space, power and build quality. No wonder it’s so often thought of as one of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans-2023/n20727">best large vans</a> out there.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kWoWvUM8tMw" width="560"></iframe>

One of the Mercedes Sprinter’s biggest benefits is just how versatile it is. Buyers can opt for a vast array of different body styles, with no fewer than four lengths and three roof heights to choose from in panel-van form. There are crew-cab, chassis-cab, and dropside alternatives too.

Every diesel-engined Sprinter now comes with a version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a>&nbsp;2.0-litre, four-cylinder powerplant&nbsp;in one of three power outputs: 141bhp, 148bhp, or 187bhp.&nbsp;(You can also have it as an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans-2023/n21136">electric van</a> – we cover that in our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-sprinter/van/review/n22228">Mercedes eSprinter review</a>.)

In light-duty vans, the 141bhp version comes with a choice of front&nbsp;or rear-wheel drive, while more powerful versions are rear-wheel-drive only. In heavy-duty versions, the 141bhp and 148bhp engines come with rear-wheel drive only, while the 187bhp unit is available with rear or four-wheel drive.

No matter which engine you choose, you get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, but you can specify a nine-speed automatic at extra cost.&nbsp;

The trim range kicks off with the no-frills Pure model, then moves up through the mid-range Progressive to top out with the Premium version.

To find out how we rate the model for performance, comfort, load capacity, running costs and more, read on through the rest of this Mercedes Sprinter review.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

SPRINTER

Large van has a comfortable interior&nbsp;but is expensive, and some rivals offer more for less

Mercedes Sprinter van

The Ford Transit has been an icon in the van market since it was launched in 1965 and has held an unprecedented grip on the title of best-selling van in the UK.

These days, though,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Transit's name is&nbsp;used on several other models (the Transit Custom, Transit Connect and Transit Courier), plus two all-electric vans, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/e-transit/van/review/n24074">Ford E-Transit</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n26974">Ford E-Transit Custom</a>. So to be clear, this review&nbsp;is all about the diesel-powered Ford Transit large van.

It's been around in its present form for 10 years, with engine and styling updates in 2019 plus a 2024 update that&nbsp;includes a long list of new driver-centric technology to make the working day easier. The refreshed interior has a new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment system</a> taking centre stage, along with other refinements.

Although it's the UK’s best-selling large van, the Transit faces stiff competition from the van world’s other big household name, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter</a>. Rivals also range from the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/ducato/van/review/n18227">Fiat Ducato</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a> to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-2019-new/van/review/n20295">Renault Master</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW Crafter</a>.

Read on to find out whether the new Ford Transit deserves a place among the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans/n20727">best large vans</a>...

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

TRANSIT

The Ford Transit just keeps getting better with age, with a 2024 update improving interior tech considerably

New Ford Transit

The large van sector has always been competitive, so when the Nissan NV400 arrived in 2010 as a replacement for the Interstar it had its work cut out to stand-out from the crowd. After all, this&nbsp;large panel van is a shared product with the Renault Master and Vauxhall Movano – both more established in the market – and is offered with the same number of body types and styles.

Nevertheless, the&nbsp;NV400 stands out from the crowd, chiefly because of its&nbsp;stellar five-year, 100,000-mile warranty. Competitors like the Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter and Peugeot Boxer don't come with the same level of coverage as the Nissan.

It has other advantages, too: it is&nbsp;available in three wheelbases, with four body lengths and three heights, there’s two distinct trim levels and the choice of five different engine power outputs. Gross vehicle weights range from 2.8 tonnes to 4.5-tonnes and there are both front- and rear-wheel-drive options.

Power comes from a 2.3-litre four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel engine available with 106bhp and 125bhp, or with 140bhp, 160bhp and 165bhp when fitted with a Stop/Start system.

The NV400 has&nbsp;panel van, six-seat crew van and nine-seat combi versions available, as well as platform cabs, chassis cabs, tipper and dropside vehicles.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

NV400

The NV400 is an often overlooked large van, but one with ample abilities and plenty of flexibility in the 
range. Equipment levels are generous and the warranty cover the best in the market.

Nissan NV400 van

You may not think you know many people that own a Peugeot Boxer, but you also stand to be surprised. Its underpinnings are used for everything from ambulances to horseboxes and motorhomes, making it surprisingly prevalent on our roads.

The Boxer is relatively lightweight for a large van, which means that converters love it for its flexibility when it comes to putting a body on the back and lots of equipment inside.&nbsp; The same can be said for the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/relay-2019/van/review/n22193">Citroen Relay</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/ducato/van/review/n18227">Fiat Ducato</a>, both of which share the same platform, but the contrast is that when it comes to a plain old panel van, the Peugeot has historically been conspicuous in its absence on our roads.

Although the Boxer is a large, versatile van, it’s let down by its aging design. The basic van dates back to 2006 and since then it has had just two significant updates; a facelift in 2014 and more eco-friendly engines in 2016.&nbsp;The latest improvements are, on paper, less significant; predominantly aimed at enabling it to meet tougher Euro-6d emissions regulations. Nonetheless, they have considerably improved this ageing warhorse.

Having had its engine downsized from 2.2-litres to 2.0-litres in 2016 to meet the initial Euro-6 requirements, Peugeot has pushed it back up to 2.2-litres for the newer Euro-6d TEMP requirements. Thankfully, the larger outputs mean more power, with the new 2.2-litre BlueHDI available in three power outputs, up to 163bhp.

An electric version is also available. To read about that, see our full <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/e-boxer/van/review/n24544">Peugeot e-Boxer</a> review.

The Boxer does, however, provide you with plenty of body size options, with four lengths and three heights available. There’s also the chassis cab option popular with body conversion experts as well as double-cab and minibus versions. Need a specialised van in a hurry? Peugeot has a dedicated range of off-the-shelf Boxer vans including curtain-sided, drop-sided, regular or low-floor Luton and tipper versions.

You can transport anything from 8m3 to 17m3 if you need to fill up your Boxer van, or as much as 1575kg in the best performing 3.5-tonne van.

If you’re trying to identify the latest Boxer from the previous version, you’ll have to pay extra attention. Little has changed since the grille was redesigned in 2016; the bumpers became slightly rounder and LED daytime running lights became available, but that’s all.

Keep reading the next few pages of this review to find out how the Peugeot Boxer compares with the best large vans in terms of performance, interior quality, day-to-day usability and, of course, load-lugging ability. We'll also let you know whether it should be on you or your company's shopping list.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

BOXER

Above average levels of entry-level equipment make the Boxer stand out from its competition, and with high payloads, large load volumes and good fuel consumption it can be worked hard at a competitive cost

Peugeot Boxer van

To Doctor Who fans,&nbsp;The Master is very much bad news, but the one this review is about – the Renault Master&nbsp;– is in fact pretty good.

Against its rivals, the Renault Master holds up as a flexible <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans/n20727">large van</a> option. Just look at the array of body styles&nbsp;available: not only are there three lengths and three heights of panel van available, but there are also Luton box van (available in standard or low-loader form), tipper truck, dropside truck, platform-cab, and single and double chassis-cab body styles. Basically, you name it, and the Master has probably done it.

That flexibility has made it a stern competitor to big vans such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a>, as well as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes&nbsp;Sprinter</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW&nbsp;Crafter</a>.

With many of these, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/renault">Renault</a> gives you a&nbsp;choice of front&nbsp;or rear-wheel drive, with a manual gearbox as standard and the option of an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>. Most Masters come with a diesel engine, but there's also an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans/n21136">electric van</a> version – to read about that see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-e-tech/van/review/n20172">Renault Master E-Tech review</a>.

Far from being the villain of the piece, then, the Renault Master could well be your hero character. But to find out whether it is or not, you’ll need to read through the rest of our review, where we’ll cover its driving dynamics, interior ambience, payload, and of course, how much it’ll cost you and your business to own and run.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">Read more: How we test vans</a>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Master

The Renault Master delivers a rewarding drive and&nbsp;a rough-and-tough&nbsp;interior

Renault Master

It’s been a while since the Vauxhall Movano first hit the roads, yet during that time this large van hasn’t really changed all that much. This latest version, unveiled at the end of 2019, makes do with a facelift and new engines.

Based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-2019-new/van/review/n20295">Renault Master</a>, the Movano – which is also closely related to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/nv400/van/review/n18248">Nissan NV400</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;is up against titans of the van world&nbsp;including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/crafter/van/review/n18277">VW Crafter</a>.

Carving out a speciality among those&nbsp;is tough, but the Movano offers a large array of body options, ranging from panel vans in four lengths and three heights, to 4.5-tonne chassis cabs. There's a double-cab option with seating for up to seven, as well as crew cab vans, box vans and platform cabs.

There's also an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans/n21136">electric van</a> version available – to read about that, see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/movano-2019/van/review/n27123">Vauxhall Movano Electric review</a>. Or read on to find out how well the regular diesel Vauxhall Movano does as we rate it against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans/n20727">best large vans</a>...

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">Read more: How we test vans</a>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

Movano

The Movano is a&nbsp;do-it-all large van that stands out for being versatile and relatively affordable

Vauxhall Movano

You might think of the Volkswagen Crafter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans-2023/n20727">large van</a> as a rebadged version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter</a> – after all, for years, that was all it was.&nbsp;

But no longer. When the technology-sharing partnership that spawned the Crafter came to an end, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/volkswagen">VW</a> threw a vast sum of money at creating a standalone new Crafter model (and a new factory to build it in).

The Crafter is available as a panel van in three lengths and three roof heights, and there are also two chassis-cab models – single or double cab. Gross vehicle weights of three tonnes, 3.5 tonnes&nbsp;and four tonnes&nbsp;are available.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mCysJmNWkaQ" width="560"></iframe>

There are then two equipment levels to choose between. Startline is the more basic of the two, but you can upgrade to the Trendline version if you want a few more luxuries and smarter styling.

All VW Crafters are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, with four different power outputs on offer: 100bhp, 120bhp, 134bhp&nbsp;and 174bhp.

These engines can be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while some models get the option of an eight-speed automatic, too. And if the standard front-wheel-drive Crafter won’t suit your needs, there are also rear- and four-wheel-drive options too.

At the moment, there’s no <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans-2023/n21136">electric van</a> version on sale new (as there is for the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/ducato/van/review/n18227">Fiat Ducato</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/master-2019-new/van/review/n20295">Renault Master</a>) but a left-hand-drive battery-powered Crafter was&nbsp;sold in the UK until fairly recently. You can read about that in our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/e-crafter/van/review/n20142">VW e-Crafter review</a>.

You can have your&nbsp;Crafter as a campervan – see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/grand-california/mpv/review/n20215">VW Grand California review</a> to read about that – but if you’re after a Crafter as a commercial vehicle, read on to find our how we rate it for performance and handling, usability and usefulness, running costs and more.

Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-we-test-vans-at-what-car/n26797">How we test vans</a>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

CRAFTER

VW's&nbsp;large van is every inch the accomplished heavyweight mover and volume carrier

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