Petrol vans - is it time to buck the trend?

In the recent past if you were interested in petrol vans, you'd need to choose a base model of a car-derived van and these were relatively sparse. However, petrol vans are starting to strengthen their position in the new van market.

Petrol vans

Petrol vans still have a long way to go, you're unable to buy petrol versions popular vans such as the Ford Transit, Renault Trafic or Vauxhall Vivaro and for larger vans like the Mercedes Sprinter, Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer, diesel is the only feasible choice, however petrol is starting to sneak into the new van market.

Volkswagen petrol vans

Volkswagen vans lead the way in the petrol van market, with the addition of petrol engines to the Volkswagen Caddy and Volkswagen Transporter new van range. The Volkswagen Caddy is now available with 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4-litre TSI petrol engines.

The 1.2 and 1.4 options have been available in the Volkswagen Caddy range for a while, whereas the 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder turbo engine is new to the range. The 1.0-litre TSI is available with a 102ps output and can achieve an impressive fuel economy of 51.4 miles to the gallon.

Until recently, the Volkswagen Transporter was only available with a range of efficient Euro 6 compliant diesel engines, however the iconic medium van is now available with a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine from Volkswagen vans, which delivers an output of 150ps. In terms of fuel economy, Volkswagen Transporter petrol vans can deliver up to 31 miles to the gallon.

Pulling power shouldn't suffer too much as a result of choosing a new petrol engine, the 2.0-litre TSI diesel engine delivers an impressive 280Nm of torque, directly in comparison with the 2.0-litre TDI petrol engine which delivers 340Nm, which in real-world driving conditions won't feel too different.

If you use your Volkswagen van regularly in town or for shorter journeys, it may be worth investing in a new petrol van, for the very least a smoother and quieter drive and a reduction in local pollution.

Tax costs of petrol vans

When looking at business and road tax, petrol and diesel vans show no difference in road tax costs. The rate of commercial vehicle tax applies to all conventional drive options, so it wouldn't differ even if you were to look at a PHEV or hybrid van.

Alternatives to diesel vans and petrol vans

If you don't want a diesel van, you aren't just limited to petrol vans! The electric van range continues to grow and could save you thousands in fuel bills!

Petrol vans on finance

Interested in a new petrol or electric vanAt Vansdirect we stock a wide range of new vans from all the major manufacturers with van leasing, contract hire and hire purchase deals to suit your exact requirements. Call us today on 0800 169 69 95 or submit your details online for a no obligation quote!