The top 10 best-selling new vans of 2016
New vans are currently riding the crest of a wave - and have being doing so for the last four years, it seems. 2016 was the fourth consecutive year of growth for the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, with over 375,000 new vans registered - a 1 percent rise on the previous year's results.
Large vans and pickups dominated the market with 4.8 and 17.6 percent increases respectively. It's also worth noting that large vans accounted for 232,948 of the total of 375,687 new registrations.
So which were the best-selling new vans of 2016?
New vans: 2016's best-sellers
1. Ford Transit Custom - 49,744 registrations
The Ford Transit Custom retained its crown as the UK's favourite van in emphatic style, shifting almost 20,000 more new vans than its closest rival. It's not hard to see why - the Transit Custom offers a pleasant and comfortable driving experience, a five-star Euro NCVAP safety rating and even the smallest models can accommodate 8x4 sheets or up to three Europallets. Oh, and it's good-looking, too.
2. Ford Transit - 29,965 registrations
One of the most versatile new vans on the market, the Ford Transit is available as one of 450 variants, according to Ford. Last year Ford replaced the 2.2-litre TDCi power unit with their 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine for additional power and enhanced economy. Official figures show a fuel economy of up 42.8mpg. Not bad for a large van.
3. Vauxhall Vivaro - 22,791 registrations
Even though the Vauxhall Vivaro shares a body with not one, not two, but THREE other commercial vehicles, it's very much a British van. It's comfortable, economical and accommodating - you get three up to three front seats, fuel economy of up to 47.9mpg and all versions can swallow three Euro pallets. The other three vans were the Renault Trafic, Nissan NV300 and Fiat Talento - in case you were wondering.
4. Mercedes Sprinter - 21,966 registrations
Make no mistake about it, the Mercedes Sprinter is a quality van. Well styled looks, a comfortable cabin and fuel economy of up to 44.4mpg make it perfectly suited to long journeys, while its big payload capacity makes the Sprinter very popular with delivery drivers. Load lengths range from 2.6 to 4.7 metres, so you can find the right size for you.
5. Volkswagen Transporter - 21,526 registrations
Widely considered to be Volkswagen's best commercial vehicle, the T6 Transporter is well refined and easy to drive. What's more, it comes laden with an impressive level of standard equipment. The T6 can accommodate three Euro pallets and tow up to 2.5-tonnes when connected to a braked trailer.
6. Ford Transit Connect - 15,494 registrations
Ford's Transit Connect is their THIRD entry in the top 10 chart. Popular with both builders and plumbers, this compact panel van is versatile with low running costs. Trend models even get a load-through flap that allow for the stowing of awkward items up to 3.4 metres in length. The most impressive aspect of the Ford Transit Connect is the claimed 70.6mpg fuel economy. Some going!
7. Renault Trafic - 15,279 registrations
Just like the Vivaro, the Renault Trafic offers a car-like driving experience along with invaluable practicality. It's available in two load lengths and heights, can carry three Euro pallets and features a load-through flap for awkward items. The Trafic's 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine will return up to 43.5mpg while twin-turbo units deliver up to 47.9mpg.
8. Citroen Berlingo - 14,625 registrations
Despite celebrating its 20th birthday last year, the Citroen Berlingo remains as popular as ever. Cheap to buy, cheap to run, the Berlingo is a favourite with those on a budget or looking to save some cash. This is no reflection of the van itself - the van is comfortable and comes well-equipped with a range of excellent features.
9. Peugeot Partner - 14,038 registrations
The Peugeot Partner is essentially the exact same van as the Citroen Berlingo, which means that it lost the battle for supremacy in 2016. Still, the gap is tiny - less than 600 registrations - which proves that even the public can't split these two apart.
10. Ford Ranger - 13,292 registrations
Three is the magic number. But wait - Ford have no fewer than FOUR new vans in the top 10 seller for 2016. Or 40 percent of the whole chart. It's no surprise to see a pickup crash the top 10 after the stellar year the segment has enjoyed. Nor is it a surprise that's it's a Ford pickup that takes the spoils. The Ranger has a 1.2-tonne payload, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a four-wheel drive system that means you can it anywhere.
If you're interested in one of the best-sellers - or any other van in our range - give us a call on 0845 021 0444 for a no-obligation tailored quote. You could save up to £13,000! If you've not got time, you can make an enquiry on both our Facebook page or via our website and we'll get back to you.
