Crusader Vans had a unique commission recently. As a trusted van leasing broker since 2004 we have been approached by the man in red himself, Father Christmas, to help him lease a new van. The task was straightforward and was to help the king of Christmas deliveries source the best small van, medium van, and large van by payload. The results were such that we felt we had to share them.
Why Payload Matters
Father Christmas carries a very diverse load every year and it can weigh a lot. When Father Christmas approached Crusader Vans for a small van his number one priority was payload. A small van that carries a lot means more to a lot of people than a small van with tons of features. For zooting around town and visiting all the houses with a load of presents a small van made sense and Father Christas was quite surprised than many small vans can carry upwards of 750kg inside a fairly cavernous and easy-to-access load space. A small van that can carry a lot in the back is a perfect van and many are extremely affordable to lease.
Small Vans for Father Christmas
Crusader Vans was asked to present 5 small vans that would make the grade to deliver presents in an urban environment. As Van Leasing experts since 2004, Crusader Vans did its homework, delivered some exceptional choices, and listed them by payload.
Fiat Doblo Cargo Maxi L2H1- 1005kg
The smallest van with the highest payload is the Fiat Doblo Cargo Maxi. With a payload of a touch over 1,000kg the Fiat Doblo hasn’t changed much in over a decade. A robust and reliable small van the Fiat Doblo comes with a choice of 1.3 or 1.6 litre diesel engines. With twin rear doors and, because this is the maxi, a sliding side door, the van easy extremely easy to access. Sadly, the cabin feels a little dated, but if you just want payload on a smaller wheelbase this van wins.
4 Vans on the Same Platform
With a spot on 1,000kg payload you are spoilt for choice with the Citroen Berlingo M1000, Peugeot Partner 1000 Standard, Vauxhall Combo L1 2300, Toyota Proace City Long all being the same van with a different badge.
Each van has an exceptional 1.8 metre loading bay length and a superb 3.3 cubic metres of space. These vans are designed to carry decent sized loads with minima fuss. Of course, each van from each manufacturer has a different spec delivering various levels of comfort and convenience. These vans are fast becoming the small van backbone of British industry and you will not go wrong with either of them when it comes to payload.
Crusader Vans frequently has some or all these vans in stock or on order and can structure a small van deal that makes business and financial sense with a simple phone call.
Ford Transit Connect 220L1 – 876kg
Most people will not be aware that Father Christmas has been a Ford Transit man for many years. It will come as no surprise that the Ford Transit Connect has appeared on the list of small vans with the best payload.
Not so long ago the Ford Transit Connect came as close to end of life as a van could. With stiff competition from Peugeot especially, it was only the second best-selling van in its class. However, the Ford Transit loyalty runs deep and the Connect with its excellent road handling, levels comfort and legendary Ford reliability ensure this superb small van remains on the list of best small vans by payload from Crusader Vans.
The connect has twin rear doors and a single side door, a load length of a handy 1.7 metres and a more than adequate 2.9 cubic metre capacity. Well-appointed throughout its 4 trim levels the Ford Transit Connect is a terrific small van that makes a lot of sense.
Renault Kangoo L3H1 & Nissan NV250 L2 – 800kg
Just like the Fiat Doblo both of these vans are showing their age, the Nissan does try to look a little younger but struggles. This being said, both have a a superb payload of 800kg, which for this list of small vans is what matters most. There is very little to say about these humdrum vans other than they do the job and are real workhorses.
Volkswagen Caddy C20+ – 738kg
The VW caddy is a firm favourite with many van drivers and company managers the world over. It is a good-looking car and the VW badge oozes German quality. Considered the king of small vans, topping that other German brand Mercedes with their Citan, the VW Caddy has a competitive load space with 3.2 cubic metres of volume and the standard 1.7 metre load length. Overall the VW caddy is what it is, not so easy to come by unless you are happy to wait but very much a superb, all-round, easy to drive and even head-turning small van to does what it says on the box.
What Van did Father Christmas Choose?
That would be saying. Father Christmas made an excellent choice by calling Crusader Vans on 01825 701 200 . He was given sound advice as well as a superb Van Leasing Deal. Needless to say, because Father Christmas has the right small van in his impressive fleet, all your presents will be delivered on time.
Follow this Blog right up to Christmas to see what medium and large vans Father Christmas was offered.
