Big is good: the case for long-wheelbase vans

Some company fleet buyers are now turning to long-wheelbase delivery vans in preference to light trucks with box bodies. Provided that the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) is less than 4.5 tonnes, these vans can be driven on a Class One passenger vehicle licence. However, should that tonnage be exceeded then a Class Two heavy transport licence is required. To compare apples with apples we decided to compare long-wheelbase vans with a GVM of 3.0 tonnes or more. These larger units are becoming of greater interest to the fleet buyer as well as the transport operator. Toyota Hiace ZX While the medium wheelbase Hiace ZL models are very popular with parcel delivery operators, trades people and contractors, Toyota also has a long-wheelbase Hiace ZX with a GVM of 3200kg. The ZX is 5380mm in length with a height of 2285mm and a width of 1880mm. Braked towing capacity is 1400kg or 700kg for a non-braked trailer. The 3-litre turbo-diesel was introduced to the Hiace ZX in 2006 to comply with the stringent Euro IV exhaust emission regulations. This engine has 80kW of power at 3000rpm and 286Nm of torque at a low 1200rpm. Fuel consumption is quoted at 9.3 L/100km while the CO emissions are quoted at 243g/km. All Hiace models have engine immobilisers, new sun visors, illuminated ignition key surrounds, and a recline function for the front passenger seat in the ZX delivery van models.     Ford Transit Ford’s longest serving commercial nameplate, the Transit, received a major facelift in mid-2006, with a new nose and the largest-ever blue oval Ford badge taking position in the centre of the radiator grille. The long-wheelbase Transit (5680mm) in a 3.5 tonne GVM is available in medium roof and high roof versions. Payload for the medium roof Transit (2394mm) is 1627kg while the high roof (2606mm) variant payload is 1599kg. But the real big daddy of the range is the 6403mm-long Transit Jumbo with a GVM of 4250kg. With a roof height of 2624mm, the Transit Jumbo has a payload capacity of 2174kg. A dual sliding door option is available on all Transit long wheelbase and Jumbo delivery vans. Inside the revisions included a completely new dashboard, two-tone instrument panel and a new car-like steering wheel while innovative storage solutions included room for two 2-litre bottles and a hanging A4 folder in the glove box. The gear lever on the dashboard gives a more car-like driving position and improved ergonomics. It also gives a completely clear floor area from the driver’s side to the passenger’s side for walk through access. Both Transits boast a powerful 2.4-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine, matched with a six-speed Durashift manual transmission in the long-wheelbase and Transit Jumbo. The engine delivers maximum power of 103 kW and 375 Nm. All Transits are compliant with Euro IV emissions standards and deliver improved performance with reduced fuel consumption, while the engine layout has been revised for ease of servicing and repair. The long-wheelbase van boasts a fuel economy of 8.7 litres/100kms and the Jumbo van consumes 9.1 litres/100kms. The new Transit also boasts a self-charging waterproof ignition key – the first vehicle in the sector ever to be fitted with one.  NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) has been cut by 20 percent in the latest model. A driver’s airbag is standard across the range and a 120-litre passenger airbag optional on all models. Other safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Mercedes-Benz Sprinter The Sprinter range offers vans in 3 tonne, 3.5 tonne and 5 tonne GVM. All models feature air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors (incorporating indicators), remote central locking, CD sound system and the all-new Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with ABS anti-lock braking. The Adaptive ESP system can determine the vehicle/payload weight and centre of gravity, along with the speed and traction, in calculating remedial action to prevent the vehicle leaving the road or tipping over in extreme manoeuvres. The Sprinter offers a comfortable cabin and driving position that impresses – and the exterior design, which boasts an aerodynamic cd figure of 0.32 helps reduce fuel consumption at higher speeds. The Sprinter offers three wheelbase lengths (3250/3665/4325mm), four van body lengths from 5243mm to a massive 7343mm, and either a standard roof (1650mm interior height), high roof (1940mm) or a new super-high roof (2140mm). These options provide a closed-in load space that varies from 7.0 to 17 cubic metres. GVW ratings range from 3 to 5 tonnes. All Sprinter vans feature a sliding side door with a width of 1300mm – wide enough to take a New Zealand-size pallet. And it can be optioned to open electronically from the key ring remote. Load height through the sliding door is either 1540mm for the standard roof van or 1840mm for the high roof model. The rear doors also come in the same height variations and lashing rings to secure loads are standard. There are four high torque versions of the new 4-cylinder 2.2-litre diesel engine, which make use of third generation common rail injector technology and feature a four-valve-per-cylinder DOHC head and intercooled turbo-charging. Power outputs have risen to 65kW (fitted to the 209 and 309 models), 80kW (311 models), 95kW (313 models) and 110kW (315 and 515 models). The two higher output engines boast twin turbochargers to provide wider power and torque bands. Torque delivery ranges from 220Nm up to 330Nm. Mercedes-Benz has introduced a 3-litre V6 common rail diesel engine in the 318 and 518 models. With a maximum power output of 135kW and maximum torque of 400Nm at 1600-2500 rpm it sets new performance standards for diesel vans in this segment, whilst stil l providing excellent fuel economy. All engines’ oil change intervals are 40,000 kilometres. Vehicle warranty is just as impressive at three years or 200,000 kilometres. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard and a 5-speed automatic may be optioned on some models. The Sprinter sits on larger 16-inch wheels, which enable it to accommodate larger-diameter brake discs. Independent struts with wishbones are used on the front suspension, along with a transverse leaf spring made from fibreglass-reinforced plastic to reduce weight and provide greater stabilising power. Iveco Daily

Daily vans are built in Italy and Spain and offer a cargo capacity from eight cubic metres to 17 cubic metres. The range starts with the single-wheel 3.5 tonne GVM Daily 35S14, powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine, and goes up to the dual wheel 6.5 tonne GVM Daily 65C18 powered by a 3.0-litre turbo diesel. Pictured here is the long-wheelbase high roof 50C18 variant with a six-speed Agile transmission allied to IVECO’s new generation 130kW 3.0-litre direct injection 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which has 295Nm of torque. Cargo capacity is 17 cubic metres. Although the 50C18 dual-wheel van is capable of a five tonne GVM it can be registered as 4495kg GVM so drivers with a Class one (car) drivers licence rather than a Class two (HT) licence may use it. Drivers on urban delivery routes will quickly appreciate the transmission which gives them the option of automatic mode or sequential manual for those occasions when the driver wants engine braking or more control over gear shifts. Thanks to the four wheel disc brakes (ventilated at the front) the Daily easily pull ups at short notice for such a large vehicle. Its turning circle is also pretty amazing for a vehicle that’s seven metres in length. You get an appreciation of how large and long this vehicle is once you have climbed into the cabin, thanks to those huge rear view mirrors with both flat and convex lenses which are electrically adjustable. The interior of the Daily Van has been completely redesigned to offer a more car-like surrounding and comfort for the driver and two passengers. There’s cheerfully bright blue seat upholstery, the multi adjustable driver’s seat and the myriad of cup holders, bottle holders and storage spaces in the smartly trimmed black and grey dashboard. Switch gear is easily accessible and operated as is the trip computer and cruise control system. The Agile transmission lever sprouts from the console, and thanks to the shorter hand brake, the cabin has easy walk-through access. Safety is not forgotten either with a driver’s airbag, and three point lap and diagonal seat belts. ABS 8 brakes are standard and ESP with ‘Hill Holder’ is an option, as is a passenger and side airbag. Additional Daily options include rear air suspension, dual sliding doors and other paint colours other than Van Man White! Fiat Ducato With its Ducato, Fiat offers a 3.5 tonne GVM delivery van in a medium wheelbase (offering 11 or 13 cubic metres of space) and a four tonne GVM long-wheelbase version which has 15 cubic metres of space. Buyers also have the option of glazed or unglazed vans, and there’s only one roof height option. which makes life simple.   The Ducatos feature an 80kW/320Nm 2.3 litre or a 115kW/400Nm Multi-jet turbo diesel engine mated to a six-speed gearbox. There’s an automatic option for the 3-litre engine if required. The Ducato’s design sees function treated as a priority. The bumper is divided into three parts for lower repair/replacement costs in the event of an accident and the windscreen is steeply raked, giving a low drag coefficient of 0.31 for better performance and economy. Yet the “working” area has sharp, squared-off lines, contributing to a more spacious and useful load compartment. Because you sit high you’re much more aware of what’s happening around you. A big plus is the satellite controls on the steering wheel which allow you to set the cruise control and radio without taking your hands off the wheel. The gear lever is located high up on the centre console and it comes with a syringe-type reverse engagement collar. Plenty of space is available for odds and ends – with lots of drawers, compartments and shelves. There’re folding armrests for the driver and front passenger for easier vehicle access on those ‘busy days’– plus air conditioning, electric windows, and a digital audio system with CD player and controls on the steering wheel. What’s more, the Ducato comes with a clever key which allows you to selectively lock or unlock doors – for instance, you can remotely lock the rear doors while leaving the front ones unlocked. Safety equipment includes twin airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), twin element electrically adjustable door mirrors and remote control central locking. The sliding side door is much easier to open, lock, unlock and close, and the rear doors can open to 90 degrees and 180 degrees by means of a pushbutton located on the door panel – and then when unclipped, can open a full 270 degrees. Volkswagon Crafter Inside, the Ducato is fitted with hooks to hold down goods and fastening rings that fold away. The Volkswagen Crafter 35 and 50 Series offers buyers a range of delivery vans from 3.5 to 4.5 tonne GVM (with optional 5 tonne GVM), with internal wheelbase options from 3250mm to 4325mm with overhang, and three roof height options.  The Crafter 35 and 50 series are equipped with a 2.5 litre TDI common rail direct injection turbo-diesel engine and there are three stages of tune: 80kW/280Nm, 100kW/300Nm and 120kW/350Nm, depending upon the variant chosen. Customers have the option of six-speed manual or six-speed ‘Shiftmatic’ gearboxes, except on the Crafter 50 super-long wheelbase model with the super-high roof (7340mm long, 2990mm high), which is only available with manual transmission. One of the particularly practical aspects of the Crafter panel van with the super-high roof is the open stowage to the front, above the cab. It can accommodate smaller items of freight, items of luggage or work clothing, and can take loads weighing up to 35 kilos. A sub-divider prevents the items from slipping around. The Crafter 50 has a GVM of 4490kg which meant that the Broom Yellow vehicle (pictured) has a payload of 1945kg. Driving a Crafter is a unique experience. Inside it’s almost car-like but you must not forget just how big and truck-like this vehicle is on the outside – particularly the long wheelbase models which need a greater arc to swing around corners. Fortunately the large mirrors have an integrated wide-angle convex lens which allows you to see objects and vehicles in your path.  On the road the 100kW engine proved to be a suitable companion for the six-speed manual gearbox. The performance of the least powerful VW turbo-diesel is adequate rather than striking, but it cruises quietly at motorway speeds and thanks to the steel partition separating cabin from cargo bay, the normal harmonics of an empty delivery van body are noticeably reduced. Once on the move the big van was fairly nimble and agile around the city and incredibly stable on the motorway despite its tall and long stance – crosswinds were completely unnoticeable. The gearbox has a nice short shift mechanism and because it’s located in the dashboard the driver can easily walk through the cabin and exit through the passenger door – a great safety feature in narrow city streets. • Article courtesy of NZ Company Vehicle magazine. Go to www.demm.co.nz/enquiry quote: D100931