(Newswire.net — May 22, 2019) — In the market for a brand new commercial van this year? Well there are plenty of choices between various brands and models and offerings, so which of the 2019 commercial vans should you choose? Look no further – here’s a complete buyer’s guide to help you make the right choice!
Commercial vans are the backbone for deliveries, from online purchases, bunches of flowers, and groceries, to handymen and workmen like plumbers and carpenters, and of course for anyone who wants a ‘do it yourself’ move across town or country. For the longest time, there was little movement in the commercial vehicle space, with the same kind of options that had been around for a long time.
However, this has changed, and for the better, of recent, with updated makes and models. Nissan, Mercedes, Ram, Chevrolet and Ford all have updated their commercial van offerings for you in 2019. And of course, don’t forget to get your commercial vehicle insurance sorted before taking your new van out for a spin.
Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
Ranging in price from US$32,500 to 37,000, this van from the Chevy stable was updated in 2018, with the old 6.6 litre V8 engine replaced with a 4 cylinder diesel engine. The base V6 model’s six-speed was changed to an eight-speed automatic and is a standard feature with the diesel engine. It can go from 0-100 kph in a mere 8 to 10 seconds, too. The towing weight for these commercial vans is between 3.9 and 4.5 tonne. The active safety technology like forward collision warning is planned for the 2019 versions of both the Express and Savana. You can look forward to some more choices of colours, too. Both models are also available as a 15-passenger van. This is a golden oldie, as far as commercial vehicles go, and the brand is working to update its offerings.
Ford Transit
Priced between US$34,000 and 38,000, the latest edition of the Ford Transit has some changes from the earlier version, but nothing major. This van a good workhorse, with a 3.7 litre V6 engine as well as a diesel option. In terms of tow rating, it maxes out at 2.5 tonne and has a hauling capacity of 1.6 tonne. Aside from the commercial vans it comes in passenger versions too. The Ford Transit comes in three variants in terms of length as well as roof height. In terms of the latest modifications, some models have wider opening doors at the back, and seating layouts have been modified as well.
Ford Transit Connect
Ranging in price from US$25,000 to 32,000, this model from Ford has received some significant add-ons for 2019. There are now two engine options (2.5 litre regular as well as 2 litre diesel), two wheelbase lengths, new transmission, and reworked rear suspension. There are also new driver assist features added, alongside an update to the style. Available as a cargo or passenger van, the latter has 2/5/6/7 seating options. The Ford Transit Connect is spacious in terms of the cargo section, maxing out at a length 2.2m, a width of 195cm, and height of 126cm, and 122 cm between the wheel wells.
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
This van is priced between US$35,000 and 50,000 and the new updates for 2019 include new styling, internet connectivity for communication amongst a fleet, a multimedia system that has eight fleet operation programs, and a nine-speed auto gas engine. There are newly added driver assist features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist as well as a surround-view camera. With a 2 litre V6 engine and towing capacity of 2 -3.5 tonne, the Sprinter comes in a host of configurations and variations to suit every need, making it ideal for any type of commercial use.
Mercedes Benz Metris
Competitively priced at US$27,000 to 35,000, Mercedes’ Metris van now comes standard with power-adjustable front seats and automatic start/stop. There is also a front lighting package. The cargo van variant has a maximum payload capability of 1.1 tonne and comes with either two rear doors or else a real liftgate. The passenger van has seating options of 5/7/8. The extended wheelbase variant of the cargo van comes with plastic panelling for the full height. The Metris comes with a 2 litre engine and can go from 0-100 in 8.6 seconds.
Nissan NV
This Nissan van sells from US$30,000 to 43,500, and is unchanged from previous editions. It remains a practical choice with great flexibility. With a base V6, 4 litre engine, it has three payload variations, has the ability to haul close to 1.8 tonne, and also comes in a V8 engine. You can also get it with a high roof. The passenger variant has seating for a maximum of 12, with 3/ 2/ 4 seating configuration options!
Ram Promaster
This van is priced between US$31,640 and 35,740, with a choice of 18 types of configurations across three wheelbases, two heights for the roof, three classes of payloads (varying between 1.8 – 2.1 tonne), and a 30% increase in maximum towing range. The Promaster also comes with a choice between panels or windows. An updated grille and a telematics package are new in 2019. It features a 3.6 litre, V6 engine.
Ram Promaster City
This smaller van which retails between US$25,500 and 29,000 is meant for city use, and has a 2.4 litre engine. With a cargo area of 221 x 150cm, it is available as a cargo van which seats two, or as a passenger van that seats five people. It can haul up to 850 kg. The 2019 updates include to the grille and the telematics tech, which gives fleet managers better tracking and insight into usage and driver behaviour.