NEED vs WANT vs LIVE WITH
With a wide price range and such a variety of powertrains, in truth these vans probably won't find themselves on the same shopping list any time soon. The ID. Buzz Cargo, in particular, feels like a vehicle that you’re just going to decide you want, no matter what the alternatives, and I’m sure few Buzz buyers compare loadbay lengths with a diesel Proace before they commit. The electric Cargo is smaller than its competitors, yes, but it’s still much more practical than any passenger car or SUV, and as long as your journeys are short, the powertrain is smooth and enjoyable. It has an appeal that goes beyond the traditional van market, reaching those, like me, who like anything on four wheels. Of the four vans on our test, the Buzz Cargo is the one I most wanted to drive home at the end of the day.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the winner. Given that the new Ford is way cheaper and offers much more loadspace than the Volkswagen, the Transit Custom is the van that really feels 100 per cent van, no pretensions or limitations – and it’s so good at being a van!
So while it might not scream ‘lifestyle choice!’ like the Buzz, the Transit is the one I can most easily imagine using as an Instagram escape, the one you’d use to run away from daily life. Rugged, unfussy, good to drive, huge in the back and a pleasure to sit in up front, the Transit Custom is a van that can do anything.
Which leaves the Stellantis pair bringing up the rear. Of the two, I actually prefer the honesty and relative simplicity of the Toyota. This isn’t really a vote against the Vauxhall – you can easily order a base-spec diesel Vivaro and it would feel just like our Proace. No, in this test, it’s more about the familiarity, practicality and cost of the diesel vs the electric version. Plus, I’m not a fan of the GS styling, though I guess that’s a matter of taste. So the new Transit Custom wins, because no matter whether you want to transport plasterboard, or move your mountain bikes, or sleep in the back as you tour the national parks of Canada, the Custom feels like it can do anything, everywhere, all of the time. No wonder they sell gazillions of them.
1st
FORD TRANS|T CUSTOM
Good for working, moving and escaping ★★★★★
2nd
VW. |D BUZZ CARGO Highly desirable, but costly and irrational ★★★★★
3rd
TOYOTA PROACE Practical, but boring cabin, slow steering ★★★★★
4th
VAUXHALL V|VARO Expensive and range-limited ★★★★★