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the-best-selling-vans-in-the-uk

best-selling-vans-in-the-uk-electric-van-sales-up-in-september

The number of new vans joining the UK’s roads increased by 28.1% in September compared with the same month last year, official figures have revealed.

A total of 44,760 new vans were registered over the course of the month, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-large-vans/n20727">Large vans</a>&nbsp;proved most popular once again, with 29,150 hitting the road – 13.0% more than last September – whereas&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-small-vans/n20723">small van</a>&nbsp;sales dropped by 13.4%, to just 880.

That may be explained by the steep 89.0% rise in sales of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-medium-vans/n20726">medium vans</a>, from 3748 last September to 7085 last month. This suggests that some buyers are favouring versatile all-rounders like the ever-popular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">Ford Transit Custom</a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;smaller models or costlier large vans.

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Best-selling vans in the UK: electric van sales up in September

Commercial SUVs and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">pick-ups</a>&nbsp;were both more popular this September than last: 1296 of the former and 6349 of the latter were registered last month, representing increases of 141.8% and 64.4% respectively.

When it comes to powering the nation’s vans, diesel is still king; 90.2% of all vans registered in September were diesel-powered. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-electric-vans/n21136">electric van</a>&nbsp;sales jumped by 85.9% to 2882, meaning their market share grew to 6.4%.

So, which models were the most popular with new van buyers in September? Below, we count down the UK’s top 10 best-sellers.

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

Relay (2019)

Since the current-generation Citroën Relay was first launched in 2006, an awful lot has changed in the world. However the Relay – along with its sister vans the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/ducato/van/review/n18227">Fiat Ducato</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/boxer/van/review/n18206">Peugeot Boxer</a>&nbsp;and Vauxhall Movano – remains popular with buyers thanks to its high maximum payloads and broad range of body sizes.

In other areas, though, the Relay is starting to show its age. The underlying thrum from its 2.2-litre BlueHDI diesel engine (introduced a few years ago to make the Relay compliant with the latest emissions standards) makes it feel less refined than competitors’, while the driving experience itself feels rather rudimentary compared with that of more modern alternatives.

September sales&nbsp;1504

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/relay-2019/van/review/n22193">Citroën Relay review</a>

10: Citroën Relay

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>High payloads</li>
	<li>New more powerful and economical engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Looking dated</li>
	<li>Feels inferior to competitors</li>
	<li>No automatic transmissions</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Expert

The Peugeot Expert is one of the most economical and practical medium vans around, along with its sister vans the&nbsp;Citroën Dispatch,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/proace/van/review/n20243">Toyota Proace</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vivaro/van/review/n18281">Vauxhall Vivaro</a>. As with those offerings, it’s available in a variety of lengths and with multiple engine options.

The BlueHDi 150 diesel engine is our favourite, because it offers punchy performance as well as good fuel economy, returning 41.3mpg in official tests.

If you prefer, a fully electric Peugeot e-Expert is also available in either standard or long wheelbase forms, with an official range of up to 143 miles from the standard 50kWh battery. This can be upgraded to a 75kWh battery, which offers a 205-mile range.

September sales&nbsp;1589

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/expert/van/review/n20207">Peugeot Expert review</a>

9: Peugeot Expert

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Comfort and handling</li>
	<li>Wide choice of engines and sizes</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor visibility</li>
	<li>Needs bigger door mirrors</li>
	<li>Added safety comes at a price</li>
</ul>

Pick-Up

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

HILUX

As a commercial tool, the Hilux compares favourably with its key rivals. Upgrading to the 2.8-litre engine gets you punchy performance, while outstanding off-road performance and Toyota’s impressive reliability record mean you’re unlikely to be left stranded in your Hilux.

However, with more and more people using their pick-up trucks as both working vehicles and family wagons, a pick-up needs more than just rugged dependability to really excel: it has to be comfortable, refined and good to drive, too.

Unfortunately, the Hilux is much harder to recommend to comfort-conscious.&nbsp;buyers. The Hilux isn’t as plush inside as a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/ranger/4x4/review/n17250">Ford Ranger</a>, nor is it as enjoyable to drive.

September sales&nbsp;1618

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/hilux/pick-up/review/n17270">Toyota Hilux review</a>

8: Toyota Hilux

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Punchy 2.8-litre engine</li>
	<li>Excellent reliability record and warranty</li>
	<li>Impressive off road</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sluggish acceleration with the 2.4-litre diesel</li>
	<li>Rivals have greater payloads</li>
	<li>Engines gruff when worked hard</li>
</ul>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

SPRINTER

Fittingly,&nbsp;given&nbsp;its name, one of the key attractions of the Sprinter is its range of punchy engines, and there’s a version to suit almost everyone.&nbsp;

The 143bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine is our preferred choice in the Sprinter. If you'd rather go electric, there's also the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-sprinter/van/review/n22228">Mercedes eSprinter</a>,&nbsp;although that has a rather short&nbsp;official range&nbsp;(up to 95 miles).

The Sprinter shines when it comes to its interior; the materials used inside are nicer than most rivals offer. The plastics, for example, are soft and textured, and the 10.3in infotainment touchscreen you get on high-end versions looks suitably premium and is, for the most part, easy to get along with.

September sales&nbsp;1658

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/sprinter/van/review/n18217">Mercedes Sprinter&nbsp;review</a>

7: Mercedes Sprinter

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Huge range of body styles</li>
	<li>High-tech but user friendly infotainment</li>
	<li>Improved fuel economy with front-wheel drive vans</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not the cheapest van to buy or run</li>
	<li>Aggressive safety systems</li>
</ul>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

Trafic

If you're looking to own your van rather than lease one, the Renault Trafic is a good option&nbsp;because of&nbsp;its low price, generous equipment and variety of&nbsp;engine options.

It comes with lots of safety kit, too, including automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/renault">Renault</a>&nbsp;also lets you add adaptive cruise control as an option, helping you to keep pace with the ebb and flow of traffic&nbsp;and easing&nbsp;driver workload on longer journeys.

You'll find less space to store your odds and ends in the Trafic than you would in some rivals, however, and its infotainment system can be frustratingly slow to respond.

September sales&nbsp;2075

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/trafic/van/review/n18803">Renault Trafic&nbsp;review</a>

6: Renault Trafic

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Choice of engines to suit most needs</li>
	<li>Greatly improved safety systems</li>
	<li>Quiet interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>More interior storage needed</li>
	<li>Slow-witted infotainment system</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

TRANSPORTER

The Transporter is a favourite among private buyers and small businesses alike&nbsp;because of its high resale values (and the resultant&nbsp;low leasing prices)&nbsp;and modest running costs.

Beyond that, it offers composed handling and brisk enough performance, even if you’re hauling the maximum payload. There’s even a sporty version (inspired by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/hatchback/review/n149">VW Golf GTI</a>&nbsp;hot hatch) that has&nbsp;more aggressive styling, a 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine and lowered suspension.

Inside, the Transporter features a few luxury touches, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and pleasingly textured plastics, resulting in an interior that feels a cut above rivals'. The standard 6.5in infotainment screen is easy to get along with too.

September sales&nbsp;2385

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/transporter/van/review/n18205">Volkswagen Transporter&nbsp;review</a>

5: Volkswagen Transporter

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Huge choice of variants</li>
	<li>Modern safety aids and infotainment tech</li>
	<li>Punchy and frugal 2.0 TDI 150 diesel</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Basic entry-level model</li>
	<li>Firm ride compared with some rivals</li>
	<li>Top-end versions start to become very pricey</li>
</ul>

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

RANGER

The Ford Ranger is the best all-round pick-up truck we've ever tested, outdoing all of its rivals including the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/amarok/pick-up/review/n17220">Volkswagen Amarok</a>.

It’s very practical, even by pick-up truck standards; its cargo bay is large, its maximum payload high and its interior roomy. Thanks to the shared underpinnings, these qualities are also found in the Amarok, but unlike that pick-up the Ranger is available in a variety of body styles, allowing you to prioritise interior or load space to suit your needs.

On top of that, the Ranger is great to drive, with a range of gutsy engines and a settled ride.

September sales&nbsp;3031

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/ranger/4x4/review/n17250">Ford Ranger review</a>

4: Ford Ranger

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Big cargo bay with a high payload capacity</li>
	<li>Space for four six-footers in Double Cab versions</li>
	<li>Good to drive for a pick-up</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not the cheapest pick-up</li>
	<li>Warranty could be better</li>
</ul>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

VIVARO

One of the few vans to be built in the UK as well as sold here, the Vivaro is based on the same underpinnings as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/citroen/dispatch/van/review/n18249">Citroën Dispatch</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/expert/van/review/n20207">Peugeot Expert</a>.

Don't think that sharing parts with other models makes the Vivaro any less practical, though. In fact, its maximum payload of 1458kg is impressive in the&nbsp;medium vans&nbsp;market.&nbsp;

There are the usual petrol and diesel engines to choose from in the Vivaro, but there's also a fully electric&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vivaro-e/van/review/n22197">Vauxhall Vivaro-e</a>&nbsp;with an official range of up to 205 miles, which could be more than enough&nbsp;if your business is based mainly in town.

September sales&nbsp;3086

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/vauxhall/vivaro/van/review/n18281">Vauxhall Vivaro review</a>

3: Vauxhall Vivaro

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Wide choice of engines</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Huge payload capabilities</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped interior</li>
	<li>Changes to loadspace dimensions</li>
</ul>

TRANSIT

The Transit became an icon of British roads because of its car-like handling and high load capacity, and the current model retains those qualities. It’s manoeuvrable enough for&nbsp;tight spaces, and the entry-level 103bhp engine has enough power unless you’re using the full 2200kg load capacity.

There's a version of the Transit to meet most needs,&nbsp;with seven body weights, optional four-wheel drive and a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/e-transit/van/review/n24074">Ford E-Transit</a>&nbsp;electric van, too. The E-Transit has a long electric range and all the practicality you'd expect – it's so good that we named it as our 2023 What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/van-and-commercial-vehicle-awards-2023-overall-winner/n25170">Van of the Year</a>.

September sales&nbsp;3470

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit/van/review/n18188">Ford Transit&nbsp;review</a>

2: Ford Transit

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Economical with lower CO2 emissions than before</li>
	<li>New connectivity features</li>
	<li>Higher payloads</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>No covered storage</li>
	<li>Base trim quite sparse</li>
</ul>

TRANSIT CUSTOM

No matter&nbsp;your medium van needs, the chances are that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/ford">Ford</a>&nbsp;makes a&nbsp;version of the Transit Custom&nbsp;to suit you. Whether you're looking for petrol, diesel or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-plug-in-hybrid-cars-2023/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;(PHEV), this is a truly versatile van. And the all-electric&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2023-ford-e-transit-custom-electric-van-revealed-price-specs-and-release-date/n24525">Ford E-Transit Custom</a>&nbsp;is coming soon, too.

That versatility extends to the load space, too. The Transit Custom's maximum payload weight of up to 1459kg is higher than that of many other vans in its class, and the option to add a second side-loading door on most models means the space is easy to access.

The&nbsp;mid-range&nbsp;128bhp diesel engine will officially return up to 40.9mpg, helped by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild hybrid</a>&nbsp;technology that helps the engine out with gentle electrical assistance.

September sales&nbsp;5103

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/transit-custom/van/review/n18288">Ford Transit Custom&nbsp;review</a>

1: Ford Transit Custom

<h3>Pros</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Improved fuel economy</li>
	<li>Class-leading productivity</li>
	<li>Great ride and handling</li>
</ul>

<h3>Cons</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Needs a better automatic gearbox</li>
	<li>Loadspace protection could be of a better quality</li>
	<li>Plug-in hybrid is expensive to buy</li>
</ul>

<hr />
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<h2 dir="ltr">Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/biggest-selling-cars/n17053">Best-selling cars</a>&nbsp;&gt;&gt;</h2>

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