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Slowly but surely all-electric vans are taking off in the UK and while the Citroen Berlingo Electric is a great example – it’s not quite good enough. Most of the issue is down to its claimed range of 106 miles which is probably much less in real world circumstances. However, there’s no doubting that the running costs of less than £2 per 40 miles will be hugely attractive to some firms. That’s the average van’s running costs DIVIDED BY FIVE! The Berlingo Electric also has low maintenance costs so there’s a lot to recommend it – and it’s a great van to drive around town – but only those who can live with a vehicle with a short range will get to enjoy the benefits.

The VW Transporter is a stand-out offering that now sets the standard for the segment. Great following from fans and a sound alternative to the likes of the Transit Custom and Vito. For those looking for a great van for high mileages, the Transporter will not let them down with a solid build quality and the residual values are quite impressive.

The Volkswagen Crafter is an all-new creation and the firm’s most versatile and largest van with a wide choice of body styles including Tipper, panel van, double and single cabs and a dropside. It’s also a very comfortable place to spend long journeys with an impressive interior and lots of safety equipment for peace of mind. Typically, the Crafter has been outperformed by its rivals, particularly from Ford, but it has built-up a strong following with those owners appreciating the solid build and reliability levels. The new van is solid and its practicality will make it a popular choice for those who spend money on it – if they decide to make the switch from the competitors.

The latest model of the Volkswagen Caddy is not an all-new creation but a big revamp. There’s a lot to like about the model with plenty of the best bits of the old model brought into the new one; the cargo area is about the same size. However, it does have an impressive new interior which helps to underline its position as one of the most comfortable vans to drive in its class. It’s in a keenly fought segment and while it is pricier than some rivals, it’s certainly worth shortlisting.

For those who need a workhorse but would like a pick-up with leather seats, lots of space in the cabin and great levels of performance, then the Volkswagen Amarok is for you. It is highly recommended but it’s not the cheapest pick-up to buy or run and its size can be intimidating.

The Toyota Proace is much better than the van it replaces and there’s a lot to recommend it; it is cheap to run, easy to drive and it’s a safe van as well. However, the steering can lack feedback, particularly on corners, and there isn’t much choice for engines and there’s no option of a high roof.

The new Toyota Hilux has a lot to live up to – it’s one of the most famous pick-ups ever made and the all-new version is an impressive offering. Indeed, when driven it handles more like an SUV rather than a pick-up and there is more refinement and interior space. It’s still a winning combination and Toyota has recognised that the market has changed and has managed to create a pick-up that will deliver what businesses are looking for as well as families wanting a ‘lifestyle pick-up’. The latest version is not an all-new model but instead is a revamp which has improved refinement and comfort levels.

It’s the replacement for the aging Primastar but the Nissan NV300 is competing in a keenly fought segment. Worst of all, most of its better rivals are essentially the mechanically same van such as the Renault Trafic, the Fiat Talento and the Vauxhall Vivaro. While the exterior styling makes it look a tad different and there’s some extra kit, the biggest attraction is a five years or 100,000 mile warranty to attract buyers. It’s much better than the Primastar and Nissan has effectively plugged a gap in its commercial van line-up so potential buyers should keep watching for promotions which help shift sales.

In an increasingly competitive segment, there’s no doubt that some of the newcomers have managed to establish themselves with a luxurious offering but for those who need a workhorse for everyday business use, there’s little to beat the Mitsubishi L200. It has everything anyone looking at pickups is demanding; it’s a tough and solid build, a nice vehicle to drive and it’s a capable load lugger as well. It also has reasonable running costs and is deigned to last.

The Mercedes Vito aims to be an affordable and yet prestigious offering in the competitive mid-size van market and the Mercedes badge certainly helps to shift units. The latest model comes with a wider variety of body styles and configurations than the model it replaces and it’s also a better made and better designed van as well. There’s a lot to like about it and while it’s not quite as good as its larger sibling, the Sprinter, it is a great van to own.