Ford Transit Custom .

the day ’ was key . Type ‘ what is a van ?’ into your Internet search engine

and the answer you ’ ll get is , ‘ a vehicle used for

transporting goods or people .’ Basic stuff really . But a van has to be more than that nowadays . For tradespeople , their vehicle also becomes their office , storage area and mode of transport all rolled into one . Cab comfort , cruise control , Bluetooth connectivity and the obligatory cup holders are now all expected as minimum requirements . So how do van companies make sure their vehicle stands out from the crowd ? Here are some of the latest models and their stand out features .

The demand for sporting and distinctive Ford Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007 .

Available for delivery in spring 2017 , the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK . Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford ’ s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions , the new model can be specified in Race Red , Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts , and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts . ‘ Many of our retail customers are no longer satisfied with a standard white van , and these stunning new vehicles provide the perfect solution ,’ said Hans Schep , general manager , Commercial Vehicles , Ford of Europe . ‘ The new Transit Custom makes a really positive statement about their business , and looks great on the driveway at the weekend .’

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options , the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants – a significant expansion from the single short wheelbase van version offered previously .

As before , the Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour coded exterior , with body colour bumpers , side mirrors and door handles , along with body side mouldings and wheel arch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model . The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour .

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters , including second or third seat rows where fitted , and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford Sync connectivity package .

The first tease of the new Mercedes- Benz X-Class has been revealed , in the guide of the Concept X-Class – two design concepts hinting at what ’ s to come .

The first premium pickup will combine the best of two worlds : all the strengths of a classic pickup – tough , functional , strong , and with offroad capability , as well as what will distinguish the pickup bearing the Mercedes star . The X-Class will be a true Mercedes from the hallmark brand design and comfort to the driving dynamics and safety . Mercedes-Benz is accounting for the changing customer requirements in the global segment of mid-size pickups , and it will make the tough one-ton pickup with seating for up to five persons more attractive as an urban lifestyle and family vehicle . With the pickup , Mercedes-Benz Vans will expand its product range with a fourth model series . At the same time , the brand bearing the three pointed star will

Merecedes-Benz X-Class .

‘ For tradespeople , their vehicle also becomes their office , storage area and mode of transport all rolled into one .’

Volkswagen Caddy .

become the first premium manufacturer to occupy the promising segment of mid-size pickups . It will be launched in late 2017 under the name Mercedes-Benz X-Class . Dr Dieter Zetsche , chairman of the board of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes- Benz Cars , said , ‘ With the Mercedes-Benz pickup , we will close one of the last gaps in our portfolio . Our target : We want to offer customers vehicles matching their specific needs . The X-Class will set new standards in a growing segment .’

Wearing a striking new look that incorporates the very latest Volkswagen design language , Volkswagen ’ s new Caddy is available in commercial and passengercarrying forms , offering buyers great flexibility and configuration options to suit every need , taste and budget .

The new Caddy Panel van is available in three trim levels – Startline , Trendline and Highline – and with short or Maxi

50 | February 2017