Two options for white van man

WITH a plethora of shapes, sizes, weights, volumes, power options, and comfort levels available to the working man when it comes to choosing his van, we can understand why the majority of them are white.
After many frustrating days, and sometimes weeks of trying to decide which of the dozens of models will serve his needs the best in the following years, and which will offer the best value for money, is it any wonder that when the salesman finally asks: “And which colour would sir like?” the answer is typically barked: “I don’t care. Just give me a white one!”
In order to assist in some way, and although we cannot cover all categories, we take a look quick look at what is available from the top two favourites in 2015.

The 2015 Ford Transit
Body options for the new Transit range from the standard van cab with two/three seats, to Double Cabin in Van with seven seats. Variations consist of, Chassis cab or double Chassis cab options. All of these are available in short, medium, long, long extended, or jumbo long extended versions, with low or high top rooflines.
The largest options boast a maximum load area of up to 15.1m3 and the flexibility to stow items up to 4.2m long. There’s also a maximum trailer plate of up to 3.5 tons.
Other features include: Ford SYNC with AppLink and Emergency Assistance lets you control your music and make and receive calls on your mobile, using simple, direct voice commands. As well as Adaptive Cruise Control, rear view camera, and parking distance sensors.
Transit is powered by a range of three, advanced 2.2 litre TDCi engines. Via a six-speed, front, rear and all-wheel drive transmission, these new powertrains deliver either 100, 125 or 155PS and up to 385Nm of torque for maximum pulling power and fewer gear changes.
Prices start around €24,000 for the 2.2 TDCi 100 CV TD.

The 2015 Renault Trafic
With less choice in lengths and variations you may be tempted to overlook what Renaults have to offer. However, that would be a mistake!
There is a reason that the Renault Trafic is the second most popular van of its class in the world.
With the options of a Panel Van, Crew Van or Passenger Van, in standard or LWB guise, you can also have any of the above in two roof heights.
In addition to that, they have developed clever solutions to make the loading area more practical.
Its additional flap under the passenger bench allows you to carry items up to 4.15 metres long (lwb) and with a clever internal roof rack.
The Trafic offers a range of engines that bring together economy, flexibility and performance. The energy dci twin turbo engine means you can get fuel economy above 49mpg.
Prices start at around €29,000 for the basic SL27 dCi 90.
The extra creature comforts and the ability to have a mobile office in the cab may sway your decision, not to mention they have nine other colours apart from white!