Easy to drive, cheap to run and comfortable, the best small vans are perfect for tradespeople who want a compact yet capable commercial vehicle.
Small enough for city life and large enough for long journeys, the best small vans are well-equipped as standard and capable of carrying lots of tools, equipment and materials. They are also equipped with frugal engines, which should help protect your profit margins when it comes to fuel costs.
Through Honest John Vans’ detailed road tests, we’ve shortlisted the best small commercial vehicles you can buy in 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Citan
If you want a comfortable and classy small van then the Mercedes-Benz Citan should be at the top of your vehicle shopping list. It has one of the best interiors of any small van, with comfortable seats and a quiet cabin. The Citan is available with petrol, diesel or electric power and the smallest version has a 2.9 cubic metre load space and a maximum payload of 782kg.
Ford Transit Connect
A perennial favourite with tradespeople, the Ford Transit Connect is one of the UK’s best-selling vans. And with good reason: it’s great to drive, generously equipped and extremely practical. The Transit Connect is available with short and long wheelbase options, with load volumes peaking at 3.6 cubic metres, It also has a payload capacity of up to 982kg, which makes the Transit Connect one of the most versatile vans in its class.
Vauxhall Combo
The latest Vauxhall Combo diesel has a one-tonne payload, which makes it a heavy hitter in the compact van class. You get the choice of two or three front seats and all versions of the Combo will carry two Euro pallets, while the 1.2-metre load width between the rear wheel arches provides enough space for a forklift to load the van without causing damage to the load space.
Volkswagen Caddy Cargo
The Volkswagen Caddy is a common sight on building sites up and down the country. The latest model is the best yet, with load capacities ranging from 3.1 to 3.7 cubic metres. Most buyers choose the efficient and refined 2.0 TDI diesel Caddy, but the 1.5 TSI petrol shouldn’t be discounted if you need a small van for short journeys. The Caddy’s interior is upmarket and comfortable, while its maximum payload capacity of 700kg should accommodate most trades.
Toyota Proace City 
The Toyota Proace City is the only small van in the UK to be sold with a warranty of up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Mechanically, the Proace City is based on the same platform as the Vauxhall Combo, which means you get a maximum payload of one tonne. The Proace’s 1.5-litre diesel engine is available with 100PS or 130PS power outputs, while advertised fuel economy peaks at 49mpg.
For more van and pick-up buying advice, visit: www.honestjohn.co.uk/vans.
