Crew cab and combi vans are perfect for carrying people and building materials. Dan Powell from Honest John Vans names the best five- and six-seater vans you can buy right now.
If you need a van that can carry a mixture of tools, equipment and people then a crew or combi van could be the perfect commercial vehicle for you. These versatile vans are popular with builders who employ large work teams. Crew and combi vehicles are also popular with sole traders who need a van that can double up as a family car at the weekends.
Depending on which model you choose, you’ll get two rows of seats that will accommodate up to six people. Admittedly, this does mean sacrificing loadspace, but some models will give you rail-mounted seats that will allow you to remove the second bench (and store it somewhere) when not needed.
Ford Transit Custom
The UK’s favourite van, the Transit Custom is Ford’s best-selling vehicle in Britain. The Double Cab-in-van model is available as a five- or six-seater. And the short-wheelbase model will carry a single Euro pallet weighing over a tonne. The long-wheelbase model will extend carrying capacity to two Euro pallets, while all models get a full-size steel bulkhead that separates the load area from the cab.
Vauxhall Vivaro
Built here in Britain, the Vauxhall Vivaro is popular with builders who need a comfortable and efficient van. All versions of the Vivaro Doublecab are generously equipped as standard and include air-con, cruise control and a colour touchscreen that’s compatible with mobile phone mirroring, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Doublecab models are limited to the Vivaro long-wheelbase model only, which means you get four cubic metres of loadspace behind the second row of seats.
Volkswagen Transporter
The Transporter Kombi Crew Van is available with five or six seats and will carry between 852kg to 1428kg (depending on which VW model you choose). The short-wheelbase Transporter will carry a single Euro pallet while the long-wheelbase version will accommodate two. We rate the Transporter as one of the most refined vans in its class, which means it’s comfortable and easy to use.
Toyota Proace
If you need a reliable van then the Proace should be at the top of your list. Toyota will give you a 10-year warranty (limited to 100,000 miles) if you service the Proace within the manufacturer-approved dealer network – something no other vanmaker can match. The Crew Cab model is perhaps the most versatile van in the Proace range and you get the choice of an efficient 1.5- or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
The Vito Crew Van is a premium commercial vehicle that rivals the best when it comes to practicality, comfort and running costs. You’ll get up to six seats, across two rows, which makes the Vito perfect for carrying your work team. You also get a good-sized load area, with 3.1 cubic metres of storage space in the short-wheelbase model and 3.6 cubic metres on the long-wheelbase Vito.
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