The latest large van in the CV market – and from the Volkswagen Group stable – has arrived. And John Kendall has driven it.

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Since MAN is part of the Volkswagen Group, it is no secret (or a surprise) that its large van – the TGE – is based on the Volkswagen Crafter. You might ask what’s the point of the two brands selling effectively the same vehicle side by side, but then you could apply the same logic to the Stellantis marques with the Citroën Relay, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer and Vauxhall Movano – or the Renault Master and Nissan NV400.

Actually, the logic is a bit different. A better comparison would be between the Renault Master and Renault Trucks Master, where the first is sold through Renault car dealers and the latter, Renault Trucks dealers. MAN truck customers run vans too and once you have their business for trucks, it would seem logical to try and keep them as van customers too. Truck dealers may also offer more flexible opening hours for servicing, so it’s not a case of replicating sales, more a question of attracting customers that you might otherwise lose.

In some ways, MAN has slipped behind. The company offered TGE electric variants a few years ago but that is no longer the case with the latest models. Again, truck customers are less EV-minded than van customers at the moment, so MAN could argue that it is not really losing out.

The TGE has been quietly revised, mostly with software updates and the addition of digital instruments. MAN claims that the new vehicle electrical system architecture enables the use of new assistance systems and provides improved cyber security and mobile use of future digital services.

The German brand’s latest move is to offer new factory conversions, although it is not yet clear how many of these will be available to UK customers. The latest additions are a three-way tipper from Meiller and a mini-artic conversion for the TGE from BE-Combi with a body volume of up to 28m³. The finished vehicles should be available from MAN direct and are covered by MAN’s warranties.

The Meiller Trigenius three-way tipper is constructed from Hardox steel using laser welding. On a 3,500kg GVW TGE, payload can be up to 951kg, depending on specification, or up to 2,600kg on a 5,500kg GVW chassis. Features include one-tonne lashing eyelets on the side walls and floor lashing points with a capacity of two tonnes.

We drove a range of TGE models at the launch including the Meiller Trigenius – both on a test track to demonstrate some of the new safety features and also on the road. The latest changes make a good vehicle even better. With such a broad range of features and body options, MAN has most market segments covered. The TGE is as pleasant to drive as it always was, with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. As we have said, buying from a truck dealer will be particularly appealing for customers needing access to out-of-hours servicing, although the network and locations may not suit everyone.

Verdict

The TGE has proved popular with recovery vehicle operators and those looking for extended hours servicing via the MAN dealer network. The latest revisions and new conversions extend its appeal further.

In Brief

What is it? Heavy van, chassis cab and crew cab with factory conversions

How much? TBC

Gross payload? From 951kg

Economy? 32.7mpg (WLTP combined)

Drive? Two-litre turbo diesel engine offering 138hp (103kW), 161hp (120kW) or 174hp (130kW), with maximum torque of between 340Nm and 410Nm.

Key fleet model Standard panel van with high roof

Thumbs up: Well-specified with good build quality.

Thumbs down: Availability through the MAN truck dealer network may not suit all customers.

Seven-word summary A very good van with upgraded attributes