PSA’s Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van and Vauxhall/Opel Combo vans have taken the International Van Of The Year (IVOTY) title for 2019.
Revealed this summer and due out at the end of the year, the models have been designed as part of a cross-business programme following PSA Group’s acquisition of Vauxhall and are now all built on the group’s EMP2 people-carrier platform. The vans also introduce two body lengths and an all-wheel drive variant as well as the latest generation of powertrains and driver assistance equipment. The vehicles will be available in two-, three-, and five-seater versions and bring a load capacity of 1,000kg.
According to Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY jury, the new line-up is “the most significant small panel van development in years”.
Commenting on the jury’s decision, he added: “The common programme to the four Brands of Groupe PSA, the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van, Vauxhall Combo and Opel Combo, is well future-proofed, packed with technological advancements to aid the driver and financially benefit the owner or fleet manager. The creation of the overload alert system is a great initiative as it will ensure compliance and enhance safety. The availability of two wheelbase versions is another step forward as is the introduction of an all-wheel-drive variant, considering that an increasing number of utility companies are looking for 4×4 traction in a small van. All in all, an excellent package, well put together.”
