These Are the Top 3 Small Vans for 2023 - Vansdirect
Three, that’s the magic number! That’s why we’ve put together our top three small van picks for 2023 so you can buy with confidence.
Looking for a small van, but having trouble deciding which one to choose?
You’re in luck! We’ve rounded up our top three picks in the small van category to help narrow down your search.
Read on to learn all about what the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo and FIAT Doblo have to offer.
Renault Kangoo
Named Best Small Van at the What Car? Van and Commercial Awards 2023, the new Renault Kangoo truly is a winner. It’s a little van with lots to offer, including the latest innovative technology.
Flexible from the get-go
The Renault Kangoo offers great flexibility in terms of powertrains. You can choose from a petrol and a diesel engine, or go green with the 100% electric model.
With petrol, you’ll get a 1.3L TCe 100 FAP direct injection turbo engine, which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. Being part of Renault’s next-generation high-performance engines, it offers impressive power with 200Nm torque to enhance your drive.
Unlike most traditional petrol engines, this engine also allows you to reduce your fuel consumption and lower your emissions. With the help of a particulate filter and nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction system, you can improve your overall fuel economy.
For diesel lovers, there are three engine options available:
- Blue dCi 75 - 1.5L AdBlue turbo engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and 230Nm torque
- Blue dCi 95 - 1.5L AdBlue turbo engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and 260Nm torque
- Blue dCi 115 EDC - 1.5L AdBlue turbo engine with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 270Nm torque
The Blue dCi 115 EDC engine is particularly handy for carrying heavy cargo, offering you the versatility you need for each job. The Blue dCi 95 and 75 engines both allow you to enjoy efficient, cost-effective performance.
For those wanting an electrified experience, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric is sure to please. Offering all the features and performance of the petrol and diesel versions, the E-Tech Electric is powered sustainably using electricity. Experience a range of up to 186 miles thanks to its 90kW motor.
Fast, easy charging also helps you get back on the road sooner. You can charge the EV with an 80kW rapid DC charger in under 40 minutes. Charging on the go is convenient with an ever-growing number of public charge points available.
Everyday convenience
Designed to suit your work needs, the Renault Kangoo comes packed with a range of convenient features to help make working a joy.
At the rear, you’ll get up to 4.9mᶾ loading volume to pack all your workday essentials, whether it’s equipment or deliveries. There’s also a handy inside rack to safely store more bulky equipment, and a payload of up to 1,000kg.
You can also expect 56 litres of cabin storage (including 10 litres under the seats) to help you keep your workspace clean and clutter-free.
The Renault Kangoo is designed with your driving needs in mind, helping to make journeys smoother and more comfortable. In the cabin, an ergonomic dashboard gives you complete control with plenty of handy storage compartments. The dashboard also includes an 8” colour touchscreen multimedia display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
With the electric version, there is also a heated driver’s seat and steering wheel for added luxury. You can also pre-set your Kangoo’s climate control using the MyRenault App. The multi-functional steering wheel provides convenience and improved safety, with all your essential controls in front of you.
With the Advanced specification models, there is an additional passenger seat available to seat a third person. When this is not used, it can be folded down as a table to create a mobile office.
Safety first
One of the most important things you need from your work van is guaranteed safety for each journey.
With intelligent 20 driver assistance systems on board, the Renault Kangoo helps take care of you and those around you.
Features such as Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition help to make sure you’re always in control.
Citroen Berlingo
Sturdy and versatile, the Citroen Berlingo is another top pick for professionals as a small van, which adapts perfectly to your needs. Choose from two body lengths: M and XL versions, measuring 4.4.m and 4.75m respectively.
Modular and practical
When it comes to supporting your workday, the Citroen Berlingo is as flexible as you need it to be depending on the task at hand.
The modular Extenso cabin provides space for up to three in front so you can carry two passengers comfortably.
With flexibility in mind, the Citroen Berlingo offers more loading space with the side seat raised. Keep fragile items close to you so you can make sure they are delivered safely to the destination. With the side seat raised, the load volume increases from 3.3mᶾ to 3.8mᶾ in the M size, and from 3.9mᶾ to 4.4mᶾ in the XL size.
If you have a larger crew, the Citroen Berlingo Crew Van offers space for up to five. The comfortable, spacious seating and an optional mesh partition can be slid to the back of the front seats with the second row folded.
With your comfort in mind, the Citroen Berlingo offers a functional interior designed to work around you. With additional sound insulation, you’ll experience a quieter drive so you can enjoy a more pleasant journey.
The Citroen Berlingo makes sure you are seated comfortably with a raised driving position. Experience optimised comfort with the height-adjustable seats and driver’s armrest. You can also set up your own mobile office in the cabin thanks to flexible work surfaces, and the 12v socket and a 220v plug socket for onboard charging.
If you’re looking for a small van that can fit in all your cargo and essentials with ease, you’ll love the Citroen Berlingo’s optimised interior space.
You will get up to 4.4mᶾ loading space and a payload of up to 1,000kg. At the rear, 60/40 split doors open 180 degrees to give you full access - loading and unloading have never been easier.
The Citroen Berlingo is also smart when it comes to loading and safety. The intelligent optional Overload Indicator notifies you if the payload has been exceeded, ensuring you are always carrying a safe load.
With the Loading Zone Pack, you can also add LED lighting, additional securing rings and a 12v socket for extra convenience.
The Citroen Berlingo also makes things simple with sliding side and hinged doors available. Choose from one or two sliding doors with an opening width of 675mm and a height of 1,072mm, or 40/60 hinged doors opening to 180 degrees.
Powered by your preferences
Everyone has their own preferred driving style. Perhaps you’re a fan of automatic or prefer a manual gearbox.
The Citroen Berlingo offers a range of petrol, diesel, and electric powertrain options to suit your needs.
Choose from a PureTech 110hp Stop&Start petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox or a range of flexible diesel engines. These include:
- BlueHDi 75hp with six-speed manual gearbox
- BlueHDi 100hp with Stop&Start and a six-speed manual gearbox
- BlueHDi 130hp with Stop&Start and a six-speed manual gearbox
- BlueHDi 130hp with Stop&Start and an eight-speed automatic gearbox
If you’re eager to experience the world of electric motoring, the new Citroen e-Berlingo is sure to impress. Feel the joy of electric motoring, offering 100Kw of power, instantly available torque and near-silent driving experience.
Built around you
Whichever version of the Citroen Berlingo you choose, you’ll receive a range of driver assistance features to help make each journey smoother and safer. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Risk Alert, Active Safety Brake and more.
The Citroen Berlingo also makes parking a dream with a range of special features, such as a reversing camera offering a 180-degree view. The front, rear, and bay parking assistance also alerts you of nearby obstacles via the 8” touchscreen.
Staying connected while on the road is seamless thanks to Citroen’s Connected Services. This includes My Citroen Assist for making emergency calls, My Citroen Drive offering voice recognition, and My Citroen Play for connecting your smartphone.
With the My Citroen App, you can also check your vehicle’s location, book service appointments, contact Citroen Assistance and more.
If you choose the 100% electric e-Berlingo, you’ll be able to view your current battery range, remaining range, and set up charging via the My Citroen App.
FIAT Doblo
The FIAT Doblo is another strong contender in the small van segment. Available in a range of engines and versions, the Doblo promises to help you get the job done efficiently.
Magic Cargo
One of the Doblo’s greatest features is the Magic Cargo system. This is a modular system helping to optimise the interior, allowing you to carry up to 3.44m of load length, and a payload of up to 1,000kg.
This means you’ll never have to worry about transporting longer, more difficult-to-load objects such as building materials. When not in use, you can have three comfortable front seats for your crew.
These seats can be easily transformed to create a table for breaks or a mobile office for taking care of admin work on-the-go.
The magic doesn’t end here. The Magic Mirror works as a driving aid when your rear view is obstructed by your cargo, ensuring you can always see clearly behind you.
Choose your spec
The FIAT Doblo is particularly flexible when it comes to specifications, offering a selection of versions available depending on your work needs.
The short wheelbase (4.4m length x 1.80-1.86m height) offers 2-3 seats, with a load volume between 3.3 to 3.8mᶾ (with/without Magic Cargo).
The long wheelbase (4.75m length x 1.80-1.86m height) offers between 3.9-4.4mᶾ loading volume (with/without Magic Cargo).
Then there’s the Doblo Crew (measuring 4.75m length x 1.80-1.86m height) offering between 3.5-3.4mᶾ loading volume (with/without Magic Cargo).
This option gives you five seats for carrying the whole crew, with plenty of leg room to make sure everyone is comfortable.
Whichever version you choose, you’ll receive 17 Advance Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) to help make every journey smooth, safe and fuss-free.
Pick your power
Keeping modern motoring needs at the forefront, the FIAT Doblo is also available in a range of powertrains, including petrol and diesel engines or electric options.
The PureTech 110 CV S&S petrol engine offers 205Nm torque with six-speed manual transmission. The two diesel engines available include the Blue HDi 100 CV MT with six-speed transmission and 250Nm torque, and the Blue HDi 130 CV MT, with a six-speed gearbox and a whopping 3,000Nm torque.
The Blue HDi 130 diesel engine is also available with automatic transmission if you’re looking for an even smoother drive. It comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and up to 3,000Nm torque.
The fully electric E-Doblo takes things a step further offering an electrically powered drive. Experience up to 175 miles of range with zero emissions.
To optimise your drive, there are three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power, to help fine-tune every ride according to your preferences.
The E-Doblo features a 50kWh battery providing a power output of 100kW, with a top speed of 80mph. You’ll also benefit from zero-emissions driving and a powerful Rapid Charge system. You can charge it up to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The standard charge cable is included, but if you’d prefer to charge your EV at home, you can request a wall box with your E-Doblo.
When out and about, you’ll have access to the UK’s 35,000 public charge points to give you a top up whenever needed. Where you go - power follows.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these top 3 small vans. At Vansdirect, we offer a range of van leasing options on the Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo and FIAT Doblo.
All you need to do now, is choose your van! For more helpful tips and advice, keep up to date with our blog.