What is a passenger car today? A huge van that can carry maximum cargo with a minimum of amenities? And no! A modern utility vehicle provides maximum convenience for commercial use - not only a tool, but also a brigade can be delivered to the place of work. Ten years ago, there were almost no players on the market. And if GAZelle used to be a monopolist, now import freight vans have replenished the market. Consumer demand has identified several of the strongest models, and they will be discussed in the article.
Mercedes-Benz Vito
The cargo-and-passenger "Mercedes Vito" includes the best qualities of commercial vehicles and cars. This small-looking van has the maneuverability of a car, while maintaining a decent payload. In his body there is always a place for tools and materials - the size of the cargo compartment reaches 4.5 m 3 . You can choose a different configuration of the cabin, and then the capacity will increase to 7.4 m 3 . To ensure the safety of the transported cargo, there are fastening points in the roof frame, in the floor and on the side walls of the body.
The interior of the new Mercedes Vito van is made in accordance with corporate standards and more closely resembles that of a passenger car than a commercial vehicle. Here you can find comfortable chairs with armrests, navigation with a huge screen and solid plastic panels.
Engines
The engine range consists of several diesel models:
- 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel. Engine power: 88 or 114 hp
- The next diesel modification on the list received a 2.2-liter engine. Engine power: 136, 163 or 190 hp
The car can be equipped with both mechanical and automatic transmission at 6 and 7 stages, respectively. There are three types of drive to choose from, and here is how the factory recommends choosing them:
- If the owner does not plan to carry heavy loads and wants to get an economical car for reasonable money, then his choice will be front-wheel drive.
- For transportation of heavy loads, as well as for dynamic driving, Mercedes recommends choosing a rear-wheel drive.
- If commercial activity is conducted not only in areas with asphalt, the plant recommends an all-wheel drive version.
For our country, two modifications are intended: a minibus and a van. The initial price for a minibus starts at 1,442,000 rubles, and at least 1,185,000 rubles will have to be paid for a van.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Classic
The time-tested model will remain in the price lists of the Russian branch of Mercedes for a long time - these are the plans announced by the head of the Russian branch of Mercedes-Benz Vence Soren Heze. The reasons lie in the devaluation of the ruble. In order not to lose the price race, in 2014 the company decided to maximize the localization of this model. Body and plastic panels, as well as engines are assembled in Russia - in Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod. This made it possible to increase market share for the company, and for consumers it provides an opportunity to restrain prices during their general increase.
Despite its age, this utility vehicle is constantly subjected to updates designed specifically for Russia. So, the frame and suspension of the car were strengthened to increase reliability. Part of the design was lightened. And from January 1, 2016 in Yaroslavl they will assemble engines for this model that meet Euro-5 standards. Mercedes cargo-passenger is now localized at 60%. But is there anything else you can add to this machine? The passenger and freight minibus can only be equipped with rear-wheel drive.
Engines
You can choose from two engines with a volume of 2.2 liters and a capacity of 109 or 136 horsepower. Salon, as is usually the case with utility vehicles, 6-seater.
Ford Transit 460
Ford's Transit model is a legend not only in Russia, but around the world. It is so legendary that the company often produces anniversary charged models that set records on racing tracks. Engaged in this the English branch of Ford. After 14 years of production, it is time to launch a new model. Now the car is made in the general corporate style - a radiator grill in the manner of Aston Martin.
The volume of the cargo compartment increased by 10% compared with the previous modification and now amounts to 10 cubic meters. The manufacturer’s cargo and passenger compartment “Ford” made it as similar as possible to a passenger model: a lot of cup holders, an interesting design of chopped forms, unusual dashboard fonts - all this, in theory, should brighten up workdays. The seat adjustment is fully electric, and the material itself is wear-resistant, though slippery. The passenger-and-freight Ford has two huge shelves in the roof above the driver's seat, plus two places for bottles, plus cup holders and other hidden places for small things. There are also huge wardrobe trunks in the doors and a jack in the footboard.
The layout of the cabin was a success - now many things can be folded into drawers and shelves, and they will not be lost and spoil the look of the cabin. Many things are included in the standard package: ABS, a system for assisting with lifting, a radio with steering wheel controls, ESP and other “lotions”.
Engines
Only one modification is available with a 2.2-liter engine and 125 hp. This model is equipped with only 6-speed manual. The price level starts at 1,974,000 rubles.
Volkswagen Krafter Combi
The family of passenger and freight vans Volkswagen has updated the 2016 model line. Volkswagen Crafter is a logical continuation of the youngest line of Transporter - the first commercial vehicle of this brand, which was loved by everyone in the world, especially hippies. But this is a medium-weight player, and the market is asking the heavyweight manufacturer, and Volkswagen has something to answer. Crafter was not the first to enter the market, which means that Volkswagen had time to take into account all the flaws and mistakes of competitors in order to release a model that could win a place in this tough market.
The machine, first published in 2006, immediately fell in love with Europeans, and a little later, with domestic consumers. The current generation of passenger-and-freight Volkswagen has become synonymous with reliability, power and passenger comfort. Responses of owners about interior noise insulation and build quality are always full of laudatory words. And this is true: high-quality plastic is used in the decoration, and for a surcharge, you can cover the ceiling with a soft cloth, which will play the role of additional noise insulation. For long and medium versions, a wide side door with a length of 1300 mm is available - this allows you to comfortably climb back or carry wide materials.
The first impression is that it is huge! The passenger compartment minibus, designed for 7 seats, is especially spacious due to the almost vertical tilt of the seatbacks. Entering the van is a pleasure - the sliding door, moving to the side, opens simply the royal passage into the car. By ordering a high roof, you can get a lot of space over your head. In such a machine, “breathing” is easier. Only the driver's seat has adjustment, around which there are many niches and cup holders. As a separate option, you can install additional heating or air conditioning, as well as a huge sunroof in the front of the body. The passenger-and-freight “Volkswagen” is produced in three wheelbases - short, medium and long. You can also order a high roof. The mass of the van is 3.5 tons (or 5 tons in the long version).
Engines
Two 2-liter engines are available - turbo-diesel and biturbo-diesel with 108 and 163 hp. respectively. All this set of options makes Crafter one of the best choices for commercial activities.
Judging by the dynamics of changes in the models, it can be noted that utility wagons tend to increase power and at the same time reduce the working displacement of the engine. The size of the machines also grows - they become longer and taller. The average passenger and freight minibus of today exceeds any 20-year-old model in body volume.
Much attention is paid to the manufacturers of comfort for the driver and passengers. A modern passenger-and-freight car can no longer be imagined without multimedia filling and high-class interior materials. All this suggests that managing such machines is becoming easier and more enjoyable.