Van: review, description, specifications, types and owner reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The car market nowadays is densely segmented, so it is difficult to name a niche that would have strict boundaries. Vans can be considered as one of the most vague classes, since representatives of this category differ both in technical characteristics and in purpose, and can also be used in solving highly specialized tasks. One way or another, this is a multifunctional, practical and in many aspects universal car, the need for which arises both from commercial transport companies and from an ordinary private trader who decides to do business. In order for the van not to let you down during operation, you should first determine the requirements for it.

Key features of vans

Even light trucks require a lot of power to carry out transportation with confidence. As a rule, models of this type are equipped with gasoline units with an average capacity of 90 to 150 hp. With. Diesel installations are used less often - the class of full-fledged trucks already begins with them. Also, in more modern versions, designers use the 4Motion all-wheel drive system. The next important characteristic that a car has isvan, is the carrying capacity. It should be noted right away that in passenger vans, the analogue of this indicator is the number of seats, for example, 8 or 12. As for cargo models, their carrying capacity is on average 1200-3000 kg. But there are also elongated modifications that can handle loads up to 4500 kg.

Varieties

The most common type is a manufactured goods van, which allows you to transport furniture, appliances, building materials, household chemicals, etc. On such a machine, you can transport everything that fits in it, and, most importantly, it does not require special conditions of detention. The opposite of this option can be called a refrigerated van, which is designed to transport perishable products. In such machines, special chambers for freezing and refrigerating compartments are provided.

There is another classification - according to the type of construction. For example, models with a one-piece body, which is also a single structure with a van, are considered the most reliable. An alternative approach involves the use of an independent box, that is, a separate van is installed on a truck by mounting it on a frame chassis.

Family Van Features

The models described above are mainly used for commercial purposes, but the family version of the van is also common. It has a lot in common with station wagons, but still surpasses them in terms of capacity and carrying capacity. Initially stillin the early 1990s, the creators of such cars remade cars, supplementing them with separate boxes. The first family van in the modern view appeared in 1996 - it was the Peugeot Partner, which was distinguished by both the qualities of a truck and the comfort of an ordinary station wagon. Then more technological models appeared: Opel Combo and Doblo from the Italian manufacturer Fiat. If we talk about the general differences between such cars, these will be: an economical engine, a high body, a compact rear suspension and the presence of sliding side doors.

Popular models

For more than a year now, the Ford Transit has been considered one of the best representatives of small vans. The manufacturer regularly updates the model, supplementing it with new trim levels and modifications. The advantages of this version of the owners include reliability, ease of operation and good ergonomics. The American van competes with the Mercedes Sprinter. Although these models are similar in size, interior arrangement and carrying capacity, noticeable differences are expressed in the power stuffing. The Mercedes engine line looks more solid in terms of power - what is the V6 unit with a return of 190 hp worth. With. If we turn to domestic models, then the GAZ-van car will come first, on which, depending on the modification, it is possible to transport goods and serve passengers. For example, the relatively new Sobol 4 x 4 model demonstrates good all-terrain qualities. The car has a high resource of the element base and“sharpened” for operation in Russian conditions.

Van owner reviews

Mostly positive feedback on models of this class. Especially European manufacturers carefully approach the design of vans, taking into account the requirements of the owners of such vehicles. Vans are valued for their versatility, endurance, capacity and payload characteristics. For example, the same Ford Transit has earned the trust of drivers due to its ability to transport goods over long distances, while requiring minimal maintenance. Conversely, a passenger van made by Lada-Largus is not as productive and reliable, but it can be more efficient in solving simple problems of transportation within the city. It is cheaper, not so convenient, but more economical to operate. Also, the owners recommend considering the possibilities for transforming the van. Modern manufacturers provide for the possibility of structural changes in case of re-qualification of the car. True, the cost of such versions is quite high compared to the standard representatives of the segment.

Conclusion

Such cars occupy a middle niche between cars and trucks. The van differs from the first in its modest dynamics, less comfortable interior and driving performance. If we compare this type of transport with trucks, then the situation will be reversed - in terms of speed and control, the advantage remains with the vans, but the immediatetransportation functions are better performed by a full-fledged truck. Occupying an intermediate position, such a car combines the advantages of completely different cars. This explains the functionality, practicality, and relative comfort of a modern van.