Medium LCV Comparison 2014: The Verdict

Medium LCV Comparison - The Verdict

The six vans on test here account for the majority of sales in the medium LCV van market – the only missing model, Volkswagen's Transporter, currently accounts for 7.6 per cent market share (end of May 2014).

Volkswagen Australian was unable to supply a test vehicle at the time of this review.

But when considering any prospective medium LCV it's important to remember that the six we've assembled here are just a snapshot of what's available in terms of model variants.

Most of these models come in a number of formats spanning a choice of engines, transmissions and dimensions, so check with the manufacturer's website, or your local dealer, to determine the best combination to suit your own specific needs.

While each is essentially designed to carry out the same task – i.e. to effectively and efficiently transport lighter cargo from A to B – when driven back-to-back the six reveal their own unique characters, and their own mix of features, utility, and value for money.

Four of motoring.com.au's judges assessed each of the six vehicles across five categories, with points awarded across a range of criteria within each of those five fields.

Let's see how they fared…

Execution of intended purpose
If an LCV can't get the job done then there's little point to its existence, and what can be a little niggle on a short drive can become a major hassle for anyone spending 10 hours a day behind the wheel.

In this crucial category Ford's new Transit Custom is king, with full marks for comfort and cabin accommodation and high scores in every other criterion.

Renault's Trafic comes next, scoring well for sound suppression, overall packaging and cargo capacity (it was the longer of the two available wheelbases), followed by the Vito, Scudo and iLoad.

The HiAce scores well for visibility and cargo capacity but is marked down for sound suppression and ergonomics.

The HiAce is three points adrift – it may be a little dated in some respects but it still has a quality construction – and then Renault's Trafic scores ahead of Fiat's Scudo.

The Trafic falls down in cargo bay and engine bay presentation, while Scudo suffers for its engine bay.

That leaves the iLoad languishing in sixth; it's marked down for its upholstery, the space and uniformity of its panel gaps, its cargo bay presentation and the quality of its flooring.

The Vito impresses with the all-round level of refinement of its ride, its secure handling and brisk performance.

Ford's newcomer is nipping at Vito's heels, however, showing Mercedes-Benz there's no room for complacency. The newcomer also offers a strong package but falls short of the Vito for acceleration and fuel economy.

The remainder are several points adrift of the Transit Custom but they’re all very tightly bunched.

The HiAce and the Scudo tie on points just ahead of the Trafic, with the iLoad just behind.

The HiAce fares well across most criteria bar braking while the Scudo achieves a solid score in each.

The Trafic trails the others for performance but excels in fuel economy, while the iLoad packs plenty of performance but takes a hit for its turning circle and brakes.

Renault's Trafic and Fiat's Scudo tie for equal second, the modest list price of each a real highlight. In both instances it's a lot of van for the money.

That leaves Toyota's HiAce bringing up the rear. While offering excellent resale and accessory pricing, it scored poorly in most other aspects in the 'value for money' category.

Second is Toyota's HiAce. Its interior may be ageing but it still offers dependable, easy-to-use systems. It gets full marks for its heating/cooling and telephony systems and for its excellent wipers and washers.

One point behind is the Mercedes-Benz Vito, which scores well in most aspects but is marked down for its tricky Bluetooth interface and lack of audio streaming.

Fiat's Scudo and Renault's Trafic come next, tied on equal points, while iLoad is lucky last – it suffered for its lack of cruise control and speed limiter.

The results are interesting in that the medium LCV segment's two top-selling models are bringing up the rear in our combined judges' scoring.

A case of safety in numbers, perhaps?

Sharing in a purchasing decision with thousands of others is a sure-fire antidote to buyer's remorse.

That's perhaps a little harsh, because both the HiAce and the iLoad do have plenty of ability, even if they're not as fancy as their competitors. You don't need 'fancy' to shift a load across town…

Fiat's Scudo is a smart performer with a competitive blend of practicality, utility and comfort – and a purchase price that can't be ignored.

Renault's Trafic, meanwhile, is a well-rounded package. Renault's strong LCV pedigree shows through and it's a frugal performer, while its AMT transmission broadens the appeal for fleet buyers in particular, in lieu of a true auto.

The Mercedes-Benz Vito is one classy package with a level of refinement you'd expect at this price point. It's a quality machine but you'll pay for that quality.

On this occasion, however, the laurels go to Ford's Transit Custom. Well conceived, well made and packed with features, it's capped off by superb driver comfort and all at a reasonable price. It's taking medium LCVs to the next level.