How To Choose The Right
Commercial Van
Discover how to choose the perfect van for your business needs with our helpful guide. Take the first step to finding the right vehicle today!
Purchasing a van for your business is a significant investment and it’s important to get it right. So to make sure you make the correct decision for both the short-term, and the long-term, it’s vital to do your research on how to choose the right van from the beginning.
Purchasing a van for your business is a significant investment and it’s important to get it right. So to make sure you make the correct decision for both the short-term, and the long-term, it’s vital to do your research on how to choose the right van from the beginning.
Take stock of your needs
Whether you’re a baker, electrician or courier – or a business running a fleet of vehicles – it’s essential to have a van that’s fit for purpose. So before you rush off to test-drive the options, take some time to analyse and prioritise your needs.
Factors to consider include the intended use of the van, the cargo capacity required, the number of passengers you need to carry, the distances you drive and the type of terrain it will be driven on.
Carrying capacity
Depending on your industry and the van’s daily schedule there are going to be some clear non-negotiables. For example, if your business is predominately city-based, the van’s height, width and length; vehicle handling and turning circle will be important considerations. This is where a compact van, like the PEUGEOT Partner, is ideal with its ability to access tight loading bays and underground car parks. At the same time, the type of loading and unloading access required will be impacted by where you park, how you load/unload your van and what cargo you are carrying.
If your inventory includes pallets that require forklift unloading, you need a van such as the PEUGEOT Boxer with practical and wide rear swing doors. Naturally the capacity and configuration of the cargo bay needs to suit your business. If you need to regularly carry long items, look for the flexibility of an open load-thru bulkhead – such as the one available in the PEUGEOT Expert van. Door positioning, height and width is paramount too, with sliding doors on both sides of a van being a handy convenience. Also consider your potential need for modifications, customised racking, tool storage and an efficient workspace when you’re on the road.
People comfort and safety
Your business van can only be as efficient as the person driving it, and their companions, so driver and passenger wellbeing are important considerations. Choosing a van with intelligent cabin design and ergonomics is going to make everyone more productive during long days on the road. Comfortable and supportive seats for two, or three, people upfront should be complemented by great air conditioning and smart cabin storage.
Look for ergonomic seats with good adjustment features, ample storage for all those bits and bobs in the cabin, and multiple power and USB points to keep your devices charged. High up on the list of priorities is also on-board infotainment, large touchscreens, access to seamless phone connectivity and if you have work to do, an instant office such as the Moduwork flip-down work station in PEUGEOT Expert.
Today’s advances in van safety technology can help make city driving more effortless, with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and reverse cameras and sensors. Plus if you’re travelling long distances, there are a host of features to look out for that can help reduce driver strain and fatigue – such as lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and PEUGEOT Expert’s driver attention alert.
Factors to consider include the intended use of the van, the cargo capacity required, the number of passengers you need to carry, the distances you drive and the type of terrain it will be driven on.
Carrying capacity
Depending on your industry and the van’s daily schedule there are going to be some clear non-negotiables. For example, if your business is predominately city-based, the van’s height, width and length; vehicle handling and turning circle will be important considerations. This is where a compact van, like the PEUGEOT Partner, is ideal with its ability to access tight loading bays and underground car parks. At the same time, the type of loading and unloading access required will be impacted by where you park, how you load/unload your van and what cargo you are carrying.
If your inventory includes pallets that require forklift unloading, you need a van such as the PEUGEOT Boxer with practical and wide rear swing doors. Naturally the capacity and configuration of the cargo bay needs to suit your business. If you need to regularly carry long items, look for the flexibility of an open load-thru bulkhead – such as the one available in the PEUGEOT Expert van. Door positioning, height and width is paramount too, with sliding doors on both sides of a van being a handy convenience. Also consider your potential need for modifications, customised racking, tool storage and an efficient workspace when you’re on the road.
People comfort and safety
Your business van can only be as efficient as the person driving it, and their companions, so driver and passenger wellbeing are important considerations. Choosing a van with intelligent cabin design and ergonomics is going to make everyone more productive during long days on the road. Comfortable and supportive seats for two, or three, people upfront should be complemented by great air conditioning and smart cabin storage.
Look for ergonomic seats with good adjustment features, ample storage for all those bits and bobs in the cabin, and multiple power and USB points to keep your devices charged. High up on the list of priorities is also on-board infotainment, large touchscreens, access to seamless phone connectivity and if you have work to do, an instant office such as the Moduwork flip-down work station in PEUGEOT Expert.
Today’s advances in van safety technology can help make city driving more effortless, with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and reverse cameras and sensors. Plus if you’re travelling long distances, there are a host of features to look out for that can help reduce driver strain and fatigue – such as lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and PEUGEOT Expert’s driver attention alert.
Evaluate Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Choosing the right size commercial van for your job, not too big and not too small, will enable you to get the best from your workhorse. The PEUGEOT van range for example includes the PEUGEOT Partner (compact), Expert (medium-sized) and Boxer (large), with a variety of short and long wheelbase versions. In addition to cargo carrying capacity, compare fuel consumption to identify the van with the best fuel economy for the number of kilometres you are likely to drive annually.
Consider the reputation and reliability of the van manufacturer too and look into the logistics of their local support and service network. Because when you’re running a business, any day that your van is off the road can be costly to your bottom line.
Consider the reputation and reliability of the van manufacturer too and look into the logistics of their local support and service network. Because when you’re running a business, any day that your van is off the road can be costly to your bottom line.
Model Comparison Checklist
Research different commercial van models to find the one that best meets your business needs by comparing, among other things, these key features.
15 top features to compare:
15 top features to compare:
- Driver seat ergonomics and passenger seating
- Cabin comfort features
- Technology and connectivity
- Safety features
- Cargo cubic capacity
- Payload weight capacity
- Internal and external height, width and length dimensions
- Handling and manoeuvrability
- Cargo door configuration and access
- Engine performance
- Drivetrain – petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
- Fuel consumption
- Running and maintenance costs
- Service plan options
- Manufacturer finance options
Be open to alternative Fuel Options
Naturally, a major factor in fuel efficiency will be the drivetrain you choose, with petrol, turbo-diesel, hybrid and electric vans in the market. A compact van used for zippy around town is going to have significantly different operating and running costs, to a van travelling long distances between rural locations. Should you need the extra pulling power of a van with towing potential, you need to factor the addition fuel consumption into your budget.
For businesses looking to reduce fuel costs, electric vans are a compelling choice, such as the new PEUGEOT E-Expert available to order now in a long wheelbase variant. These vans often offer all of the robust, versatility of their petrol or diesel siblings, but with the benefit of an all electric motor.
The PEUGEOT E-Partner has also been a local success story as a small 100% electric van offering nimble handling and cargo carry flexibility. With today’s innovative electric and hybrid technology spilling over to commercial vans, it makes good business sense to do the maths and consider the potential financial advantages of electric. Drivers do need to explore where, how and when they can recharge, but with increasing electric range they can be ideal for a full, busy day on the road. Plus with less moving parts to maintain, electric vans generally require less servicing.
For businesses looking to reduce fuel costs, electric vans are a compelling choice, such as the new PEUGEOT E-Expert available to order now in a long wheelbase variant. These vans often offer all of the robust, versatility of their petrol or diesel siblings, but with the benefit of an all electric motor.
The PEUGEOT E-Partner has also been a local success story as a small 100% electric van offering nimble handling and cargo carry flexibility. With today’s innovative electric and hybrid technology spilling over to commercial vans, it makes good business sense to do the maths and consider the potential financial advantages of electric. Drivers do need to explore where, how and when they can recharge, but with increasing electric range they can be ideal for a full, busy day on the road. Plus with less moving parts to maintain, electric vans generally require less servicing.
Explore your Budget options, including Used Vans
How much you can, and want, to spend on investing in a new business van will depend on your personal and business circumstances. Aside from the purchase price, other considerations include running costs and ongoing maintenance to ensure your van remains in peak working order.
An option to help maximise your budget may include looking for a reliable used van that suits your needs, from a leading manufacturer. A great place to start is to contact your local van retailer to find out if van stock is being run out, whether they have demonstrator models for sale and what new models might be arriving soon.
An option to help maximise your budget may include looking for a reliable used van that suits your needs, from a leading manufacturer. A great place to start is to contact your local van retailer to find out if van stock is being run out, whether they have demonstrator models for sale and what new models might be arriving soon.
Factor in Insurance Costs
Vans used for business can incur different insurance costs to your standard fleet passenger car, so do a bit of research. Get a couple of insurance quotes for the van you are considering, to ensure you have factored it into your budget. Depending on the insurer, the premium for a commercial van may be determined by a range of factors including make, model, age, its value, kilometres travelled, engine size and vehicle weight. It can also be determined by whether you are insuring a single van, or a whole fleet, so it pays to shop around.
Other things to factor into your business van purchase are the manufacturer’s warranty - including the electric battery warranty, ongoing maintenance costs and service intervals. Electric vans, for example, have less moving parts and generally require less maintenance and therefore can be less expensive to service and repair than petrol or diesels alternatives. While you also need to account for the cost of charging the electric battery, which will depend on the battery capacity, the charging method and electricity rate.
Take a Test Drive
Once you have narrowed down your options, it’s essential to take the van you are considering for a test drive to make sure it ticks all of the boxes. During the test drive you can truly evaluate the performance, comfort levels and handling before making a decision. Don’t rush this step because it has to feel right, as you are going to be driving your van everyday and the chances are you’re going to have it for many years. So consider your needs now, but also as your business grows.
It can also be useful to read reviews or to chat to a current owner, if possible. The test drive is also a great opportunity to talk to the dealership representatives about any current offers in the market, their finance options, aftersales support and any cost-saving service plans they may offer.
You can book a PEUGEOT van test drive here.
It can also be useful to read reviews or to chat to a current owner, if possible. The test drive is also a great opportunity to talk to the dealership representatives about any current offers in the market, their finance options, aftersales support and any cost-saving service plans they may offer.
You can book a PEUGEOT van test drive here.
How To Choose The Right
Commercial Van
Discover how to choose the perfect van for your business needs with our helpful guide. Take the first step to finding the right vehicle today!
Purchasing a van for your business is a significant investment and it’s important to get it right. So to make sure you make the correct decision for both the short-term, and the long-term, it’s vital to do your research on how to choose the right van from the beginning.
Purchasing a van for your business is a significant investment and it’s important to get it right. So to make sure you make the correct decision for both the short-term, and the long-term, it’s vital to do your research on how to choose the right van from the beginning.
Take stock of your needs
Whether you’re a baker, electrician or courier – or a business running a fleet of vehicles – it’s essential to have a van that’s fit for purpose. So before you rush off to test-drive the options, take some time to analyse and prioritise your needs.
Factors to consider include the intended use of the van, the cargo capacity required, the number of passengers you need to carry, the distances you drive and the type of terrain it will be driven on.
Carrying capacity
Depending on your industry and the van’s daily schedule there are going to be some clear non-negotiables. For example, if your business is predominately city-based, the van’s height, width and length; vehicle handling and turning circle will be important considerations. This is where a compact van, like the PEUGEOT Partner, is ideal with its ability to access tight loading bays and underground car parks. At the same time, the type of loading and unloading access required will be impacted by where you park, how you load/unload your van and what cargo you are carrying.
If your inventory includes pallets that require forklift unloading, you need a van such as the PEUGEOT Boxer with practical and wide rear swing doors. Naturally the capacity and configuration of the cargo bay needs to suit your business. If you need to regularly carry long items, look for the flexibility of an open load-thru bulkhead – such as the one available in the PEUGEOT Expert van. Door positioning, height and width is paramount too, with sliding doors on both sides of a van being a handy convenience. Also consider your potential need for modifications, customised racking, tool storage and an efficient workspace when you’re on the road.
People comfort and safety
Your business van can only be as efficient as the person driving it, and their companions, so driver and passenger wellbeing are important considerations. Choosing a van with intelligent cabin design and ergonomics is going to make everyone more productive during long days on the road. Comfortable and supportive seats for two, or three, people upfront should be complemented by great air conditioning and smart cabin storage.
Look for ergonomic seats with good adjustment features, ample storage for all those bits and bobs in the cabin, and multiple power and USB points to keep your devices charged. High up on the list of priorities is also on-board infotainment, large touchscreens, access to seamless phone connectivity and if you have work to do, an instant office such as the Moduwork flip-down work station in PEUGEOT Expert.
Today’s advances in van safety technology can help make city driving more effortless, with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and reverse cameras and sensors. Plus if you’re travelling long distances, there are a host of features to look out for that can help reduce driver strain and fatigue – such as lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and PEUGEOT Expert’s driver attention alert.
Factors to consider include the intended use of the van, the cargo capacity required, the number of passengers you need to carry, the distances you drive and the type of terrain it will be driven on.
Carrying capacity
Depending on your industry and the van’s daily schedule there are going to be some clear non-negotiables. For example, if your business is predominately city-based, the van’s height, width and length; vehicle handling and turning circle will be important considerations. This is where a compact van, like the PEUGEOT Partner, is ideal with its ability to access tight loading bays and underground car parks. At the same time, the type of loading and unloading access required will be impacted by where you park, how you load/unload your van and what cargo you are carrying.
If your inventory includes pallets that require forklift unloading, you need a van such as the PEUGEOT Boxer with practical and wide rear swing doors. Naturally the capacity and configuration of the cargo bay needs to suit your business. If you need to regularly carry long items, look for the flexibility of an open load-thru bulkhead – such as the one available in the PEUGEOT Expert van. Door positioning, height and width is paramount too, with sliding doors on both sides of a van being a handy convenience. Also consider your potential need for modifications, customised racking, tool storage and an efficient workspace when you’re on the road.
People comfort and safety
Your business van can only be as efficient as the person driving it, and their companions, so driver and passenger wellbeing are important considerations. Choosing a van with intelligent cabin design and ergonomics is going to make everyone more productive during long days on the road. Comfortable and supportive seats for two, or three, people upfront should be complemented by great air conditioning and smart cabin storage.
Look for ergonomic seats with good adjustment features, ample storage for all those bits and bobs in the cabin, and multiple power and USB points to keep your devices charged. High up on the list of priorities is also on-board infotainment, large touchscreens, access to seamless phone connectivity and if you have work to do, an instant office such as the Moduwork flip-down work station in PEUGEOT Expert.
Today’s advances in van safety technology can help make city driving more effortless, with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning and reverse cameras and sensors. Plus if you’re travelling long distances, there are a host of features to look out for that can help reduce driver strain and fatigue – such as lane keep assist, speed sign recognition and PEUGEOT Expert’s driver attention alert.
Evaluate Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Choosing the right size commercial van for your job, not too big and not too small, will enable you to get the best from your workhorse. The PEUGEOT van range for example includes the PEUGEOT Partner (compact), Expert (medium-sized) and Boxer (large), with a variety of short and long wheelbase versions. In addition to cargo carrying capacity, compare fuel consumption to identify the van with the best fuel economy for the number of kilometres you are likely to drive annually.
Consider the reputation and reliability of the van manufacturer too and look into the logistics of their local support and service network. Because when you’re running a business, any day that your van is off the road can be costly to your bottom line.
Consider the reputation and reliability of the van manufacturer too and look into the logistics of their local support and service network. Because when you’re running a business, any day that your van is off the road can be costly to your bottom line.
Model Comparison Checklist
Research different commercial van models to find the one that best meets your business needs by comparing, among other things, these key features.
15 top features to compare:
15 top features to compare:
- Driver seat ergonomics and passenger seating
- Cabin comfort features
- Technology and connectivity
- Safety features
- Cargo cubic capacity
- Payload weight capacity
- Internal and external height, width and length dimensions
- Handling and manoeuvrability
- Cargo door configuration and access
- Engine performance
- Drivetrain – petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
- Fuel consumption
- Running and maintenance costs
- Service plan options
- Manufacturer finance options
Be open to alternative Fuel Options
Naturally, a major factor in fuel efficiency will be the drivetrain you choose, with petrol, turbo-diesel, hybrid and electric vans in the market. A compact van used for zippy around town is going to have significantly different operating and running costs, to a van travelling long distances between rural locations. Should you need the extra pulling power of a van with towing potential, you need to factor the addition fuel consumption into your budget.
For businesses looking to reduce fuel costs, electric vans are a compelling choice, such as the new PEUGEOT E-Expert available to order now in a long wheelbase variant. These vans often offer all of the robust, versatility of their petrol or diesel siblings, but with the benefit of an all electric motor.
The PEUGEOT E-Partner has also been a local success story as a small 100% electric van offering nimble handling and cargo carry flexibility. With today’s innovative electric and hybrid technology spilling over to commercial vans, it makes good business sense to do the maths and consider the potential financial advantages of electric. Drivers do need to explore where, how and when they can recharge, but with increasing electric range they can be ideal for a full, busy day on the road. Plus with less moving parts to maintain, electric vans generally require less servicing.
For businesses looking to reduce fuel costs, electric vans are a compelling choice, such as the new PEUGEOT E-Expert available to order now in a long wheelbase variant. These vans often offer all of the robust, versatility of their petrol or diesel siblings, but with the benefit of an all electric motor.
The PEUGEOT E-Partner has also been a local success story as a small 100% electric van offering nimble handling and cargo carry flexibility. With today’s innovative electric and hybrid technology spilling over to commercial vans, it makes good business sense to do the maths and consider the potential financial advantages of electric. Drivers do need to explore where, how and when they can recharge, but with increasing electric range they can be ideal for a full, busy day on the road. Plus with less moving parts to maintain, electric vans generally require less servicing.
Explore your Budget options, including Used Vans
How much you can, and want, to spend on investing in a new business van will depend on your personal and business circumstances. Aside from the purchase price, other considerations include running costs and ongoing maintenance to ensure your van remains in peak working order.
An option to help maximise your budget may include looking for a reliable used van that suits your needs, from a leading manufacturer. A great place to start is to contact your local van retailer to find out if van stock is being run out, whether they have demonstrator models for sale and what new models might be arriving soon.
An option to help maximise your budget may include looking for a reliable used van that suits your needs, from a leading manufacturer. A great place to start is to contact your local van retailer to find out if van stock is being run out, whether they have demonstrator models for sale and what new models might be arriving soon.
Factor in Insurance Costs
Vans used for business can incur different insurance costs to your standard fleet passenger car, so do a bit of research. Get a couple of insurance quotes for the van you are considering, to ensure you have factored it into your budget. Depending on the insurer, the premium for a commercial van may be determined by a range of factors including make, model, age, its value, kilometres travelled, engine size and vehicle weight. It can also be determined by whether you are insuring a single van, or a whole fleet, so it pays to shop around.
Other things to factor into your business van purchase are the manufacturer’s warranty - including the electric battery warranty, ongoing maintenance costs and service intervals. Electric vans, for example, have less moving parts and generally require less maintenance and therefore can be less expensive to service and repair than petrol or diesels alternatives. While you also need to account for the cost of charging the electric battery, which will depend on the battery capacity, the charging method and electricity rate.
Take a Test Drive
Once you have narrowed down your options, it’s essential to take the van you are considering for a test drive to make sure it ticks all of the boxes. During the test drive you can truly evaluate the performance, comfort levels and handling before making a decision. Don’t rush this step because it has to feel right, as you are going to be driving your van everyday and the chances are you’re going to have it for many years. So consider your needs now, but also as your business grows.
It can also be useful to read reviews or to chat to a current owner, if possible. The test drive is also a great opportunity to talk to the dealership representatives about any current offers in the market, their finance options, aftersales support and any cost-saving service plans they may offer.
You can book a PEUGEOT van test drive here.
It can also be useful to read reviews or to chat to a current owner, if possible. The test drive is also a great opportunity to talk to the dealership representatives about any current offers in the market, their finance options, aftersales support and any cost-saving service plans they may offer.
You can book a PEUGEOT van test drive here.