Elevated Safety Standards: What the Gold Award Means

Euro NCAP’s shaken things up with its updated 2025 standards for light vans, and grabbing a Gold rating under these new rules is no mean feat. They’re not just looking at how a van handles a crash anymore—they also want to know how good it is at avoiding one in the first place. That means testing things like autonomous emergency braking (AEB), how well it looks out for cyclists and pedestrians, and what driver assistance kit it has on board.

The Townstar stood out thanks to its decent across-the-board results. It’s got a smart AEB system that uses both radar and cameras to help spot hazards, and in tests it did a solid job avoiding crashes. Euro NCAP gave it a near-perfect 14.5 out of 15 for speed assistance and 26.8 out of 30 for pedestrian and cyclist protection—figures that put it ahead of quite a few rivals in the same class.

Advanced Tech for Safer Urban Driving

You’re getting a lot of safety features with the Townstar—over 20, they say—including handy bits like Blind Spot Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking, ProPILOT (a form of clever cruise control), lane assist, hands-free parking, and even a 360-degree camera view.

For a van, that’s pretty impressive. A lot of these gizmos are normally found on cars, not commercial vehicles, especially ones at this kind of budget.

What’s more, all this tech has been put through its paces under Euro NCAP’s newer, tougher 2025 rules. Those are based more on how vans actually get used in real life—think delivery work and jobs in busy towns and cities—so you know these features aren’t just for show.

UK-Spec Townstar EV: Practical and Efficient

The Nissan Townstar EV, which took over from the old e-NV200 in March 2023, is built with city driving in mind. With its 45 kWh battery, it’s got enough juice to officially go up to 183 miles on the WLTP cycle. And if you’re mostly sticking to slow city routes, you could see as much as 269 miles—more than enough to last a full workday.

When the battery runs low, charging options are flexible. It supports 11kW and 22kW AC charging, and thanks to 80kW DC rapid charging, you can top it up from 15 to 80% in about 37 minutes. Ideal if you’re grabbing lunch between stops.

Despite being electric, the practical stuff hasn’t taken a hit. You can haul up to 800 kg, fit in 3.3 to 4.3 cubic metres of stuff, and even tow up to 1,500 kg, so it still does the job.

A Safe Bet for Fleet Buyers

Bottom line? The Nissan Townstar ticks a lot of boxes. That Euro NCAP Gold award, the decent electric driving range, and proper safety tech make it a solid shout if you’re looking for one of the best and safest small vans for 2025 in the UK.

Whether you’re shuttling goods, sending out engineers, or doing council work, the Townstar brings car-like protection and features into van life—without rinsing your budget. Worth a look, for sure.

Selecting the right large panel van is a critical decision for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a sole trader or managing a vast fleet, the correct van can significantly impact your operational efficiency. Our round-up of the best large panel vans for 2024 is based on thorough testing and analysis, aiming to provide you with straightforward, unbiased advice to help you make an informed decision.

Ford Transit

The Ford Transit has long been a favorite among UK businesses, known for its reliability and flexibility. The 2024 model continues this tradition with several body lengths, roof heights, and weight options, allowing it to serve a wide range of business applications, from urban deliveries to mobile workshops.

The Transit’s design makes a strong statement with its distinctive grille and practical layout. The vehicle is available in four trim levels, catering to varying levels of comfort and utility needs. Engine choices include three diesel options and a mild hybrid variant, catering to different driving and efficiency requirements.

The all-electric E-Transit is a significant addition to the range, offering 269PS of power and an official range of 196 miles. This variant is particularly appealing for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs, as it combines the Transit’s traditional strengths with the benefits of electric propulsion.

Mercedes Sprinter

The Mercedes Sprinter has established itself as a top choice for businesses requiring a high level of customization and advanced technology. The Sprinter’s wide range of payload, cargo volume, and configuration options make it a versatile tool for any task, from logistics to mobile services.

The 2024 Sprinter builds on its reputation for quality and innovation. It was among the first to adopt Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, bringing car-like technology and connectivity to the commercial van sector. This system not only provides entertainment and navigation but also enables fleet operators to monitor and manage vehicles efficiently.

Safety and comfort in the Sprinter are top-notch, with features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assistance. These advancements make the Sprinter not just a work vehicle but also a safe and comfortable place for drivers, which is crucial for businesses relying on long-haul deliveries.

The Sprinter is available in several lengths and roof heights, and the introduction of a more efficient front-wheel-drive layout offers improved fuel economy and lower operating costs. The diesel engines are powerful and efficient, and for those looking to avoid fossil fuels, the eSprinter presents an electric alternative that is especially suited for urban delivery companies.

Nissan Interstar

Previously known under the NV400 moniker, the Nissan Interstar has been updated to meet the diverse needs of the modern business. Offering a range of four trim levels and various cargo volumes (from 8 to 17 cubic meters), the Interstar is designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes. For those concerned with load capacity, the L1H1 model impressively supports a 1600kg payload, making it suitable for heavy and bulky goods.

One of the standout features of the Nissan Interstar is its generous 5-year warranty, showcasing Nissan’s confidence in the durability and reliability of this model. This commitment could provide significant peace of mind for business owners, ensuring that their vehicle is covered against unexpected repairs and maintenance issues.

The Interstar also offers practicality and comfort within its cabin, designed to make long drives more bearable for drivers and passengers alike.

Fiat Ducato

The Fiat Ducato distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on performance and customization. Renowned for its robust engines, the Ducato’s 2024 lineup includes the 2.2 Multijet 3 diesel engine, available in variants of 120, 140, or 180bhp. For those preferring automatic transmission, the 140bhp and 180bhp models offer a nine-speed option, enhancing driving comfort and efficiency.

Notably, the Ducato has been recognized for its versatility, proven by its Van of the Year commendation. Beyond its powerful engines, the Ducato stands out for its customization options, catering to a wide array of business needs with different body styles, including a panel van, crew van, and dropside or tipper configurations. The cargo volumes are impressive, with up to 17 cubic meters available, coupled with payloads up to 2.2 tonnes.

For businesses considering an eco-friendlier approach, the all-electric e-Ducato presents a compelling option, boasting a range of up to 230 miles.

Maxus Deliver 9

Emerging from the legacy of the LDV brand, the Maxus Deliver 9 signifies a significant step forward in terms of design and technology. The Deliver 9 moves beyond its predecessors with a more contemporary appearance and a Euro 6 compliant 2.0-litre diesel engine, which represents a significant upgrade in terms of efficiency and emissions.

For those with environmental considerations, the e Deliver 9 offers an all-electric alternative claiming an impressive range of up to 219 miles. This could be a game-changer for businesses looking to transition to greener operations without losing out on range or payload capacity.

The Deliver 9 is not just about utility; comfort in the cab has also been a focus, with standard features including air conditioning and cruise control. The Luxury model further elevates the experience with additional amenities like LED headlights, keyless entry, and smartphone connectivity, proving that practical commercial vehicles can also offer a high level of comfort and technology.

Volkswagen Crafter

The Volkswagen Crafter is recognised for its strong build and reliable performance, capable of accommodating up to three Euro pallets. Available in various drive configurations, the Crafter’s engines can deliver up to 177PS. The van’s interior is user-friendly, echoing the clear, practical design typical of Volkswagen cars, which may appeal to those seeking a van with car-like comfort and ergonomics.

Renault Master

The Renault Master continues to perform well in the market, especially noted for its comfortable and spacious cab environment. The van offers a variety of storage options and engine choices, with the all-electric E-Tech Master highlighting Renault’s foray into environmentally friendly alternatives. This van might suit businesses aiming to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on space or utility.

In conclusion, when selecting a large panel van for 2024, consider your specific business needs, payload requirements, and whether an electric model could suit your operations. We recommend testing a variety of models to find the best fit for your business. Stay tuned to Vanguide UK for the latest reviews and updates in the commercial vehicle market.

The Nissan e-NV200 has been the backbone of the Nissan Commercial Vehicle electric van offering for over 10 years, indeed it’s probably safe to say its been the best selling electric van in the UK over that time. Initially the diesel version outsold the e-NV200 well until the last three or four years but sales of the electric version were so strong in the latter years they decided for the last couple of years, only the electric version would be available, therefore dropping the 1.5 diesel variant. Nissan have recently announced the replacement of the e-NV200 but there are still many in dealer stocks So what are the key dimensions of this stalwart of the alternative fuel sector.

Overall Dimensions

The e-NV200 is an interesting van, in that, the vehicle sits in between the small and medium van sector but has a much smaller ‘footprint’ than many of them. Keeping it simple there is only one van model based on a 2725mm wheelbase which results in an overall length of 4560mm and the width without the mirrors is 1755mm, finally the overall height when unladen is 1755mm.

Cargo Area

With one wheelbase and one roof height the dimension of the cargo area are pretty simple, starting with the internal width which is 1500mm and this reduces to 1220mm between the wheel arches but this still allows a metric or euro pallet to fit lengths – just be careful of any plying lining etc. The maximum available load length is 2800mm if the optional folding mesh partition wall is included and the interior height is 1360mm with the rear load height is 524mm. This results in an overall cargo area capacity of 4.2 cubic metres.

Nissan e-NV200 Cargo Doors

A side load door is standard on the e-NV200 and it measures 700mm at its widest section and is 1171mm high, the rear cargo doors width match virtually the width between the wheel arches at 1262mm and they are 1228 high.

In this article we are going to look at the Nissan NV300 dimensions which is the medium van offering in their commercial vehicle range and we will outline the key measurements such as the interior and exterior dimensions as well as the door apertures.

Exterior Dimensions

There are basically four variants of the NV300 and this is made up of two wheelbases and two roof heights, in the first instance we will look at the short wheelbase (L1) with the low (H1) and high (H2) roofs. The short wheelbase (3098mm) is 4999mm long and 1956mm wide without the mirrors or 2283mm including the mirror. The exterior height on the H1 is 1971mm and 2493mm on the higher roof.

The width and roof height dimensions stay the same for the L2 wheelbase is 400mm extra on the wheelbase and overall length at 3498mm and 5399mm respectively.

Cargo Area – Short wheelbase

The short wheelbase has a internal load length of 2537mm, which may be extended to 2967mm with the flex cargo system and can be further extended by lifting up the front passenger seats to 3750mm. Of course the front bulkhead does intrude into the cargo area higher up, and at one metre the load length reduces to 2250mm.

The maximum internal width is 1662mm but between the wheel arches this reduces to 1268mm, but this still allows for a euro and metric pallet to fit between them. The internal height on the H1 is 1387mm and 1898mm on the H2, this results in a total load volume of 5.2 cubic metres on the L1H1 and 7.2 cubic metres on the L1H2.

Cargo Area – Long wheelbase

The long wheelbase has a internal load length of 2937mm, which may be extended to 3350mm with the flex cargo system and can be further extended by lifting up the front passenger seats to 4150mm. Of course the front bulkhead does intrude into the cargo area higher up, and at one metre the load length reduces to 2650mm.

The maximum internal width and height doesn’t change from the short wheelbase and this results in a total load volume of 6 cubic metres on the L2H1 and 8.6 cubic metres on the L2H2.

Nissan NV300 Door Dimensions

The side load door are the same dimensions on both wheelbase and have a maximum width of 1030 although this reduces to 907mm at its narrowest section, the height is 1284mm.

The rear doors are 1391mm wide measured 70mm from the floor and the H1 doors are 1320mm high and 500mm higher on the H2.

There have been many rumours about the long awaited replacement for Nissan’s compact light commercial vehicle (LCV) the NV200 and finally they have announced the launch of the all new Townstar. As with most new models, the all-new Nissan Townstar brings together a blend of new technologies matched to state of the art styling and the option of an electric powertrain.

Nissan Townstar Drivetrain

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the driveline is the absence of a diesel version, probably a first for a new van in the UK market for decades! There are two drivelines a 1.3-litre petrol engine fully Euro 6d compliant producing 130HP and 240Nm of torque. But the full electric version is the one that’s ultimately going to be the most popular and features a 44kWh battery delivering 245Nm of torque and 177 miles of range (pending homologation) – a 43% improvement over the outgoing e-NV200.

Nissan Townstar Safety

Nissan is integrating the Around View Monitor (AVM) for the first time in the compact van segment which uses a suite of cameras, the system displays a 360-degree overview of the area around the vehicle. It also features

• Side Wind Assist
• and Trailer Sway Assist
• Intelligent Emergency Braking featuring Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection and Junction Assist,
• Hands-Free Parking
• Intelligent Cruise Control

The fully electric all-new Townstar will Have Nissan’s ProPILOT advanced driver assistance system which allows the vehicle to automatically slow to a full stop and accelerate by following the vehicle ahead, as well as keeping it centred in the lane – even around a gentle curve.

The connected services will be presented via an 8-inch touchscreen linked to a 10-inch digital combimeter in front of the driver and features E-Call, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless phone charging will be available across the range from launch, with further enhanced Connected Services available from the launch of the fully electric version.

Nissan Townstar Interior / Exterior

The new Townstar is built on the Alliance CMF-C platform and is the first European model to be produced Nissan Logo and is part of their wider ‘Nissan NEXT’ transformation plan which prioritizes sustainable growth and profitability across the company’s global operations.

There are newly designed seats and door trims to a modern centre console and instrument panel finish and takes its aesthetic cues from the Ariya, including signature standard LED headlamps and an aerodynamic front windscreen with V-motion design with daytime running lamps.

Townstar Cargo area

The cargo area is very similar to the out going NV200 / eNV200 and has a 4.3m³ of cargo space and can accommodate a two Euro pallets and up to 800kg of payload together with a 1,500kg towing capacity. The cargo area integrates large sliding doors on the side which facilitate unloading the van and the possibility to have 60/40 French doors with 180 degree opening at the rear. It also includes smart storage solutions and a dedicated space for on-board office tools.

Nissan Warranty                               

As with all Nissan’s in their LCV range the Townstar comes with pan-European 5-Year or 100,000-mile warranty, in addition to the eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty for the EV version. This includes bumper-to-bumper protection, paintwork guarantee, genuine parts and accessories and roadside assistance – providing comprehensive cover for extra peace of mind.

Nissan Upgrades the NV300 Combi with a new Euro 6D compliant powertrain, a redefined exterior appearance and an interior featuring more storage and a number of advanced driver systems.

Nissan NV300 Driveline

The new NV300 is powered by their 2.0-litre dCi which is Euro 6 D compliant and has three power ratings starting at 110hp with a manual gearbox only, 150hp with a manual and automatic gearbox, finally a 170hp with the automatic gearbox only. The new engine features a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) which achieves greater power from 110 to 170hp and an increased torque up to 380 Nm.

Nissan NV300 Exterior

On the exterior, the new NV300 has a bolder and more enhanced interlock front grille and bumper design, similar to the other Nissan light commercial vehicle line-up. The front also features new LED headlamps and a Nissan specific daytime running lamp signature. Its also has 17-inch alloy wheels which are available on certain grades.

Nissan NV300 Combi Interior

Inside the NV300 cabin has been completely refreshed with 9 seats for maximum utility thanks to a passenger bench seat complete with under-seat storage dependent on version. There’s also an all-new dashboard with satin chrome buttons and a dark carbon colour scheme and storage has been increased by 88 litres, 54 litres provided by the under-passenger seat storage.

Dmitry Busurkin, Corporate Sales & LCV General Manager for Nissan Europe, said: “The NV300 was already a versatile Combi for big families and professionals in passenger transport. The new Nissan NV300 is a smart and comfortable people mover, with the upgraded mid-sized van offering more space and convenience to customers.

Nissan NV300 Combi Safety

As with most upgraded models recently the NV300 has a number of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including safety features such as Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, dependent on which model you chose. There are also two new improved passenger front airbags.

Model dependent it also has a multi-touch 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment system which provides drivers and passengers with infotainment and navigation and seamless connection via smartphone (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay).

NV300 Combi Warranty and Price

The new NV300 Combi is backed by a five year / 100,000 mile pan-European warranty and the vehicle will be on sale across the UK from May 2021 with prices announced around that time.

Nissan’s light commercial vehicle division have been going through interesting time recently, particularly with announcement last year regarding the closing of the Barcelona plant which has been producing the NV200 and more importantly the very successful electric version, the e-NV200.

So we have been waiting for what the next step would be regarding the next generation of small vans for the European market.

Maubeuge factory to be used

It comes as no great shock to the automotive industry that Nissan have announced they will continue to leverage their Alliance partnership with Renault by manufacturing their next small van at the Maubeuge factory in France, the Alliance’s small van centre of excellence.

Nissan are been very vague about the exact specification, keeping this information for closer to the launch date, but they have disclosed the range will include all-electric and internal combustion engine options, as well as commercial and passenger vehicle variants, with various size combinations.

Nissan’s Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta said: “This future van announcement is more evidence of the strong momentum building for Nissan in Europe as we continue to advance our Nissan NEXT business transformation plan. Manufacturing our future products together with our Alliance partner brings competitive advantages for both companies and is another example of our win-win strategy. While it is too early to give any detailed product information, our customers can be sure they will have a strong Nissan identity and continue our mission of making the all-electric driving experience a viable option for everyone.”

This means, after the closing of the Barcelona plant in Spain, all of Nissan’s vans for European customers will be manufactured in France.

Like the current Nissan NV250 van, which has been manufactured at the Renault Maubeuge plant since 2019, the next-generation model will be built on an Alliance platform alongside the next-generation Renault Kangoo.