For multi-drop delivery work, the “best” new van is usually the one that’s easy to get in and out of all day, can swallow awkward parcels, and is cheap to run in stop-start traffic. In practice, that points most drivers towards a small or medium panel van with a low load lip, wide side door, and sensible driver aids — and, increasingly, an electric van if you’re working in Clean Air Zones or doing lots of urban miles.

Size: small vs medium

Small vans (e.g. Ford Transit Courier/Connect, VW Caddy, Renault Kangoo, Citroën Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Vauxhall Combo) are brilliant for tight streets and frequent parking. They’re quicker to manoeuvre and often cheaper to lease and insure, but you may run out of volume on bulky multi-drop rounds.

Medium vans (e.g. Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Renault Trafic, Vauxhall Vivaro/Peugeot Expert/Citroën Dispatch, Mercedes Vito) suit higher parcel volumes and still fit most urban bays. For multi-drop, a short wheelbase can be easier day-to-day than a long wheelbase unless you genuinely need the extra load length.

Spec that matters on a multi-drop route

Prioritise: twin sliding side doors (or at least one wide side door), a low step-in height, 180°/270° rear doors, a bulkhead with load-through if you carry long items, and a proper ply-lining/load floor from new. Look for parking sensors/reversing camera, heated windscreen, and an auto gearbox if you’re in heavy traffic.

Diesel or electric?

For city routes, an electric van can be a strong choice: smooth in stop-start work and generally CAZ-friendly. Check real-world range with heating on and your payload, and plan charging. The Plug-in Van and Truck Grant is currently up to £2,500 (under 2,500kg GVW) or up to £5,000 (up to 4,250kg GVW), but OZEV support can change — confirm on Gov.uk.

Diesel still makes sense for high-mileage mixed routes with limited charging access, but make sure the van meets local emissions rules where you work.

Two quick checks before you order

1) Payload vs volume: don’t just buy “bigger”; a heavier van can reduce usable payload once racking and a driver are onboard. 2) Access: if you’re constantly kerbside, a van with a great side door and low load lip can save more time than extra cubic metres.