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The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Transporter Sportline
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For some, life with a van is not an appetising proposition, but there comes a point when an MPV or 4x4 can no longer cope in a load-carrying profession. Serious load lugging can only adequately be handled by a tough, commercial approach.
But what happens if your business has a reputation to maintain? There are plenty of pick-ups to choose from, of course, but the image of some firms' brands won't rest quite so easily on gaudy chromium 4x4 bull bars.
This is a van for van haters. Cast your eye over its car-like spec sheet, run your hand over the quality plastics, find the useful cubbyholes and you could almost be back in your beloved car.
It's even possible to be comfortable behind the reach- and rake-adjustable steering wheel thanks, in part, to a height-adjustable driver's seat.
On the road the Sportline really feels car-like quick, faster even then the 12.2secs sprint to 60mph suggests. You'll even begin to appreciate the commanding Range Rover-high driving position.
But it's not without its faults, and despite the beefy 18-inch alloys that allow you to lean on far harder through the corners than you'd imagine, the 174PS 2.5-litre diesel introduces tugging torque steer under hard acceleration.
The dash-mounted gearchange also is not quite up to the car best, being too strongly spring-mounted, but all of these criticisms fade when you consider the one tonne payload ability. Of course, it all comes at a high on-the-road price, but this could be the easiest van out there to live.
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Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
