Why should car drivers have all the fun? Because these performance vans will give some hot-hatches a run for their money.
In recent weeks Vauxhall has unveiled a sporty new ‘GS’ variant of both the regular Vivaro van and the Vivaro Electric.
It’s a light commercial vehicle with aggressive styling on the exterior as well as power of up to 180 PS.
But it’s not the only van with pace and grunt to spare - here’s our run-down of some of the most eye-catching ways to put the bling into your business!
Vauxhall Vivaro GS
The ‘GS’ version of the Vauxhall Vivaro is available with either a fully-electric powertrain or with a traditional 2.0 litre diesel engine.
The electric Vivaro GS gets a range of up to 189 miles as well as power of 136 PS and a 1,000 payload.
The turbo-charged diesel Vivaro GS, meanwhile, is available as either a traditional panel van or double-cab and gets power of 180 PS.
And Vauxhall says that whichever GS Vivaro you choose, you’ll get to enjoy ‘premium sporty styling with the comfort required by those who enjoy driving for a living’.
Ford Transit Custom MS-RT
You’ve got zero chance of blending-in as just another ‘white van man’ with the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.
MS-RT is a Wales-based engineering firm that joined forces with Ford to build some of the most eye-catching, rally-inspired vans on the road today.
You can actually get MS-RT versions of both the Ford Transit Connect and the Ford Ranger pick-up as well.
But we reckon it’s the Custom where the styling looks bang on the money. It’s available in a couple of different lengths as well as either a single or double cab. Depending on which version you lease, you’ll also enjoy a payload up to 1,233 kg.
Meanwhile a 2.0 litre ‘EcoBlue’ engine boasts power of 170 PS.
Toyota Hilux GR Sport
The trusty Toyota Hilux pick-up is available in numerous different guises, from the ‘Active’ trim, single cab workhorse through to the ultra-rugged ‘Invincible X’ model that’s truly built for the tough stuff.
But it’s the range-topping Hilux GR Sport where things get really interesting.
It’s a double-cab as standard, so there’s seating for five people.
A whacking great 2.8 litre diesel engine offers power of 207 PS while the exterior is awash with aggressive sports bumpers and wide fenders.
You also get special GR Sport suspension for a spirited ride quality - while still enjoying a payload of 1,010 kg.
Ford Ranger Raptor
The Toyota Hilux GR Sport isn’t the only performance pick-up truck in town - because the Ford Ranger Raptor takes adrenaline-inducing off-road prowess to new levels.
It’s available with a thumping 3.0 petrol V6 which has power of 292 PS. It means the Ranger Raptor can sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.9 seconds, while it also utilises a ‘Baja mode’ turbo anti-lag system borrowed from the Ford Focus ST for maximum oomph.
The Ford Ranger Raptor also features a sophisticated suspension system featuring high-end FOX shock absorbers, which makes it the ‘ultimate performance derivative of the all-new Ford Ranger’, according to the manufacturer.
Volkswagen Transporter Sportline
Volkswagen’s Transporter already attracts an almost cult-like following.
And when it comes in the ‘Sportline’ trim, it’s even more likely to turn heads.
The Sportline models get a 2.0 litre ‘BiTDI’ diesel engine with power of 204 PS which can sprint you from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds.
And while the Transporter Sportline is still a van ‘designed to get to work’, according to VW, it still definitely looks the part, benefitting from lowered suspension and a body kit that includes a unique front bumper, 18 inch alloys, a one-of-a-kind spoiler, and illuminated sidebars.
There’s also a Sportline ‘Black Edition’ Transporter that adds coilover suspension from German specialists Eibach.
The Transporter Sportline is available as a panel van or Kombi, with a payload of up to 1,170 kg.
Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top Commercial D300
The commercial versions of Land Rover’s Defender are called ‘Hard Top’ variants, and see the rear seats removed to reveal a cavernous, van-like load bed.
And in ‘D300’ form, both the 110 and smaller 90 Defenders boast some serious performance.
A 3.0 litre diesel engine offers power of 300 bhp, and in the Defender 90 you will be able to throttle from 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds - which is almost as quick as a Ford Fiesta ST.
Payload in the Hard Top 90 is 740 kg, but that increases to 805 kg in the Hardtop 110.
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