What Van? Van of the Year: Renault Kangoo Van ZE

Anyone considering purchasing a new van in the near future might be interested in the winners of the 2012 What Van? Awards.

Journalists are always keen on new technology and new models, so it was not a big surprise to see that the Renault Kangoo Van Z.E. took that overall Van of the Year title and the new Volkswagen Amarok was chosen as Pick-Up of the Year.

The winners in the other categories are not completely new models, but many of them have had facelifts or updates this year, giving them class-leading fuel consumption, safety and driver comfort.

The latest Ford Transit model was highly praised at its European launch for its improved sound-proofing and engines, as was the latest version of the Volkswagen Crafter. Iveco’s new Daily also picked up an award.

The Volkswagen Transporter Sportline won the Editor's Choice Award

Here’s the full list of winners:

• Van of the Year: Renault Kangoo ZE
• Small Van of the Year: Vauxhall Corsavan
• Light Van of the Year: Fiat Doblo Cargo
• Medium Van of the Year: Ford Transit
• Large Van of the Year: Iveco Daily
• Pick-up of the Year: Volkswagen Amarok
• Van Conversion Award: Citroen
• 4×4 Van of the Year: VW Caddy 4Motion
• Safety Award: Mercedes
• Green Award: Vauxhall Ecoflex
• Innovation Award: Citroen Business Class
• Editor’s Choice Award: VW Transporter Sportline

The Editor’s Choice Award went to the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline – the kind of van that self-employed tradesmen might indulge in when business is good. It’s a model that serves no useful purpose over the standard model but looks great, drives great and is a bit of a status symbol. It’s the kind of van we’d all like but that few of us can justify buying.