Used van expert CAP has named the Volkswagen Transporter T5 as its Used Van of the Year 2011.
The judges felt the van showed the necessary clout in all their categories, delivering excellent results across the board in terms of value retained versus cost at new, model range coverage, options, perceived reliability, image and brand perception, and dealer network professionalism and support.
All of the judging criteria were based on a vehicle that was three years old and had mileage totalling 60,000 miles.
"The T5 just feels right. It has a strong brand image, a very professional dealer network and extremely high retained values. It also appeals to a wide range of operators," commented head of the CAP commercial vehicle pricing team and judging panel chairman John Watts.
Available in a range of styles and with customisable interiors to meet the needs of delivery professionals, the T5 was found to be an excellent addition to the manufacturer's range.
The basic model is available on the road from £16,960, while the most expensive option comes in at £30,340.
Mr Watts added: "Drivers love it and when we say the T5 'just feels right', we are referring to that intangible quality that a truly great product has, which emerges when every feature is strong."
The panel consisted of Mr Watts, senior editor of Commercial Vehicles, light commercial vehicles editor at CAP Red Book Ken Brown, editor of CAP Commercial Vehicle Monitor Tim Cattlin and Dale Ogden, assistant editor at Commercial Vehicles.
While the Transporter was the overall winner, a number of other vehicles were offered individual honours, with the Ford Fiesta named as Best Hatchback Van, while the Volkswagen Caddy C20 won the Medium van title and the Ford Transit was named as Best Minibus.
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