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The small machines have been on the march over the past year as several manufacturers in the high-cube category branch out, not least Renault with its new Kangoo.
For those interested in vans, and we're hoping that's most of you, this past year has seen plenty of action in the high-cube category, with several key players being replaced. However, there has also been a smaller compact category launched to complement or compete with the established flock, giving further options for the potential buyer.
Citroën's tiny Nemo (along with its Fiat Fiorini and Peugeot Bipper counterparts) started the trend for a more compact small van, followed shortly after by Renault's decision to create a smaller version of its Kangoo, which now comes in two sizes - badged Van and Compact for standard and small models respectively.
For this test we're looking at the former, although, for the record, the Compact is 384mm shorter, has a load volume of 2.3m^sup 3^ complete with 500kg payload, along with two engine options - 70hp and 85hp.
As is the way, the new Van is bigger and heavier than the previous model; load volume is up from 2.7m^sup 3^ to 3.0m^sup 3^, while GVW also rises by about 200kg.
It's powered by a 1.5-litre dCi unit that produces 70hp, 85hp or 105hp - with the latter output receiving a six speeder instead of five cogs In addition, there are two payloads - 650kg and 800kg - and trim levels to choose from.
The entry ML gets you ABS with EBD, full-height bulkhead, CD/radio with fingertip controls positioned by the steering wheel and remote central locking, while the + version adds nearside sliding door, central storage compartment, electric front windows, height-adjustable driver's seat and side anchorage rails.
Prices start at £10,590 for the ML dCi 70 650, while our test vehicle (ML dCi 85 650) lists at £10,990.
Also on board our test vehicle were trip computer (£50), central storage (£50) and air-con pack, which includes electric windows (£565).
The Kangoo has some pretty stiff competition, including Ford's bulletproof Connect, Volkswagen's Germanic Caddy and Citroën's newly launched Berlingo, but it is approximately 300kg lighter than the first two, which have to obey the post-2,200kg GVW speed law, which reduces their...