Ford Fiesta Van

It may not be as fast as the MINI, but the Fiesta Van is every bit as good to drive. It’s also got all the elements you’d look for in a vehicle likely to spend most of its time on the move – a robust cabin, voice activation infotainment and a comfortable driving position. Impressive fuel economy, low emissions and a big cargo bay are the icing on the cake.

The MINI Clubvan has added some glamour to the small van class, but it’s the Fiesta that tops the sales charts.

So far this year, Ford has sold over 3,000 Fiesta Vans – that represents over 61 per cent market share. And the model has benefited from the same makeover and smart new corporate grille as the supermini, so it’s been loaded up with some extra style of its own.

Again, it’s only the lack of side windows that gives away the little Ford’s commercial conversion. Our Trend van had black mirrors and door handles, plus wheel trims instead of alloys, but the smart and well proportioned Fiesta shape means it still looks attractive – although it doesn’t have the fashionable image of the Clubvan. Buyers looking for more kerb appeal can choose the Sport model, which adds alloy wheels and a racy bodykit.

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The interior lacks the extra glitz and retro detailing of the MINI, but the driving position is every bit as comfortable, while the chunky controls and straightforward layout of the Fiesta dash are hard to fault. Build quality is robust as well – key for a hard-working van.

Add an impressive kit list comprising air-con, DAB radio, a leather steering wheel and auto wipers, and the Fiesta scores well against the Clubvan. Buyers also get Ford’s excellent SYNC system, which includes Bluetooth and hands-free voice activation – another very handy feature for high-mileage van drivers.

The strong fuel economy will also appeal – every penny counts for business users, so our 1.6-litre ECOnetic van’s claimed 85.6mpg consumption is a major selling point. We averaged only 55mpg on test, but as this figure included performance and handling testing, as well as everyday driving, the Ford was impressively frugal. Plus, the stop-start system works smoothly around town and overall engine refinement is very good.

But the Fiesta’s biggest advantage as a van over the MINI is its much larger 1,000-litre cargo capacity and longer load floor. It also has a lower load lip and higher roofline, while you get all the kit you need in a commercial van, including a rubber floor mat, heavy-duty cargo attachment loops and a fixed-grate bulkhead. It’s just a shame the wheelarches intrude, resulting in an awkward load area layout.

With only 205Nm, the ECOnetic doesn’t have the torque of the Cooper D, meaning acceleration is sluggish when the car is loaded up to the 505kg limit. But you can overlook this performance deficit, because the Fiesta is such fun to drive. The controls are light, yet well weighted, and the Ford is just as engaging as the Cooper D Clubvan. Plus, it rides better.

The £14,121 Fiesta is cheaper, but against the faster, more premium-feeling MINI, it looks a bit expensive. Heavy depreciation holds it back as well, although it’s economical, practical, great to drive and generously equipped – which could prove decisive.