Best small-medium van on rough roads

Best small-medium van on rough roads

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caelite

Original Poster:

4,282 posts

119 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
Hey guys

Vans lease is expiring this year and looking to downsize, currently running a MWB Sprinter, looking to go down to something SWB transit custom/LWB transit connect sized

Looking for something more capable off the beaten track, without going for a pickup (they are a pain in the ass to organise), have had some incidents with the RWD sprinter, even with a good set of winters up icey slopes it was a handful, even the slightest incline on loose gravel saw it scrabbling. Colleague runs a SWB mk7 transit and I know his is better, but still not great in the snow.

Really not sure what options their are in that size, Merc and Iveco both do 4x4 variants of their big vans, I know the sprinter is particularly versatile. All I have witnessed in smaller form factors is Peugeots grip control fwd, is this system any good? Is there other competing systems about?

Zad

12,762 posts

243 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
There is an AWD variant of the Transit though, might be worth a look?

"Transit’s latest all-wheel drive (AWD) system automatically distributes engine torque to the front and rear wheels using a specially developed electronically-controlled AWD coupling. In conjunction with the vehicle’s ESC system, the front/rear torque distribution can be varied between 0:100 and 50:50. Two modes are provided, with the standard AWD Auto mode suitable for most driving situations, and an AWD Lock mode that enhances traction in more extreme driving situations such as deep sand or deep snow."


smifffymoto

4,771 posts

212 months

Monday 18th March 2019
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Any French make with a Dangel 4x4 conversion.

Bill

54,252 posts

262 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
I've just had a rental 4motion Transporter in the Alps that was untroubled by 8" of snow where plenty of other cars were getting stuck. Obviously everyone was on winters.

caelite

Original Poster:

4,282 posts

119 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
Yeah, looked into the Dangel equipment, unfortunately their doesn't appear to be a dealer in the UK. VW transporter does appear to fit the bill, but I'm trying to figure out if I can justify the extra £100/month 'VW Tax'.

Bill

54,252 posts

262 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
Dacia do a Duster Commercial.

Bill

54,252 posts

262 months

Monday 18th March 2019
quotequote all
Or a Dokker Stepway, which is presumably just a Kangoo Trakker.