The Volkswagen Transporter T5 has been voted ‘Used Van of the Year’ for 2011 by CAP – the UK’s independent benchmark used van pricing experts.
A panel of judges comprising of used van market and vehicle valuation experts at CAP chose the Transporter from a shortlist of 6 models. Points were awarded by the judging panel based on CAP’s criteria of excellence relating to all relevant aspects of the vehicle.
The judging criteria (based on a 3 year old van at 60K miles) were:
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Value retained vs cost new compared with peer group
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Model range coverage
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Options availability
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Perceived reliability/cost of ownership
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Image & brand perception
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Dealer network professionalism and support
Winning vans were selected from the six main light commercial vehicle sectors before an overall winner was chosen.
The judges analysed performance on the used van market for the whole of 2011 and chose Volkswagen Transporter T5 on the strength of its consistent performance on all of the CAP criteria.
Judging panel chairman, John Watts – who heads the CAP commercial vehicle pricing teams – said of the Transporter T5:
“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 thanks to a reputation for solid build quality and reliability. This translates into trust when the T5 reaches the used market. 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.”
Unlike other van awards, the CAP Used Van of the Year is designed to acknowledge all-round excellence from the perspective of everyone touched by the vehicle, including private owners, company van drivers, fleet operators and even used van dealers themselves.
While the Transporter T5 took the overall honours, the judging panel also nominated the following winners in each individual sector.
Best hatchback van – Ford Fiesta: “In its 5th generation and still a class leader in all respects.”
Small van – Volkswagen Caddy C20: “Brought new levels of quality to its sector and depreciation is among the lowest.”
Medium van – Volkswagen Transporter T5: “Just ‘right’ in every way.”
Large van – Ford Transit 330-350: “Ubiquitous and drives improvement across the whole market by setting the standard for others to aim for.”
Lifestyle pick-up – Toyota HiLux: “Great image and reputation for durability.”
Minibus – Ford Transit: “Enviable heritage and trust – the name says it all.”
The judging panel
John watts – Senior Editor, Commercial Vehicles
Ken Brown – Light Commercial Vehicles editor, CAP Red Book
Tim Cattlin – Editor, CAP Commercial Vehicle Monitor
Dale Ogden – Assistant Editor, Commercial Vehicles
