Volkswagen will be the second light commercial vehicle manufacturer to fit an electronic stability system (ESP) to a large van when it launches the new Crafter in September. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi, which leads the growing pick-up van sector, has become the first manufacturer to introduce a stability control on some of its models in the segment and Renault has added ESP as standard on a new range of passenger-carrying Trafics.

Mercedes-Benz began the trend with the fitment of ESP – designated a “must have” feature by the European New Car Assessment Programme – to both its Vito and Sprinter ranges (RoadSafe: winter 2005/06). Both the Mercedes vehicles and the new Volkswagen feature Bosch’s load-adaptive ESP system. The system takes account of a vehicle’s load and the centre of gravity – both significant variables for the function of ESP, particularly in vehicles carrying goods.

Depending on load, the total weight of light commercial vehicles can vary greatly and the position of the vehicle’s centre of gravity can be altered by up to 25% longitudinally, and 50% vertically. The new load adaptive control function of the revised ESP system determines the distribution of the load and adapts the vehicle dynamics control to suit. Volkswagen says the Crafter, which completes the renewal of the manufacturer’s van range, will “set new standards in the areas of safety, technology and driver comfort”.

Replacing the LT, the Crafter is the largest van in the range. The three wheelbases, four load compartment lengths and three roof heights highlight the Crafter’s versatility, which is further enhanced by its availability as a panel van, chassis cab and double cab van. Standard equipment includes ABS brakes, ESP and electronic differential lock (EDL) – a system that brakes a spinning wheel to improve traction – and a driver’s airbag, while front passenger, curtain and side airbags are available as options.

Safety features in other new vans that have either recently reached the marketplace or will shortly be introduced include:

Fiat
Voted International Van of the Year 2006 by a jury of specialist light commercial vehicle journalists from 19 countries, the new Fiat Doblò Cargo has gone on sale in the UK with the SX derivative specification including ABS brakes. Fiat says that the Doblò Cargo passed tests in its own Safety Centre harsher than those undertaken by European New Car Assessment Programme.

Built into the bodywork are special crumple zones designed to collapse progressively and absorb impact forces. The cab boasts side impact bars to the doors, and reinforced areas to the dashboard, floorpan and roof. In addition to a driver’s airbag and optional passenger and twin side airbags, occupant protection is further ensured by Fiat’s patented fire prevention system. This involves the use of flame retardant materials, and an inertia switch which cuts off the fuel flow to the engine in the event of an impact.

Ford
The Ford Transit was the first van to have ABS as standard and remains by far Britain’s most popular van. The new version, which reflects the most significant changes for six years, will go on sale this summer. There will be 60 basic structures and body styles in the new Transit range. Key features on the new Transit include disc brakes all round and ABS as standard. Further refinements include a coded locking system with rechargeable waterproof ignition fob and the option of fitting a Bluetooth kit, cruise control and satellite navigation.

“Mitsubishi Motors has been instrumental in the massive growth of the UK pick-up market – a segment which grew 347% in six years”

Mitsubishi
The all-new Mitsubishi L200 pick-up is the first vehicle in the segment to feature stability and traction control as standard on all high-series derivatives. Mitsubishi Motors has been instrumental in the massive growth of the UK pick-up market – a segment which grew 347% in six years from 7,553 units to 33,742 at the end of 2004.

During that time, the L200 became the undisputed king of the pick-ups with the previous model, which was replaced in March, still commanding 48% of the retail market. Along with Super Select 4WD, all high series L200s now also come with M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control). This system brakes and distributes power to each wheel individually so traction is maintained during tight cornering and on slippery surfaces, including off-road conditions.

PSA Peugeot Citroën
The triumvirate of Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat is to launch respective replacements for their Relay, Boxer and Ducato vans in November this year with safety features to the fore. Each of the vehicles features a broader and more varied range than currently, combined with an increase in load capacity, both in terms of total weight and volume. Road holding, safety, comfort and interior design have all been improved over the current vans, as has standard equipment levels which will include: driver’s airbag – five other airbags are optional – four wheel disc brakes, ABS, EBFD, EBA and ESP depending on model.

New technology will also appear on the new vehicles, such as pneumatic rear suspension which can be lowered to facilitate loading large and heavy items and there is a speed limiter. The payload is being increased compared to the outgoing ranges, with the introduction of vehicles with a GVW from 3.5 to four tonnes, allowing a payload of up to two tonnes.

Renault
Renault has added ABS with Brake Assist and “see me home” headlights to its Kangoo Van range, which has consistently been a UK top-five seller in the compact van market since launch. Meanwhile, this year has seen the launch of a new commercial passenger vehicle (CPV) line-up, consisting of models from across the Trafic and Master ranges. Carrying on from the car-based Scenic and Espace five and seven-seater models, the CPV range offers seating for between six and 16 occupants. Safety features include, for example, on the nine-seat Trafic ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and ESP with ASR traction control all fitted as standard, while core equipment on the Master sixseat, nine-seat and 16-seater includes ABS with EBD.

Vauxhall/Renault/Nissan
Vauxhall, Renault and Nissan have each unveiled a series of changes to their respective Vivaro/Movano, Trafic/ Master and Primastar/Interstar models. Refreshed interiors and exteriors, new standard and optional equipment, plus a new range of Euro4 engines are among the changes on the vehicles.Among the standard safety features will be ABS brakes with EBD and “see me home” headlights, while options are likely to include emergency brake assist and ESP, which includes a load sensing unit that adjusts brake power to payload.

All the vehicles will enter showrooms in the autumn with Renault promising that options on new Trafic will include emergency brake assist and rear parking sensors and on Master ESP. Vauxhall says that exact specification details will be announced closer to the launch date, but Vivaro models will have ABS as standard.

Nissan says that as a result of customer feedback, the updated vans will offer optional intelligent windscreen wipers, as well as auto lighting in order to improve convenience, driving comfort and safety in inclement conditions. Other features to improve the day-to-day convenience of Primastar are the fitment of car derived parking sensors.