Light commercial vehicles are the workhorses of sole proprietors and SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises). Although they’re closer to “small” than “medium” in size and usually weigh less than 1.5 tonnes, LCVs can carry sizeable payloads, thanks to their tough diesel engines, which have plenty of load-lugging torque.
The newest kid on the JTC block is the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi. Launched last October, it’s the only LCV here to offer a choice of 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or 5-speed manual to go with its diesel motor. The variant tested here is the more “convenient” auto version that costs an additional $4500.
The oldest player in this group is the Opel Combo, but it still looks as “funky-factory” as its rivals here. The German twin of the Italian Fiat Doblo, the Combo aims to impress bosses with its powertrain and hauling abilities.
Keen to give the Combo and Caddy Maxi a run for their commercial money is the Renault Kangoo Maxi, whose predecessor was one of the most popular LCVs in Singapore. Apart from its cargo-carrying capability, the new Kangoo is also claimed to have the edge in operating efficiency, which is a key consideration for cost-sensitive business owners.
Which of these LCVs is the most capable at moving both a company and its goods forward? Let’s load up and roll out!
In this “commercial” shootout between heavy-duty light vehicles, the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi offers the most convenience and zippiness with its dual-clutch transmission, but the comparatively small cargo hold and relatively thirsty engine don’t maximise this Maxi’s appeal to business owners. However, the Caddy’s car-like characteristics make it the easiest to drive “personally” on a daily basis.
The Renault Kangoo Maxi has the cushiest ride and a spacious cargo capacity that matches the Opel Combo. The fact that it’s also the most frugal contender here is another selling point. But the Kangoo’s shorter servicing intervals vis-à-vis its two rivals could result in more frequent periods of downtime that affect the day-to-day operations of a company.
Even more hardworking than the Kangoo Maxi and Caddy Maxi is the Opel Combo. Its generous cargo volume is complemented by an impressive payload potential, while its long service intervals and no-nonsense utility are what an SME needs to move its goods and business forward
SPECIFICATIONS
Opel Combo 1.6
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 79.7mm x 80.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 16.5:1
MAX POWER 104bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 290Nm at 1500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 73.5bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed manual
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 13.4 seconds
TOP SPEED 164km/h
CONSUMPTION 18.2km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 144g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Bi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Drums
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Energy Saver
SIZE 185/65 R15
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 2
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4740mm
WIDTH 1832mm
HEIGHT 1880mm
WHEELBASE 3105mm
KERB WEIGHT 1415kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $102,999
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Strongest diesel engine, longest service intervals, lowest pricing
– Least roomy cockpit, cumbersome audio system, hard-to-read gauges
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HAULING CAPABILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Renault Kangoo Maxi 1.5
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1461cc
BORE X STROKE 76mm x 80.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 15.6:1
MAX POWER 90bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 200Nm at 1750rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 66.3bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 5-speed manual
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 13.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 160km/h
CONSUMPTION 20.0km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 130g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental
VancoContact 2
SIZE 195/65 R15
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 2
TRACTION AIDS ABS
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4666mm
WIDTH 1829mm
HEIGHT 1810mm
WHEELBASE 3081mm
KERB WEIGHT 1357kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $104,500
(after $10k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Best fuel efficiency, least “commercial” ride, most connectivity options
– Shortest service intervals, least torquey motor, lightest payload
* BEST OF THE THREE IN COMFORT
SPECIFICATIONS
Volkswagen Caddy Maxi 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves,
turbo-diesel
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 79.5mm x 80.5mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 16.5:1
MAX POWER 102bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 250Nm at
1500-2500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 67.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 12.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 168km/h (governed)
CONSUMPTION 17.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 149g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
leaf springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Bridgestone B250 Ecopia
SIZE 195/65 R15
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 1
TRACTION AIDS ABS with ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4876mm
WIDTH 1794mm
HEIGHT 1836mm
WHEELBASE 3006mm
KERB WEIGHT 1520kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $107,300
(after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 5 years/200,000km
WE SAY
+ Most car-like handling, user-friendly controls, snappiest gearbox
– Highest asking price, lowest cargo capacity, least efficient motor
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVER’S WELFARE
