Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall have all updated their van range as Stellantis, the manufacturer’s parent company, looks to establish itself as a key player in the LCV market.

Every model in the range is getting a significant makeover, with a refreshed exterior design, improved performance from electric models, and updated technology. Each van will now have LED headlights for improved safety, while electric models receive a 400V e-Power Take-Off that draws its power from the main traction battery instead of requiring a separate power source.

Stellantis has tied in the mass update with details of a new overarching brand for its commercial vehicle offering, with all van-related products now falling under the Pro One brand. However, buyers and users won’t see significant changes to their experience.

Each Stellantis brand is concentrating on a core element of the update to differentiate each van in their respective range, although there’ll be little to choose between a model from each manufacturer.

Stellantis van range

Compact Vans: Citroen Berlingo / Fiat Doblo / Peugeot Partner / Vauxhall Combo

The compact vans in the Stellantis range receive some pleasing cosmetic updates to the outside, with each brand taking a distinctive approach to the van’s styling. Little changes under the bonnet of the diesel-powered models, but the electric LCVs get some significant upgrades.

A new 50kWh battery pack increases range by 20% to a best-in-class 205 miles, with a new energy regeneration system installed to recover power when the van slows. Steering column-mounted paddles will allow the driver to adjust the system’s strength, balancing energy recovery with driveability depending on the circumstances.

Keeping the cabin warm will use less energy thanks to the inclusion of a heat pump, while a 400-volt electric power take-off will give operators the ability to power equipment while off-site.

Improved safety technology has been fitted across the range, with the vans getting 12 sensors around the vehicle to offer 360-degree obstacle awareness. Lane centring assist and adaptive cruise control that operates down to a standstill are also available.

Inside, a 10-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay sets the tone for a more modern cabin. The driver’s instrument panel has also been updated, with some models receiving a customisable 10.0-inch digital panel. Lower specification models will be available with a smartphone cradle that will allow operators to connect their smartphones to the van to control the infotainment system.

Stellantis van range - Vauxhall Combo

Medium Vans: Citroen Dispatch / Fiat Scudo / Peugeot Expert / Vauxhall Vivaro

Updates to the medium-size vans are mostly cosmetic, with each brand taking a distinctive approach to the exterior updates.

Under the metalwork, there are updates to the steering, with the electro-hydraulic power assistance system replaced by an all-electric setup.

Electric models keep the same size battery pack, with either 50kWh or 75kWh options available, but more driving range has been extracted through efficiency gains, with official figures showing a range of up to 224 miles for the larger battery.

The cabin has seen significant updates. A new 10.0-inch infotainment screen is available, replacing the outdated 7.0-inch model from the previous vehicles. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available, with a wireless connection, and there’s now a dedicated space for a smartphone, with a wireless charging pad. Other changes include larger cupholders, an area to store a tablet or laptop, and a new steering wheel with an optional heating element.

A digital rearview mirror has been installed, with a camera mounted at the rear transmitting a live video image to the mirror, providing unimpeded rear visibility even with a windowless panel van.

Next year, a hydrogen fuel-cell power option will join the range, with a record 249-mile range. Thanks to the nature of the fuel system, refuelling will take around five minutes, providing zero-emission travel with minimum downtime.

Stellantis van range - Fiat Doblo

Large Vans: Citroen Relay / Fiat Ducato / Peugeot Boxer / Vauxhall Movano

Little is changing with the diesel-powered models, which are now some of the oldest vans on the market, introduced in 2010. However, Stellantis is promising a revised engine and eight-speed automatic transmission will improve economy and capability.

They’ll all get cosmetic updates to the exterior, keeping the vans looking reasonably fresh, but the dated design means even then, there’ll only be minor differences between each brand’s version.

The electric versions get a more significant upgrade, with a 110kWh battery pack now being fitted as standard, which would increase range to 261 miles on a full charge — a roughly 65% increase over the outgoing models — backed by rapid charging capability that can take the battery from empty to 80% charge in under an hour. Payload limits will also be increased to 1,500kg, thanks to the government’s rules allowing gross vehicle weights to increase to 4.25 tonnes.

Interestingly, Fiat specifically mentioned that the electric e-Ducato will be built in-house rather than being subcontracted to a conversion company. It says this will bring costs down by 25%, which we would expect to be reflected in the list price when that becomes available. We would also assume that this is true of the rest of the Stellantis electric van range, making all four brands more competitive with its rivals.

Next year, a hydrogen fuel-cell power option will be added to the lineup, boasting an impressive 311-mile range. Thanks to the nature of the fuel system, refuelling will only take approximately five minutes, ensuring emissions-free travel with minimal downtime.

Stellantis van range - Citroen Relay

Toyota Proace City / Toyota Proace / Toyota Large Van

Toyota sells its own versions of the vans, all built by Stellantis but wearing a Toyota badge. The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that it will be receiving the same updates to the small and medium-sized vans, although any changes will be some months behind the Stellantis quartet.

The partnership will also expand to include a large van, which will be another re-badging exercise that sees the Stellantis van fitted with a Toyota logo. More details of that will be announced in late November.

Toyota Proace City and Toyota Proace

Pricing and Availability

The first deliveries of the updated Stellantis van range are expected in early 2024. UK pricing details and specifications to arrive in December, with hints that there could be some significant price cuts to some electric models.

Phil Huff