WELL, how exciting is this? The chance to actually go and visit a live event again, full of new vans and pickups…and people!

The CV Show is always a good event for SME directors,  small fleet van operators and transport managers as you get the chance to view the metal up close – and lots of it – as well as talk to manufacturers, converters, leasing companies and accessory providers in a compact and friendly space.

We are pleased that leading leasing provider, Leasing Options, has agreed to support this preview. Based in Manchester, and with over 25 years of trading behind it, the company has some exceptional leasing deals for your next commercial vehicle.

Talking of your next commercial vehicle, what is there to see at the CV Show 2021? Here’s our rundown of the star attractions.

Ford

In the absence of truck manufacturers at this year’s CV Show, Ford will have the largest stand. Star vehicle will be the new E-Transit, due on sale early next year. The new extended Transit L5 skeletal chassis, fitted with a new low-floor Luton body, will also make its CV Show debut and there will be an introduction to Ford’s new connected system, Ford Liive.

E-Transit will be making its UK debut at the Show. The battery electric Transit will offer a range of around 200 miles on a full charge and be available with the company’s Pro Power Onboard system, which will provide up to 2.3kW to power tools and equipment from a dedicated battery.

Visitors can experience a digital introduction to Ford Liive, including Ford Telematics Essentials, a standard on-board system for all new Ford light CVs, providing alerts based on real-time vehicle operational data. The system is designed to reduce breakdowns and speed up servicing and repairs by flagging up potential problems at an early stage, before expensive repairs become necessary.

Ford’s popular Ranger pickup truck range will have its own Ranger zone. Models on display will include the limited edition XLT-based Wolftrak pickup aimed at off-road users. A long-leg tubular sports bar supports accessory and load restraint equipment fitting. Standard equipment includes underbody protection and 17-inch black alloy wheels. Just 350 WolfTrak models will be available in the UK.

StormTrak, another limited-edition Ranger, will also be on display, finished in Rapid Red paint. Power will come from the range topping bi-turbo 213hp 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, offering an impressive 500Nm of torque.

The Ranger Raptor Special Edition is due to arrive later this year and stand visitors will be able to see this limited-edition model for themselves. Just 250 will be available in the UK. External features include matte black racing stripes edged with red lines, while red stitching is featured inside.

Ranger is also available as a chassis-cab and a version equipped with a VFS tipper conversion will be on show.

A selection of light CVs from Ford’s line-up of One Stop Shop Qualified Vehicle Modifiers will be on display. This will include the recently introduced MS-RT light CV range, VFS Transit L5 low-floor Luton, temperature-controlled conversions from Paneltex and an example of Clark’s welfare van.

More information at ford.co.uk/commercial-vehicles

Latest Ford commercial leasing offers leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing/ford

Fiat E-Ducato

Fiat launched E-Ducato a few months ago and it will be the centrepiece of the Fiat stand at the CV Show. Both van and chassis cabs will be available. Vans will be available in three lengths (L2, L3 and L4) and with three roof heights (H1, H2 and H3), meaning E-Ducato will offer body volumes between 10m3 and 17m3. Payload for vans will extend to 1,885kg.

 Two batteries, with either 47kWh or 79kWh will be available offering a range of between 88 and 175 miles. A 90kW (122hp) electric motor producing 280Nm of torque will drive the front wheels. A 62mph speed limiter will be fitted to maximise range.

 Charging options include AC wallbox or domestic socket as well as DC rapid charging from a public charger. E-Ducato is equipped with regenerative braking to charge the battery when on the overrun and braking. Three driving modes are offered: Normal, giving a balance between performance and economy; Eco limiting acceleration and de-activating the air conditioning to maximise range; and Power to deliver full performance. An emergency “Turtle” mode is available when the charge is nearly exhausted.

Van operators can choose from Standard and eTecnico trim. Standard includes a five-inch touchscreen with DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity, automatic climate control, a tablet holder, USB charging port, steel front bulkhead, electric, heated door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers.

 With eTecnico, equipment brings a seven-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, rear parking camera with reversing sensors, blind spot and rear cross path detection and front fog lights. Batteries carry an eight year/100,000 miles warranty for 47kWh models and 10 years/135,000 miles for 79kWh variants.

Further information from fiatprofessional.com/uk

For great leasing offers on Fiat Professional leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing/fiat

Isuzu

Pickup specialist manufacturer Isuzu launched the new D-Max range earlier this year featuring a range of upgrades including a faster engaging shift-on-the-fly 4WD system and strengthened chassis. DL20, DL40 and V-Cross models gain a rear diff-lock as standard. A comprehensive suite of advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) becomes standard across the range.

 For those needing a working vehicle, the entry level Utility trim models are likely to prove popular. These are available in 4×2 and 4×4 drive layouts with a choice of three cab sizes: single, extended and double cab.

Standard D-Max equipment includes automatic headlights with high beam assist, automatic windscreen wipers, speed-sensitive power steering, a DAB radio and engine stop/start system. ADAS equipment includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention and Traffic Sign Recognition. Double Cab models also gain Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring and Emergency Lane Keeping.

Utility trim includes steel wheels, vinyl flooring, and hard-wearing black plastic bumpers, door mirrors and door handles. DL20 and DL40 models include a standard rear diff lock. Automatic transmission is available too, which also brings Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist with the standard equipment. DL20 spec includes front fog lights, front centre armrest, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, and 18” alloy wheels.

DL40 models gain dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as LED lighting. The range-topping V-Cross gains a range of further enhancements.

Further information isuzu.co.uk

For the best commercial vehicle leasing offers leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing

Land Rover

Land Rover will be attending the CV Show for the first time in many years, with the Defender 90 and 110 Hard Top models making their CV Show debut. Discovery Commercial will also be on display.

Land Rover launched the Defender Hard Top 90 and 110 range last autumn, respectively offering 1.36m3 and 2.1m3 of load space. 90 models will carry payloads up to 670kg, while 110 models provide between 778kg and 800kg. A standard Euro pallet can be carried in 110 models. Like its predecessor, a side hinged tailgate gives access to the load area.

The flat load floor offers up to six lashing points. Lockable underfloor storage areas provide a useful 58 litres of concealed storage space. 110 models have additional underfloor storage space in the space where the footwell would be for rear seat passengers in the passenger model, extending concealed storage capacity to 155 litres. A standard full-height bulkhead includes four hooks in the load area.

Up front, two seats are standard and a central jump seat is available as an option. 90 Hard Top models are only available with entry level Defender specification, including fabric seat and rubber floor coverings. 110 Hard Top buyers have greater choice with Defender, S, SE and HSE specification on offer. Standard ADAS equipment includes Land Rover’s 3D Surround Camera system.

Independent coil suspension is standard with the option of electronic air suspension on 110 models.  This can raise ground clearance to 291mm, offering approach, breakover and departure angles of 38, 28 and 40 degrees. Towing capacity is 3,500kg and Defender Hard Top can wade through water up to 900mm deep.

Land Rover’s Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive system is standard on all Defender Hard Top models, which will vector the necessary torque to the appropriate drive wheels. Eight-speed automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer ‘box is standard across the range.

Power for the Defender 90 Hard Top models comes from the 200hp D200 in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel, producing 500Nm of torque. 110 Hard Top models are available with either the 249hp D250 or 300hp D300 Ingenium six-cylinder diesels.

More information from landrover.co.uk

For the latest Land Rover lease deals visit leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing/land-rover

London Electric Vehicle Company

London taxi manufacturer LEVC will exhibit at the CV Show for the first time. Two VN5 van models will be on show, a standard panel van and a converted model. The Coventry-built VN5 was launched late last year. The VN5 is manufactured using a bonded aluminium monocoque clad with sheet moulded compound (SMC) body panels.

The lightweight construction method results in a gross payload of 830kg, while load capacity is a generous 5.5m3. Equipped with a range extender powertrain, the VN5 can travel up to 58 miles on a fully charged battery. The 1.5-litre range extender petrol engine will extend this to over 300 miles.

Business, City and Ultima trim are offered with the VN5, while LEVC offers six option packs. The van is covered by a five year/150,000 miles warranty while the battery is covered for eight years/150,000-miles.

For more information levc.com

For great leasing deals for your next van visit leasingoptions.co.uk/van-manufacturers

Maxus

LDV became Maxus last year. The Chinese manufacturer will only display electric models on its  stand at the CV Show this year, with variants of the e DELIVER 3 and larger e DELIVER 9 on show.

E DELIVER 3 can cover up to 213 miles on a full charge. Power comes from a 92kW (123bhp) electric motor. Two battery options are available, with a choice of 35kWh or 52.5kWh. Rapid charging for 40 minutes will deliver an 80 per cent charge. The newest variant, the long wheelbase chassis cab will be on the show stand, before going on sale in the autumn. A second e DELIVER 3, a refrigerated conversion will also be on show.

E DELIVER 9, can travel up to 219 miles on a full charge, powered by a 150kW (201bhp) motor. Three battery options are available with e DELIVER 9, providing capacities of 51.5kWh, 72kWh or 88.6kWh. Rapid charging will give an 80 per cent charge in around 45 minutes. The e DELIVER 9 display will include medium and long wheelbase chassis cabs and a medium wheelbase bus.

For further information go to saicmaxus.co.uk

For your next van leasing deals leasingoptions.co.uk/van-manufacturers

SsangYong

The facelifted Musso was launched recently and the Korean pickup will make its CV Show debut, distinguished from earlier models with a larger front grille. The Musso range offers a choice of EX, Rebel, Saracen and Rhino LWB. The load bed on all models except the Rhino LWB is 1,300mm long. For Rhino LWB models it is extended to 1,610mm, the longest pickup bed available on the UK market.

All models will handle a one-tonne payload. Manual and automatic transmission is available. Manual versions can tow a 3,200kg braked trailer, while automatic models can tow up to 3,500kg. All Musso pickups are equipped with alloy wheels, DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity, manual air conditioning, remote central locking, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlight control. A seven year/150,000-mile warranty is standard across the range.

A Rexton SUV converted by Bespoke Traffic and Highway Solutions to police specifications will complete the SsangYong display.

More information here ssangyonggb.co.uk

More commercial vehicle leasing deals at leasingoptions.co.uk/van-manufacturers

Toyota

The CV Show will see the launch of the Proace City Electric, before it goes on sale later this year. Power will come from a 50kWh battery pack driving the 100kW (134hp) electric motor. The show will also give the larger Proace Electric its CV Show debut following its launch earlier this year. Proace Electric is available with either a 50kWh or 75kWh battery pack, giving up to 205 miles of range on a full charge.

As well as the electric vans, Toyota will have its complete light CV range on the stand, including the Land Cruiser Commercial and the latest Hilux pickup, launched earlier this year. The latest generation Hilux can be specified with Single, Extra or Double Cab with a choice of 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel power. It can handle payloads up to 1,030kg. All models can tow a 3,500kg trailer.

Land Cruiser Commercial is available in two lengths, can carry up to 756kg and tow trailers up to 3,000kg. Permanent all-wheel-drive is standard with a choice of manual or automatic transmission.

More information here www.toyota.co.uk/new-cars/toyota-lcv/

For Toyota van leasing offers leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing/toyota

Vauxhall

Vauxhall is pulling the trigger on its full electric van line up with global debuts for the Combo-e and Movano-e, giving the Luton van maker a fully electric line up for fleets and businesses.

The Combo-e features a 50kWh battery providing a range of 171 miles combined with a load volume of 4.4m3. The large van Movano-e has a cargo volume of up to 17m3, while its electric powertrain is capable of 139 miles before recharging.

Both the Combo-e and the Movano-e will be appearing alongside the Vivaro-e mid-sized panel van which went on sale in July 2020. But there will be a further addition with the display of the Vauxhall’s Vivaro-e Platform Cab Concept, which will also make its debut at the CV Show.

Working with Paneltex on the vehicle body, Vauxhall Fleet has worked on the concept with its customers to create a concept that targets supermarkets and retailers who are looking at short-cycle home delivery in urban areas within one to two hours.

Another UK debutant will be the new Vivaro-e Hydrogen, which will be available in LHD markets from the end of 2021 and the UK in RHD from early 2023.

The Hydrogen-powered van features a fuel cell system located in the engine bay for a 249 mile range and refuelling in as little as three minutes. It has an uncompromised cargo volume of up to 6.1m3. Vauxhall says it is talking to corporate fleets as potential customers ahead of its UK launch.

More information here vauxhall.co.uk/vans/commercial-vehicles.html

For the latest Vauxhall van deals leasingoptions.co.uk/van-leasing/vauxhall