THERE'S a breeze of optimism blowing through the light commercial vehicle market.
There may be concern over falling sales in the car arena, but the van is a vital ingredient in the lifeblood of the nation and rolls on regardless.
We have already seen the specifications and comfort levels of vans rocket in the last few years, but it now seems that image is the name of the game as increasingly more stylish vans jostle for the attention of the buyers and operators.
A few years ago who would have thought there would be a sporty mainstream van in Britain, but following the example of Mr T in the A-Team, manufacturers are piling on the power dressing in light commercials.
Ford has done it with the Transit and Transit Connect Sport Van and another manufacturer to take to the sports lane is Renault with its Trafic Sport.
This is one vehicle which proves you can mix business with pleasure. Stylish in looks, it is well equipped to cope with any type of cargo, whether it be urban or motorway delivery loads during the week or for family use at the weekend, the new range starts from £15,700 (excluding VAT) and offers £1,785 of extra equipment for £1,250 more than equivalent models - a saving of £535.
Available on Panel Van, six-seat Crew Van+ and nine-seat versions of the Trafic, the new Sport trim level provides 16-inch 'Ixtar' alloy wheels, all round metallic paint, Air Con Plus pack (air conditioning, electric front windows and electrically heated door mirrors), driver's armrest, front fog lights and new upholstery.
Positioned slightly above the Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive and below VW Transporter Sportline, the new model is expected to account for a significant proportion of sales, particularly with small and medium-sized businesses which want to deliver an image as well as the goods.
Ford prefers to make their sport vans limited editions, but Renault took the step of making them part of the mainstream range.
Renault is rightly proud of the Trafic van which is celebrating after scooping the highly-coveted Environment Award in the 2008 Fleet World Honours, thanks to its impressive range of low emission vehicles.
Renault's Trafic van remains the LCV to beat after winning 'Best Medium Van' for an outstanding sixth consecutive year.
All models offer a broad range of body styles, including short and long wheelbase with standard and high roof options. Body volumes span 5.0 to 7.1 cubic metres, while there are combi, chassis-cab and double-cab models. Van payloads of 1,000kg and 1,200kg help to give a wide variety of choice for fleet users.
Inside, drivers are well catered for. Storage space is plentiful and the driving position is still one of the best.
Subtle changes from the 2006 facelift have left the stylish dashboard largely unchanged. It is also a good van to drive with a fine balance of ride and handling either empty, or loaded to full gross weight.
The Trafic Sport van captured some admiring glances due its stylish road presence. It was one of the new generation of Trafics that can be fitted with a sat nav and this is where the concept came a little unstuck. Because the small screen is situated way back in the centre of the dash, I found it difficult to see from the wheel.
Under the bonnet, the Euro-IV engine range is sourced from Renault/Nissan with a 2.0-litre common-rail diesel providing a useful power increase over its 1.9-litre predecessor with 90PS and 115PS.
The 2.5-litre common-rail diesel produces 150PS, giving effortless performance for maximum payload work. There's also a 120PS two-litre petrol engine, while both diesels are available with an automated six-speed gearbox to make light of stop/start operations.
FAST FACTS
Renault Trafic Sport
Price: from £15,700 (excluding VAT)
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,996cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd gearbox
Max speed: 99mph
0-62mph: 15 secs
CO2 emissions: 214g/km