The bigger the Bipper

If its carrying capacity suits, operators will find a sharp handling, practical small van that’s refreshingly affordable to run.

The Bipper’s compact design and resultant modest carrying capacity allows it to get away with a pair of small, economical engines.

The diesel option is 1.4-litres in capacity and you’ll find it under the bonnets of superminis from Peugeot, Citroen and Ford.

There’s also a more frugal 75bhp 1.3-litre diesel option that features a Stop-Start system to reduce emissions and can return up to 68.9mpg on the combined cycle while putting out as little as 109g/km of CO2.

The 1.4-litre petrol unit has 75bhp but just 118Nm available at 2,600rpm. It’s less satisfactory in most key areas but is a little quieter if that’s your priority.

The petrol unit manages 41mpg but there’s an excellent 63mpg available from the diesel.

The Bipper is a small van and buyers considering it will be acutely aware of the capacity issue. Considering that the vehicle is well under four metres in length, its 1.523mm load length is pretty good.

Better still, there’s an optional folding passenger seat that in creases the available load length to around 2,490mm.

The load volume is 2.5m3 without said seat folded or 2.8m3 with it in the down position. The tough torsion beam rear suspension allows the Bipper to carry up to 660kg.

These dimensions clearly position the Bipper between the smaller car-derived vans and the larger compact vans in terms of capacity but being designed as a commercial vehicle from the outset, it shares far more with the compact vans on grounds of practicality. There’s a good amount of storage space in the cabin and the materials have been chosen for their durability.

Operators will also appreciate the upright driving position and the supportive seating.