You know the Ford Transit Connect? We like it and businesses seem to be appreciating the fact they don't need to buy a V8-powered Econoline to tote about plumbing supplies or wedding cakes. Now, in Europe, these little van things aren't that rare. In addition to the more business-intended models like the Transit Connect, there are civilian models of various sizes that are generally the same ultra-efficient vanish wagony shape as the Transit Connect ... and they almost all have really goofy names. I love them. Behold after the jump.
My favorite, the Peugeot Bipper Tepee!
According to CAR Magazine, "Van-based, practical and cheap. But everyone at work will think you live in a Yurt and compost your own feces ... 0-60 in 19 seconds!"
The Skoda Roomster
The Peugeot Partner Tepee
The Renault Kangoo
The Citroen Nemo Multispace
(This is actually the same as the Bipper Tepee)
The Citroen Berlingo
(The previous generation was actually the first car reviewed by Clarkson on the new Top Gear)
The Fiat Doblo
The Skoda Yeti
The Fiat Qubo
(The is actually the same as the Bipper Tepee and Nemo, but for some reason, this one seems better ... I can't be certain, but it's probably its apparent ability to attract Italian babes.)
James Riswick, Automotive Editor
By 06scooby
on November 3, 2010
07:28 AM
American's might not embrace some of the funky styling elements or the names but I think idea of these could be pretty popular... I'm seeing the transit connects everywhere. I think their main fail is not offering a small diesel option in them as much as they are marketed to businesses. the transit connect with a diesel similar to the 2.0 VW one would be perfect as a city run about and way more economical then a loaded down gas 4 banger.
By moparbad
on November 3, 2010
06:40 PM
And do they have diesel engines? Way too efficient to be sold in North America.
By seppoboy
on November 4, 2010
06:24 AM
You missed the original, adorable Fiat Multipla, before they freshened the styling and left it looking more conventional.
By carzrstarz
on November 4, 2010
01:29 PM
That Peugot is pretty sleek actually!
By thejohnp
on November 4, 2010
07:04 PM
I'd say the Nissan Cube would fit into this category. And we've seen how those have failed to take off here in the US.
By vwblues
on November 5, 2010
01:13 PM
I'll take the FIAT with factory air please
By verdi942
on November 8, 2010
07:38 AM
Terrific everyday commuter/suburban runabouts. Fuel-efficient, space-efficient - everything the ScionXb/Kia Soul should be but aren't. I drove a diesel Renault Megane version over 10 years ago - 5 doors, 4+ seats, plenty of low-speed pep; about 50mpg. Ford should promote the non-commercial market for the Transit like crazy.