THE Renault Trafic/Vauxhall Vivaro light panel van has been named International Van of the Year 2002 by a panel of judges.

The 20 judges from across Europe gave the van 115 points. The second-placed Vauxhall Combo gained 34 points, followed by Ford Transit on 24 and Fiat Doblo Cargo on 19. The van was chosen for its striking design, smooth common rail diesel unit, low operating costs, reliability and durability - a rather surprising claim bearing in mind it only went on sale in September 2001.