SMALL vans have been the stars of the auction floor in the first quarter of this year among commercial vehicles, with older, pre-common rail diesel panel vans the hardest to shift.

According to Glass’s Information Services, small vans including the Vauxhall Corsavan, Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo and Renault Clio vans are proving extremely popular.

George Alexander, chief commercial vehicle editor at Glass’s, said: ‘From a slow start, there has been an increasing level of attendance that has now reached a point where very few halls are not packed with an enthusiastic audience.’

Vauxhall is having a particularly strong time of it. Alexander said: ‘There is a healthy level of trade interest for Vauxhall’s Corsavan, which continues to be offered in small numbers. Even Combos are beginning to find favour on the open market, which has not been seen for some time. The Astra, now supplied with a CDTi engine, is becoming a firm favourite with trade and retail customers alike, who must pay strong money to take ownership of the best examples.’

Recognition of the strength of the Peugeot HDi engines means that values of 206D vans without that engine are slipping, while rare Renault Clio vans are being snapped up. In the panel van segment, Alexander said pre-common rail vehicles must be turbocharged and presented in clean condition to garner interest, while low-mileage Transits, well-specified Renault Trafics and Toyota Hiaces remain popular.