The large panel van sector has a new arrival in the shape of the MAN TGE. German company MAN Truck & Bus is an established truck manufacturer that today is part of the Volkswagen Group, but the arrival of the TGE marks its first venture into the light commercial vehicle market. If the TGE looks familiar, that's because it's essentially a rebadged version of the Volkswagen Crafter. The two vans are built in the same factory in Poland, and the differences between the two largely centre around the front end and the badging. The Crafter's two-bar grille with large VW roundel is replaced by a piano black trim piece on the TGE that features the MAN logo with the company's lion badge above it. In addition, the TGE features its model designation on the front wing ahead of the doors. Further back, only the different manufacturer badges differentiate the two models.
Like the Crafter, there are a variety of body, chassis and drive options on sale. The panel van version has three roof heights - Normal, High and Super-high - and three body lengths - Standard, Long and Extra-long - while the latter two feature a long wheelbase. MAN also offers TGE Chassis Cab and Crew Cab body styles. The Chassis Cab comes in the same three lengths as the panel van, while the Crew Cab comes in Standard and Long forms. Under the skin, the TGE's running gear is the same as the Crafter. MAN uses its truck naming structure for the TGE, so different models are identified by their numbers which relate to their gross weight and the power output of the van's engine. The TGE benefits from the same safety technology as the Crafter. That means electronic driver aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, park assist and trailer assist are all available, although these are all on the extensive options list. Other available extras include a touchscreen sat-nav, ergoComfort suspended seats, seat heating, climate control, a rear camera and side sensors that detect objects in your blind spots. There are a number of load area upgrades, too, including additional sliding doors with optional windows, different bulkhead designs and access steps. The one thing that will separate the TGE range from the Crafter and its other van rivals is the service back-up that will be available from MAN Truck dealerships and service centres. Another benefit of choosing MAN is its MAN Mobile24 emergency service, which will send out a dedicated MAN service and repair technician to you to help you get going as quickly as possible. This should provide a better level of service than with rivals that simply include cover from a breakdown company as part of their after-sales package.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which recognises road markings and initiates an audible warning chime and tell-tale light display if the vehicle should unintentionally veer out of lane. Advanced Park Assist (APA) helps the driver detect a suitable parking slot by using multiple sensors in the front and rear bumpers. APA calculates the optimal parking path, and guides the driver with steering input displays in the centre stack screen and audible warnings. Vauxhall has added a rugged SUV-inspired all-purpose estate to its New Insignia range with its first public appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Known as the Insignia Country Tourer, and based on the Sports Tourer model, but with all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and tougher styling. With its signature Griffin grille, now wider and deeper, the Country Tourer’s front styling is distinctively Vauxhall. The grille’s horizontal chrome bar carries the central brand emblem and is sculpted in a wing form, with its outer tips turned upwards alongside the headlamps.
A protective panel, in a gleaming silver finish, sweeps out from under the engine compartment, a prominent design theme echoed at the rear. Another feature is the anthracite-coloured protective cladding on the side sills and lower body sections, which gives the wheel-arches a more pronounced, flared look. A final visual flourish is provided by distinctive front and rear light units. The headlamps, with embedded chrome accents, incorporate wing-style LED daytime running lights. This theme is repeated at the rear, with LED brake and taillights. State-of-the-art all-wheel drive is combined with two powerful turbo-diesel engines: a 2.0-litre BiTurbo CDTi, producing 195PS and 400Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre CDTi with 165PS and up to 380Nm torque available. A choice of six-speed manual or a low-friction, six-speed automatic transmission is available on the 2.0-litre (165PS) diesel engine. The 2.0-litre (195PS) BiTurbo diesel engine is available in automatic only. The electronically controlled 4x4 drivetrain incorporates a high-quality clutch, operating on Haldex principles, and an electronic limited-slip differential to ensure superb traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
