Photo: used compact vans of the Ukrainian market (vwpress.co.uk) Author: Konstantin Shirokun
There is no doubt that there are no more versatile cars for Ukraine: at the same time practical, utilitarian and quite attractive in aesthetic terms. Almost every car manufacturer offers something in the segment of multi-purpose station wagons with a high roof.
Read about the features of the five most suitable models of the class known as “pie” in the RBC-Ukraine article.
The great injustice is that this segment still does not have its own adequate name. High wagon, pie, heel – these slang driver nicknames do not quite correspond to reality. And the essence of these cars is that they offer:
- A maximally multi-purpose body – with a spacious passenger compartment, which, thanks to interior transformations, can be converted into a cargo-passenger or cargo compartment;
- Suitable for both family and commercial use;
- Quite a “passenger car” look – even in a purely cargo version, the car does not give the impression of a brutal heavy-duty vehicle;
- Availability of maintenance and repair. These vehicles are based on the chassis of popular passenger models – that is, they do not require expensive spare parts typical for purely commercial vehicles.
Although all models in this segment offered by automakers are very similar in functionality, there are differences between them. The service life, reliability, maintenance costs, engine lines, capacity of different versions and the number of versions themselves, transmission type (4×2 and 4×4), trim level of passenger versions, etc. differ.
By the way, regarding passenger variants – probably at least half of them on the secondary market in Ukraine are actually converted cargo variants. In general, this is not critical, but keep in mind that home-made seats, belts and airbags will not always meet passive safety requirements.
Volkswagen Caddy (2003-2021)
Probably, in one or two more generations, the word “Caddick” will be used to refer to all “pies” – station wagons with a high roof: the Volkswagen model meets all the canons of this class so well. This car has a reliable and durable design, which is why it is highly valued among car enthusiasts. It is offered with a wide range of engines, including naturally aspirated diesels, pump-injector units and Common Rail systems with electronic control. Gasoline engines are also presented in the range with a choice of 5-6 models. Few competitors can offer the opportunity to choose a passenger version with such a comfortable interior, including a soft front panel. In addition, in our country, the car is attractive due to the availability of service and a wide range of spare parts from different manufacturers.
Ford Transit Connect/Tourneo Connect (2002-2013)
A more affordable car, while its practicality is also fine. The model was initially popular in our country due to mass official deliveries. The key advantage of the Ford is its load capacity of 825-900 kg, which is significantly more than most competitors (600-750 kg). Additionally, the model is distinguished by a variety of modifications: both long and short versions, as well as low or high bodies are available. The cargo compartment is impressive in its size – it can accommodate two standard Euro pallets. The range of engines includes 1.8-liter diesel and gasoline options, but experienced owners recommend diesel engines. It is especially worth warning that the Transit Connect is a cargo modification, and the Tourneo Connect is a passenger version, and in the secondary market there is often confusion with the names – partly due to the fact that a large number of “passengers” on the market are converted trucks.
Renault Kangoo (2007-2021)
The French model is very popular due to its affordable price, ease of use and durability. The second generation of the “Kangu” was equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine and a 1.6-liter petrol unit, which can easily be combined with LPG equipment. Although the car is not considered very reliable, most technical problems can be eliminated without significant costs. There is also an electric version on sale, which can be found among cars imported from Europe. An interesting nuance: in Ukraine, a version of the “Kangu” was officially sold under the Mercedes-Benz brand. This car, known as Citan, was practically no different from the original Renault and was intended for companies that preferred the Mercedes-Benz brand for image reasons.
Citroen Berlingo (2008-2018)
This car actually exists in two guises – under the names Citroen Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, and the differences between the “brothers” are minimal. Quite a few copies of the passenger version of Berlingo II were officially sold in our country, and they offered rich trim levels that were unusual for this segment, including options with a glass roof for greater comfort. The available engine lineup consisted of two 1.6-liter engines: a naturally aspirated gasoline engine and a diesel engine in five power modifications. Traditionally for the PSA alliance, diesel engines are known for their efficiency and ease of maintenance. If desired, you can find Berlingo II in a fully electric version: it has Japanese electronics (Mitsubishi i-MiEV), but it is better to be wary of older electric models – the batteries in them have already degraded in many ways.
Fiat Doblo (2000-2023)
This model is one of the most affordable commercial vehicles due to its simple design. At one time, Fiat engineers emphasized the absence of complex mechanisms: engines, suspension and transmission are simplified as much as possible. Thus, the car is not distinguished by either dynamics or service life, but its repair is inexpensive. The car is equipped with both diesel and gasoline engines, and gasoline versions can be equipped with gas equipment for liquefied propane-butane LPG. By the way, in certain years, LPG could be official – it was installed by dealers before sale in Ukraine. Among the modifications, there is also a four-wheel drive version of Doblo Adventure, which was not officially supplied to the Ukrainian market, but is found on the secondary market as imported from abroad.
Short
In this class – one of the most popular in the country – the choice is accordingly unlimited. And against this background, it is very easy to stumble upon a maximally worn-out example, which will not be cheap to return to active life. Therefore, regardless of the model and configuration, treat the choice of a specific example with maximum attention, not sparing money and time for a thorough inspection of the body, checking its geometry and diagnostics of the power unit at the service station.
In preparing this article, materials from Autocentre and AutoRia were used .
Let us recall that RBC-Ukraine recently reported on the types of all-wheel drive available on pickups and SUVs.