PSA’s Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van and Vauxhall/Opel Combo vans have taken the International Van Of The Year 2019 (IVOTY) title.

PSA Group has won the 2019 IVOTY Award for its new generation of c-vans

Revealed this summer and due out at the end of the year, the models have been designed as part of a cross-business programme following PSA Group’s acquisition of Vauxhall and are now all built on the group’s EMP2 people-carrier platform. The vans also introduce two body lengths and an all-wheel drive variant as well as the latest generation of powertrains and driver assistance equipment. The vehicles will be available in two-, three-, and five-seater versions and bring a load capacity of 1,000kg.

According to Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY jury, the new line-up is “the most significant small panel van development in years”.

Commenting on the jury’s decision, he added: “The common programme to the four Brands of Groupe PSA, the Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo Van, Vauxhall Combo and Opel Combo, is well future-proofed, packed with technological advancements to aid the driver and financially benefit the owner or fleet manager. The creation of the overload alert system is a great initiative as it will ensure compliance and enhance safety. The availability of two wheelbase versions is another step forward as is the introduction of an all-wheel-drive variant, considering that an increasing number of utility companies are looking for 4×4 traction in a small van. All in all, an excellent package, well put together.”