It was a great year for new van releases in 2018, with various new models, updates and developments happening. The biggest launches came from Mercedes-Benz with the new Sprinter update the German manufacturers first-ever pick-up, while the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo got an update during the PSA/Vauxhall-Opel partnership.

We've rounded up our top 5 van developments of 2018:

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

The third generation Mercedes Sprinter panel van entered the market in 2018 with a complete redesign and the latest technology features from Mercedes. With a possible of 1,700 combinations of body styles, power and drivetrain options, heights and body lengths, the new Sprinter is one of the best releases of 2018 in our eyes. 

The new, much larger, van was designed to offer technological advances, as well as a wide range of body, chassis and seating options to accommodate every kind of business and personal requirement.

Citroen Berlingo

A new version of Citroen’s best-selling van arrived in the summer of 2018, with a cabin inspired by the French firm's passenger cars. The new generation Berlingo came fitted with new touchscreen technology and high-tech safety aids; but where it still shines is with its practicality. The interior cubby space totals a huge 186 litres and comes with a new roof storage system that Citroen calls the Modutop. For practicality and improvement, this one had to make the list. 

This stands alongside it's now-sister vans, the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo - both equally as respectable. 

Ford Transit Custom

Of course, the age-old Ford Transit Custom had to be included for its new but equally as reliable and functional design. The 2018 model delivered an even wider range of smart technologies, as well as greater efficiency. It was also designed to meet the new Euro Stage 6 emissions standards, reducing emissions and cutting running costs with its Ford EcoBlue 2.0 litre engines. 

Looks-wise it's also had a facelift with the new slimmer headlights and 'trapezoid grille' front. 

Toyota Hilux

We can't forget to include a notable pickup in our line-up, and one worth mentioning is definitely the Toyota Hilux for its sheer iconic image that still remains with the 2018 version. The new Hilux remains as durable as ever, and despite a slight appearance change to appeal to a more mass-martket audience, it still holds its 'go anywhere' status. 

A new 2.4-litre diesel engine is what you’ll find in all new Hilux, replacing the older 3.0 litre unit and pairing nicely with the automatic gearbox. 

Ford Fiesta Van

Throwing a spanner in the van work was the newest and most unusual release from Ford with their new Fiesta van. The small car-derived van is currently the only one of its kind on the market, since the Vauxhall Corsavan came off sale. The van model is based on the Fiesta hatchback but foregoes rear seats to create a larger loading space of one cubic metre, pushing it subtly into the van market. 

As we mentioned, 2018 was a great year for both new releases and technology developments. We saw old favourite getting facelifts, leading partnerships being made into triple threats and a car entering the van market. 2019 is set to be just as exciting...