MAN TGE Dropside Review

The TGE Dropside at a glance

When the MAN TGE van models were released in 2017, they became an instant rival to some of the world’s most popular vans. With The beloved Mercedes Sprinter and famed Ford Transit to name just a couple. So, why did this brand-new van from a manufacturer that was best known for its truck vehicles suddenly become a force to be reckoned with?

In short, the MAN TGE is a VW Crafter. Strip away the slightly different bodywork with MAN branding and you’ll have the latest VW Crafter in almost every respect and let’s be honest that’s not exactly a bad thing. The Crafter has built up a brilliant reputation over the years and is undoubtedly one of the world’s most capable vans. There are a whole host of benefits that come with the new MAN TGE and the van is arguably one of the best dropsides on the market today. So, if you’re a tradesman who often needs to transport large loads the TGE Dropside should definitely be a consideration.

Engines and Spec

Perhaps not surprisingly the TGE has the same VW 2.0-litre TDI turbo diesel engines found in the latest models of the Crafter. These engines have a reputation for both quality and performance as they really do kick out a lot of power for 2.0-litres. The engine comes in four different power outputs ranging from 102hp to a huge 177hp for the twin-turbo option.

Naturally, this large and powerful engine comes with a fair deal of torque too, making it excellent for towing. The smallest engine model comes with 300Nm of torque and the largest variant is capable of 410Nm. Put it this way, that amount of torque will certainly be able to handle a heavy load after a long day on site.

One slight drawback with these engines is the economic factor. Of course, with most high-power output engines, you expect to lose a bit of performance when it comes to the running costs, and the TGE is no different. The van can manage 38.2mpg but despite this being fairly low it’s still very respectable considering the TGE’s size and power.

Interior

The interior of the TGE really is where this van shines. Much like the Crafter, the cab space is designed impeccably with plenty of secure storage and ergonomic features on offer. Another standout feature of the TGE’s interior is its comfort. The driving position is brilliant with little in the way of blind spots thanks to the van’s low profile A-pillars and high driving position. The steering wheel is also fairly vertical which is a nice addition to see and certainly makes the van feel more ‘car-like’ to drive. This steering wheel also comes with reach and rake adjustment so you can fine-tune this driving position to suit you perfectly.

The TGE’s cab also comes standard with a Bluetooth radio and audio system and 12V socket. So, you can stay entertained and connected on those morning commutes to the site. What’s more, the base model also comes with cruise control which is a fantastic luxury for a modern van.

The one weakness some people may see with the TGE is its payload. The Sprinter and Transit both have higher payloads than the MAN. However, the capacity is still more than big enough for almost any job and with all the other guaranteed benefits the TGE remains a brilliant option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Car-like to drive
• Great value
• Powerful engines

Cons

• Fairly low payload
• Few UK dealers
• Low fuel economy

The Verdict

The TGE Dropside is a capable, reliable, and comfortable high-payload van. For these reasons, it would be a fitting vehicle for most tradespeople. Not only is the van extremely powerful, but it also comes with some incredibly modern benefits which make it both easy and enjoyable to drive. The driveability of a van while often ignored is an incredibly important aspect and can usually be the difference-maker in choosing a vehicle.

It’s not just comfort and driveability though. The TGE Dropside is incredibly safe with standard features such as automated braking assist and cruise control. These features make it a great choice for any tradespeople that have particularly long commutes or use a van on a regular basis.

If the MAN TGE Dropside sounds like something you’d be interested in we certainly don’t blame you! Feel free to contact our experienced and friendly staff today to find out more!