MAN TGE Van Review

The Man TGE Van at a glance

When it comes to large panel vans, the MAN TGE is one of the newest and most reasonably priced on the market. First hitting the road in 2017, the young but powerful

TGE stands strong against competitors such as the Ford Transit or Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. As the first large van to come from MAN, typically known for their truck and bus manufacturing, the TGE is modern, practical and capable.

The MAN TGE boasts a powerful engine, impressive torque, a well-designed interior and a wide range of brilliant safety features; it doesn’t just talk the talk, it really does walk the walk. We’ll get into the details shortly, but it’s safe to say we are mightily impressed with this vehicle.

For tradespeople and van lovers alike, the TGE could be a perfect choice. Pricepoint, practicality, aesthetics and driving experience make this one of our favourite vans on the market.

Read on to hear our thoughts on its engine, specifications and interior.

Engines and Spec

Before we dive into the specs, it’s worth noting that although the TGE is a ‘new’ model of van, it is essentially a re-branding of the newest Volkswagen Crafter. The TGE and Crafter are manufactured in the same factory and are identical in every way, aside from the badging and a few interior trim changes. This is great news for those looking for a high-end modern van as, although the Crafter is a brilliant vehicle, MAN’s TGE might just top it owing to price point and aftercare.

Under the bonnet, the TGE features a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, based on the TDI from Volkswagen. With a choice of 102, 122, 140 and 177hp engine models, there is something to suit every prospective buyer’s needs. Whilst the six-speed manual gearbox that comes fitted as standard is excellent, there is also the option of an 8-speed upgrade. The 2.0-litre engine is also more than capable of providing enough torque and power to move the van with ease, leading to a smooth driving experience

The MAN TGE does fall behind its competitors slightly regarding fuel economy and payload. The van has an on-paper figure of 38.2mpg and a maximum payload of 1,333kg on the FWD 3.5t variant; these numbers both decrease on models with longer body lengths, putting it behind other competitors of the same class. Fortunately, a start/stop system is fitted at standard, lending a hand when it comes to fuel consumption and idling.

Interior

Inside the cab, the TGE feels and looks great, boasting quality, comfort and practicality. For those looking for a van that they can work from, this is ideal. We are definitely fans of the dual passenger seat that can be folded down to reveal an in-cab desk! Moreover, the cab space feels spacious, with plenty of open storage, a lockable glovebox and an ergonomic layout.

Regarding the cab’s technology, its user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system is simple to use and makes controlling music, navigation and calls a breeze. What’s more, the well-thought-out cab design features clear control and instruments.

Safety Features

One thing that really caught our attention with the MAN TGE is the abundance of intuitive safety features that come fitted as standard. The van features autonomous emergency braking technology, electronic stability control, cross-wind assist and driver’s airbags, all as stock.

Additionally, MAN gives the option of numerous extra safety equipment such as active lane assist, adaptive cruise control, blindspot monitors, cross-traffic alert and side sensors.

This abundance of safety technology is one of our favourite things about the TGE, making it an excellent choice for those spending a lot of time commuting or on the road.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great driving experience

• Good value

• Incredible range of safety features

Cons

• Lower payload than competitors

• Less fuel efficient than rivals

The Verdict

Overall, this is a mightily impressive large van. The combination of aesthetic appeal, practicality, safety and in-cab technology make it a great all-rounder, perfect for tradespeople of all kinds. What this van may lack in payload and fuel efficiency, it more than makes up for in its many amazing safety features and well-designed ergonomic interior.

The MAN TGE’s powerful 2.0-litre engine, choice of horsepower and smooth drivability help it shine amongst some impressive competition.

To discover all the MAN TGE has to offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at Van Sales UK. We’re always here to answer any questions you may have and, if you’re unsure, we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Call us now on 0117 428 7721 or send an email to sales@vansalesuk.co.uk.