Want a small petrol van? DFSK is back in the UK

DFSK is back in the UK with a new range of vans.

The Chinese brand – best known for its small Loadhopper vans that bore a striking resemblance to BMWs with their kidney-shaped grille – will be brought to the UK by Vehicle Import & Distribution, a subsidiary of Bassadone Automotive, owner of the UK importer and distributor of SsangYong 4x4 cars and LCVs. 

New DFSK vans will arrive in the UK this summer, with four models: the C31 single-cab minitruck; C32 double-cab minitruck; C35 panel van; and the C37 minivan. 

The models share a stand with the SsangYong Rexton W CSX, SsangYong Korando and revamped SsangYong Musso pick-up truck. 

Steve Gray, marketing and communications director at SsangYong Motor GB, said: “This is a preview of the new vehicles that will go on sale in the summer.

"People are downsizing across the light commercial vehicle segment, and you wouldn’t expect to see small vans with petrol engines like these in this sector.”

The vans are powered by a 1.5-litre Euro-6B petrol engine, and Gray said that with the increasing dislike of diesel, a small petrol alternative has the potential to appeal to councils looking to clean up their fleets.

Despite the ties to SsangYong, Gray said its dealers will not be forced in to taking the DFSK brand, but can foresee a number of SsangYong dealers with a base for CV customers adopting the Chinese manufacturer’s products. 

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