new van with tailgate

[Blem]

I am looking to update to a new turbo diesel van as my 98 econovan with 2lt petrol engine just can't cope with going up our South Eastern freeway every day.
I need more torque. I prefer a manual.
I also need a van with a tailgate in preference to the barn doors that are now most common.
The tailgate gives protection from sun & rain.Posting here as van & ute section has little traffic.
I drove a Renault traffic in auto. It pulled ok up the steep freeway but the auto even in manual mode is crap.
Any suggestions or feedback appreciated.
I am posting this thread here as the ute / van section has little traffic & is mainly about utes.
Cheers

[XR Martin]

Hiace has a proper tailgate.
Reliable and cheap to fix (when compared to Euro competitors)

Id buy an auto diesel one though, the manuals are a bit laggy. Fuel economy is 8-10l/100km. Put a towbar on it even if you arent going to tow, the bumper doesnt do anything to protect the backend from impacts.

Do suffer from a few issues like cracked radiator tanks, window motors, seat fabric wear, excessive brake wear.

[NeillNZ]

Have you had a look at the Hyundai iLoad? I have my eye on one as a replacement for my current forward control van. I've only test driven, they do go well. Specs are impressive. Barn doors are an option, by default they have a lift type rear door.

[Blem]

Hiace is a good package even in auto but most "modern" vans are locating the engine in front of the front wheels & the driver is seated more towards the middle rather than on top of the front wheel thus making the ride more sedan like.
I will not buy another van were I sit on top of the front wheels like a pogo stick.
I have 2 requirements:
1. Torque
2. not Toyota (ie not sitting atop of front wheel)
Main targets seem to be Renault & Hyundai.
Seems Transit only come in barn doors?

[XR Martin]

Mercedes Vito has a tailgate

[Xauterus]

The new Hiace feels much better to drive seating position wise that the older models. The auto diesel is a great combo.

[Blem]

Drove an auto Hiace just last week. Drove well & great trans but prefer to sit behind the front wheel.
Nice to have more than a headlight between my feet & any impact plus better ride.
The Vito is down on kw & nm & I've been told expensive to service.
Going to test drive a Hyundai today & hopefully a few others.
****ed about the Transit rear doors. I drove one about a year ago & was super impressed.

[Blem]

Edit to above
The Vito cuts good kw & nm. Just pricey

[XR Martin]

Merc might be expensive to service, but its a variable interval. Can be as much as 40k kms.

Hiace is every 10k

[Blem]

Just drove an Iload manual & an auto.
Both cream the Renault traffic in drive ability, kw, nm, comfort, ease of access etc etc.
Think I'll get the auto. Was 2012 with 60k on the clock asking 29k driveaway. Barely run in.
Should be able to get that price down.