'2023 International Van of the Year' Award Goes To Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
by AutoExpert | 22 September, 2022
The 2023 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) title has been awarded to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, the company's commercial version of the ID. Buzz minivan. The Buzz Cargo received 110 points from a jury of 24 van specialists, which placed it 10 points ahead of the new Ford Pro E-Transit.
Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Nissan Townstar Zero-Emission, and Mercedes-Benz eCitan, which are all built on the same platform and use the same EV running gear, shared the top spot. As a result, electric vehicles took the top three spots in this year's competition.
Compared to the previous year, when the Renault Kangoo and Mercedes eCitan shared the victory. At the prize ceremony in Hanover, Germany, IVOTY chairman Jarlath Sweeney said of the ID. Buzz Cargo, “It’s not too often that a totally new van concept comes around and immediately enters the marketplace. Congratulations to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle‘s design team on creating this unique vehicle that’s perfect for the environmentally conscious urban environment. It certainly makes a statement with its futuristic and slick styling, yet harks back to the original Transporter T1, from 70 years ago, with its V-shaped bonnet, prominent VW badge, and short overhangs.”
Using the same MEB electric platform as the ID.3 hatch, ID.4 crossover, and ID. Buzz minivan, the ID. Buzz Cargo is essentially a panel van version of the ID. Buzz. Models available at launch include a single electric engine producing 150 kW (201 hp) powering the rear wheels.
This powertrain allows the unloaded vehicle to reach 62 mph in 10.2 seconds and provides enough range for around 250 miles of travel. If you load it up to its maximum 1,420 lbs capacity, you should anticipate a significant decrease in range. Volkswagen van aficionados in North America, we have some bad news: the ID. Buzz Cargo is not coming to you.