Van Cover and Aixam-Mega carry on driving down costs

Vancover.co.uk offer cheap insurance on all vans, regardless of shape or size, and are untouchable when it comes to tracking down the best cover for your vehicle.

One of our journalists discovers another company that offer you, the customer, the right service at the right price..

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me". Went the rhyme in your head precisely moments before you were to have administered to your person a good beating at the hands of the school bully. And teacher. Whereas you left the teacher at his crappy infant teaching job your early years nemesis, the bully went on to become a builder or roofer or something similar utilising the need for his hands still further. Thinking you had seen the back of him in recent years you've concentrated your efforts on your own small business venture. One that now requires a small van to push operations forward. Today however you find yourself in the car park of B + Q, loading up your brand new Aixam-Mega van. Unknowingly parked next to someone from your past, and his rather masculine transit. Oh no.here we go again. Cue renewed hostilities...

A scenario that could be played out anytime, anywhere indeed, but we here at Vancover.co.uk ask - "just where does the need to bully stem from exactly?" - Envy. Jealousy, fear....3 small words. Wanting something that the persecutor has never had, or never likely to have, or they don't understand - so they're scared of it. Only this time it's not a battered, but clearly massive, champion conquer, but an Aixam-Mega van. 3 more small words. The smallest, strangest, and most distinctive small van on the market. A sorely overlooked diamond masquerading as a giant Duplo starter set.

French micro car manufacturer Aixam-Mega are the minds behind what to the casual observer appears to be a concept car. powered, for want of a less descriptive verb, by a 479cc twin-cylinder, direct injection Kubota diesel lump which has been married, reluctantly, to a CVT automatic gearbox the indestructible little Gallic load carrier has been chiselled, and sculptured from a slab of acrylic, clearly not many tools being employed for this styling job, and perched as it is, atop an aluminium chassis. A 48volt electric version is also available. And yes, it is as small as you think it is. measuring a miniscule 2920millimetres from top to tail , 1480 across and with a height of just 1825mm, almost allows it to be kept overnight in your garden shed. Most garages more than being able to cope with its remarkable girth that's for sure. More than willing and able to handle payloads of 550kg, fitted with independent suspension all round and benefiting from disc brakes at the front and drums to the rear makes it a viable proposition from the off. Interior workspace statistics can only impress too, with a 1600mm long cargo bay, coupled with a load area width of 1385mm, aswell as a commendably modest rear loading height of 330mm

With a top speed of approximately 60mph it won't win many races, but makes up for its performance short fallings in other, more practical areas of expertise. For a start it's completely recyclable, boasting an entirely rust-proof construction. The colour impregnated body panels are pretty much impervious to scratches. Give them a quick buff, and you're away. Its economy is never brought into question seeing as it returns nearly 70miles to the gallon. Which will do wonders for any small business fuel bill. With a 24litre fuel tank means that it's good for 370 miles between top ups. Its list of standard features won't exactly knock you off your feet, as any manufacturer who mentions its hazards lights in this day and age are not going to offer certain creature comforts you may be used to. But for nipping around town, making deliveries, you're not going to be in it long enough to care anyway are you?

But what sort of person would be seen dead in it?

On the continent its not an unusual sight to witness a burly builder whizzing around towns and marketplaces in small three-wheeled vans and odd-shaped pick-ups, his extensive frame crammed somewhere behind the windscreen. Therefore, to many, the Aixam is seen as the spiritual successor to this kind of vehicle, a much loved and used means of carting your services, produce and wares from a to b, from town to country, from mountain top to mountain base, whilst ignoring the fact that you may look like you're participating in 'Wacky Races'. Across Europe , people recognise a cheap, functional commercial vehicle when they see one, whereas the more reserved British tend to immediately see the potential for horrendous mickey-taking by our colleagues.

For all this, over here, I envisage any small business person being able to utilise such a vehicle, from florists, and bakers to jewellers, stationers and sandwich delivery companies. You can create the right impression, by simply standing out in a crowded marketplace, and therefore becoming synominous with a certain line. You don't have to look too far for inspiration as to just how the Aixam might catch on - think Smart Car. The Mega Van wants to become the commercial equivalent given opportunity.

It's undoubtedly an eccentric option on the face of it, but more than holds its own in an automotive class that doesn't really have that much competition.

A brave decision it may be on the surface, but one more than likely to pay dividends for anyone who has a small business and requires functional, practical, economic carriage on a daily basis, and costing you just £5511(inc. VAT) on the road, there really is no alternative. Giving the bullies another reason to give you a good hiding all over again, be prepared to take it on the chin, and know exactly where they're coming from this time.

Here at Vancover.co.uk we offer cheap insurance on most vans, and can arrange the perfect cover for you over the phone right now, courtesy of our specially trained staff. Be sure to call us to see how we can put you on the road to success.

Date - 21/09/2006