If the Escort van is big enough for you, why not look at an Astra van?
Still similar space (roof a couple of inches lower, but a bit longer) and even more car-like to drive. The turbo diesel engine is very nippy and the van is relaxed to drive, even at motorway speeds.
I found a Fiat Doblo (hired) quite unsteady at 80 mph; so test drive one thoroughly if you are buying one. The Doblo does have a nice dash-mounted gear lever, though.
DONT even think about a Renault Kangoo. I have 2 of these on the fleet, the clutch is incredibly heavy and the bodywork rusts badly (my T reg kangoo is rusty all round the wheel arches, while even the P reg escort has no rust whatever.
Pich of the bunch of the boxy vans in my opinion is the Citroen Berlingo / Peugeot Partner. I have 2, a W reg and an S reg, both run nicely on the motorway, sip diesel like at a Buckingham Palace tea party, take loads of goods inside, neither has any rust, comfy and light to drive. The member of staff who recently changed from the Escort to the newer Berlingo reports that the hip pain he used to have has gone completely, he finds the Berlingo that much easier to get into.
I don't like the Berlingo though........ they feel to me that you are sat at a dining table...... on a long journey I find the front of the seat makes my legs go numb..... I much prefer the more car-like position of the Escort (which was my van from new, now on its 3rd driver) and the Astra is even better (bought 2nd hand, I liked it so much I kept it for myself. It's a little rocket, runs well, corners brilliantly, great radio, I have done several long journeys in it without a twinge of back ache, the seat is that good. R reg, there is not a spot of rust anywhere. It puts the "kangaroo" to shame.
In my opinion, it's a two horse race, Berlingo or Astra. Both have proved to have good bodywork and good reliability.
Go for a long test drive, and take your van (full of your gear) to the dealer, to see if it fits in........... I thought I would have to fold down the handle of my "walk-behind" Windsor, but it fits with half an inch to spare.