Dimensions: Length / width / height m 4.78 / 1.90 / 1.97 September 11th 2009
A VAN FOR ALL REASONS
Our Rating: 7.3 / 10
Vauxhall’s Vivaro van still has plenty to offer business users in the face of tough competition. Jonathan Crouch reports on the current version
A combination of smart styling, tight pricing, low running costs and a wide variance of bodystyles all make Vauxhall’s Vivaro an alternative you have to consider if you’re looking for a Transit-class medium-sized van.
Launched in 2001, Vauxhall’s Vivaro van has carved a very useful niche for itself in the medium-sized UK van sector. Businesses who would once, almost without thinking, have simply signed on the dotted line for another Ford Transit these days take the Vauxhall alternative very seriously, especially since the 2.0-litre CDTi Euro IV-compliant models were introduced.
This was a design developed to create not only the Vivaro but also Nissan’s Primastar and Renault’s Trafic and apart from the badgework and a few trim variations, the three models differ little. Inevitably though, it’s the Vauxhall that’s the strongest seller, thanks to a larger UK dealer network that tends to offer tighter pricing.
If you’ve had any experience with an early 1.9-litre CDTi Vivaro model, you’ll notice a big difference at the wheel of this 2.0-litre Euro IV-compliant model. It’s still front wheel drive but the more modern 90 and 115PS engines offer higher performance with practically the same fuel consumption as their older predecessors, but have up to 26 per cent more pulling power, with torque up to 240Nm for the entry-level unit, and 290Nm for the 115PS engine. We’d go for the 115PS unit if you possibly can, strong enough to raise the Vivaro’s top speed by 9mph to 99mph.
For those hauling really heavy loads - or simply liking the idea of a bit of extra grunt - a 2.5-litre CDTi powerplant sits at the top of the line up, with 145PS and 320Nm of torque making a 106mph top speed possible. All Vivaros get this six-speed manual gearbox as standard and unless you go for the entry-level 90PS version, there’s also the option of a semi-automatic Tecshift transmission – useful for urban drivers.
First those looks. Even though this shape has been around for so long, it still looks innovative, mainly due to the domed shape of the cab roof. Besides giving the front an unmistakable appearance, this makes the vehicle easier to enter and improves side visibility. Other careful touches include the large front bumper with its integrated turn indicators and fog lamps, sitting just below the large, clear-glass headlamps. At the rear, the tail lights extend high up towards the roof from the rear bumper for better traffic visibility. Having produced such a dramatic and carefully thought-out design at the outset, Vauxhall has since left well alone, apart from some general smartening introduced at the time of the Euro IV engine introduction.
Build quality isn’t quite as strong as you’d find in a Mercedes Vito or a Volkswagen Transporter – but then, you’re not paying that kind of money. Inside the cab, it’s all very car-like – as you’d expect from a modern van. The equipment list includes practical options like keyless-entry central locking and the universally applicable ‘Flex Fix System’ with sliding fastening points for the cargo.
List prices start from around £17,500 but in reality, you’ll find considerably lower prices on offer at your local dealer. Obvious rivals apart from this design’s Nissan Primastar and Renault Trafic clones include Ford’s Transit, Citroen’s Dispatch, Fiat’s Scudo and Peugeot’s Expert.
Slotting in above the Combo model and just below the well respected Movano panel van, the Vivaro targets buyers wanting a maximum payload of up to 1.2 tonnes. There are standard and high roof versions, long or short wheelbases, low and high-floor dropside models, Double Cabs and a stylish ‘Sportive’ model. Those in search of a minibus can choose short or long wheelbase Combi variants or a full 12-seat version. Air conditioning’s standard and an impressive range of infotainment systems are on offer, including colour sat nav. Vivaro buyers also get standard ABS
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