Vauxhall Vivaro Review

Buying a Vauxhall Vivaro

Now in its second generation, the ever-popular and best-selling Vauxhall Vivaro van have been brought right up to date with more innovative technology, versatile design, and cargo space than ever before. It has been designed and constructed using the best, most durable materials available and is configurable to suit your needs. Packed with connective technology to make sure that you have an office with you wherever you go, it’s a professional partner for your business.

Variants

The Vivaro platform is highly versatile and can be ordered with four main variants. It is available as a Panel Van in two lengths and heights, offering a load volume anywhere from 5.2m³ to 8.6m³. Smart design storage solutions like the FlexCargo bulkhead allow you to accommodate odd-shaped, or longer items up to 4,140mm. The Euro-pallet friendly loadspace, meanwhile, can carry three pallets comfortably, even in L1 configuration. The metre-wide easy-access side-loading sliding door offers excellent access, as well as fully folding rear doors with a low loading sill.

If carrying crew and cargo is a priority; the Vivaro Doublecab offers capacity for up to six people comfortably, while still providing 4.0m³ of loadspace. Floor-mounted load restraint lashing eyes ensure that your cargo is secure on all jobs, while the space itself will take a Euro-pallet with ease and can carry a payload of up to 1,040kg.

Twin sliding side-access doors and excellent legroom make getting passengers in and out of the individually-contoured rear seats easy. The rear bench seat offers additional storage, ISOFIX child seat restraints, and 12-volt accessory socket (Sportive models only) for making sure that your devices stay charged on the go.

If your business is more geared towards moving people, such as airport shuttle services or private hire; the Vivaro Combi provides excellent levels of passenger comfort and space. With its nine-seat configuration and a choice of two wheelbases, the Combi provides ample room for up to eight passengers and their luggage. Large side windows create a light and roomy environment for those in the rear, while the optional rear heat and air conditioning controls add an extra level of luxury and comfort.

Of course, if you have special requirements that require a custom conversion, low floor, or walk-through access from the cab, the Vivaro is available as a Platform Cab. It can be specified with an optional extended length wiring loom, to provide power to wherever you need it. The long 3,498mm wheelbase and 1,489kg max payload are the perfect place to start when building your custom commercial vehicle.

Interior Equipment

Vauxhall has designed the Vivaro with the understanding that modern businesses need their van to be able to function as a mobile office. Connectivity, device charging, and flexible work surfaces are all must-haves. With aux-in and USB ports, Vivaro drivers can connect their mobile and MP3 devices to the head unit and access a wide range of multimedia files. A robust and flexible clipboard holder, that can be fixed in two positions, holds documents of up to A4 size, allowing both driver and passenger to reference and complete general day-to-day paperwork while in the field.

For the second generation Vivaro, general ergonomics and control layouts have been greatly improved to enhance driver and passenger interface. The front centre passenger seat can be folded flat to offer an extended work surface, perfect for a laptop. It contains secure storage, ideal for documents, maps etc and an additional drinks holder.

When it comes to infotainment, the Vivaro is one of the best on the market. Bluetooth® connectivity to the digital radio with steering column-mounted audio and telephone controls are standard. Optional in-dash satellite navigation systems like the NAVI 50 IntelliLink are tailored to cab environments and provide coverage for Western or Eastern Europe, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and audio streaming. A tablet docking station, compatible with R16 BT USB allows tablets between 4.8 and 10.6 inches to be securely fixed, perfectly in place for both driver and passenger to reference.

Engines

Powering the Vivaro is your choice of 1.6CDTi diesel engines, varying from a 95PS unit with 250Nm of torque to a 145PS BiTurbo unit that develops a punchy 340Nm. All engines are incredibly economic, offering the lowest possible emissions and boasting the latest efficiency technology like Start/Stop and multi-point fuel injection. Thanks to this, the Vivaro can return up to 44.8mpg on a combined cycle and emits just 164g.km of CO2 (145PS models).

Frugal engines and low-maintenance components like chain-driven camshafts, help to keep those all-important running costs down and predictable, without compromising the driving experience.

Safety and Security

Vauxhall commercial vehicles account for the fact that protecting occupants and securing cargo is a prime concern for all business owners. This is why standard safety and security equipment in the Vivaro is generous.

Electronic Stability Programme-plus (ESP-plus) with traction control, combined with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution and Emergency Brake assist, help maintain the absolute best possible grip in all driving conditions. In the event of a collision, the driver's airbag, active-safety head restraint and side-impact protection beams all help to protect occupants.

For securing your Vivaro and its contents, all models come with remote control central deadlocking, with an internal switch. Electronic theft protection for audio equipment and 'key left in ignition' audible warning are also standard. All versions come with an alarm pre-installation kit, allowing you to add your own custom security systems.

Summary

Having sold the original Vivaro for over thirteen years, it could be argued that Vauxhall had a tough job on its hands improving on what many customers saw as the perfect van. The second generation manages to make its million-unit selling model greater still and promises to continue the legacy set before it. Competition in this segment has never been stronger, but the new Vivaro looks set to rise to the top once again.

Contact Us

To find out more about our used Vauxhall Vivaro models and browse our extensive stock, contact or visit us at Vanwise Group. We will be happy to go over all of the features and various options, as well as arrange a test drive and explain all of our finance offers.