Vauxhall Vivaro Van Review

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Our Review of the Vauxhall Vivaro

The Vauxhall Vivaro Swb Diesel 2.0CDTI [115 PS] Sportive Doublecab is the van that many of its competitors would love to beat. Since their launch in 2001 the medium sized panel van market was turned upside down. Where as prior to 2001 many companies would have simply ordered a new Transit Van, the release of the Vivaro gave the whole commercial van industry a much needed shake up.

The Vauxhall Vivaro has key selling points which simply cannot be ignored. The 2.0 litre engine gives a brake horse power of 115 and a torque of 290Nm. Together with its six speed gearbox, gives a driver the capability to transport the capacity payload of 1094kg smartly from one point to another, it also means it can move it from a standing still position at a quick pace too. This particular make of Vauxhall Vivaro is a Euro IV - compliant model, which is one of the reasons behind its high performance.

The Vauxhall Vivaro also has ABS and EBD braking systems, which give the drive much better control over the van in all driving conditions. Other features include electric mirrors and windows, adjustable drivers seating, and air conditioning.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is an easy van to drive, and has a turning circle of 11.8m which makes it a highly manoeuvrable medium sized panel van. The cab offers good storage space for the crew and comes with air conditioning and a sound system which is able to accommodate CD, MP3, and has an Aux in socket for an iPod or similar device, and it accommodates Bluetooth connectivity. All the audio controls can be accessed via the steering wheel.

Loading wise, the Vauxhall Vivaro offers a cubic volume of 3.3m3 and a loading length of 1920mm, a width of 1663 narrowing to 1268 at the wheel arches. The loading height of the Vauxhall Vivaro is 1387mm and this area is accessed by two rear doors which can open 180 degrees, and a 1000mm wide sliding passenger door. There is enough load area to accommodate three Euro pallets without too much shuffling around and the crew are protected from the load by a full height plastic bulk head.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is second on build quality to the Vauxhalls and Mercedes yet the latter are slightly more expensive. The Vivaro however, does exceed every other van its class in other areas and this is one of the reasons why it is so popular.