Vauxhall Vivaro Van Contract Hire and Leasing

The Vauxhall Vivaro has been a mainstay of the manufacturer's light commercial vehicle (LCV) fleet for more than a decade.

Since it hit the market in 2001, the van - which is sold as an Opel in most European countries - has undergone little in the way of change, beyond a mild facelift in 2006 that saw the front indicators moved from the bumper to the headlight housing.

Despite this, the Vivaro is undoubtedly still a popular option for van leasing customers, thanks in no small part to its economical engines, extensive storage capabilities and the variety of the range.

A choice of five different engine and transmission variants is available across the Vivaro family, all of which offer six speeds.

Particularly strong fuel consumption is delivered by the 90 hp and 115 hp ecoFLEX engines, which are capable of achieving 47.8 mpg in extra-urban mode.

It can tow maximum unbraked and braked weights of 750 and 2,000 kg respectively, while its load space volume stands at an impressive 5.3 litres.

Fortunately, this capacity does not come at the expense of manoeuvrability, with the Vivaro offering a kerb-to-kerb turning circle of 11.84 m.

The medium-sized LCV is also one of the most flexible vans on the market thanks to the sheer number of options that Vauxhall has created.

Prospective van leasing customers can choose from the entry-level Vivaro panel van, the specced-up Sportive, the Doublecab, the Dropside and the nine-seater Combi.

While each model offers all the features you'd expect from a commercial vehicle, the Doublecab adds a second row of three fixed seats and a fully closed partition wall, while the Dropside flatbed boasts a load area of 5.5 sq m.

The Combi also has twin sliding side access doors and the Sportive includes air conditioning, electrically operated windows and a remote control security alarm.

Regardless of the lack of upgrades to the Vivaro range since its introduction in the early days of the noughties, VansA2Z insisted the vehicle is "still a contender" that looks as fresh now as the day it was launched.

The reviewer was impressed with the van's on-road performance, stating that the handling is predictable and the steering offers plenty of feedback to the driver.

What's more, VansA2Z claimed the ride quality is nothing to be concerned about, while the versions with larger engines were said to deliver sufficient performance to satisfy the majority of motorists.

The Sportive model was recommended to those looking for a slightly brighter interior, as the publication noted that the plastic cab fittings of the standard panel van are starting to look a little dated now.

Wisebuyer's Guides was also pleased with its road test of the Vivaro, awarding the vehicle an overall rating of four stars out of five.

Although the website questioned the "odd" looks and poor standard equipment, it was impressed with the large load area, advanced engines and interior comfort.

Noting the speed of the Vivaro - it is capable of reaching 62 mph in just 12.6 seconds - Wisebuyer's Guides advised potential customers to opt for models with the emergency brake assist feature, rather than just standard anti-lock brakes.

Summing up the van, the reviewer described it as "a fantastic drive, even with heavy load" and insisted that it offers "great driver and passenger comfort".

Parkers praised the Vivaro as a great all-rounder and also awarded the vehicle a four-star rating, with only the noisy drive when travelling at high speeds picked out as a particular cause for concern.

Despite its relative age, Parkers said the Vivaro still measures up well against alternative LCV options such as the Ford Transit and the Peugeot Expert.

To obtain a quote and to see what’s available, call us today on 0845 094 1399