Vauxhall Vivaro (2014 – 2019) Review
Vauxhall Vivaro (2014 – 2019) At A Glance
Amazingly the original Vauxhall Vivaro soldiered on for 13 years and was still very popular at the end of its life. So it's no great surprise to see the second generation model stick very much to the same formula. It uses the same platform as the original Vivaro but with an all-new body and interior. However don't mistake this for merely a revamp, it's a considerable step forward from the model it replaces.
True it does look very similar, particularly the cargo area, but that's a deliberate move. It means that existing Vivaro owners who buy the new model can still use the same racking and panelling from their old model. At the front it gets a bold design with a large grille that marks this out as very much part of the Vauxhall family.
Of course, as before, the Vivaro is a joint venture with Renault which has its own version, the Trafic. However, the Vivaro is very much a British van. It's built at Vauxhall's Luton plant - the manufacturer is now the only commercial vehicle maker left in the UK - and 40 per cent of parts are sourced from the UK. It's a real success story for the British van industry.
The big changes come under the bonnet with an all new 1.6-litre diesel engine powering the new Vivaro. It may be smaller in size than the 2.0-litre unit in the old van but it has as much power, more torque and notably better fuel economy. Four versions of this engine are available starting with a 90PS version moving up to new twin-turbocharged models with either 120PS or 140PS. The former is the most efficient engine available in the range, with emissions of 155g/km and official economy of 47.9mpg.
The interior is significantly improved with a durable and solid finish, although it doesn't quite have the same quality feel as the Ford Transit Custom. But there are plenty of useful touches, such as a built-in tablet and mobile phone cradles, a laptop storage bin and plenty of cubby holes. The stereo seems a bit fiddly with small buttons but does come with DAB radio as standard.
There's plenty of choice in the Vivaro range with two lengths (L1 and L2) and two heights (H1 and H2), with load volumes of between 5.2m3 and 8.6m3. Thanks to a slightly increased wheelbase the L1 model is now capable of carrying three Euro pallets and there's a useful Flex cargo option for longer items that can slide under the passenger seat.
Despite all the improvements, the Vivaro is actually cheaper than before yet has a higher level of standard equipment with all models getting electric windows and mirrors plus ESP stability control with hill start assist. It's now far more refined than before thanks to the excellent 1.6-litre diesel and good to drive with a high quality ride whether empty or laden.
Used Buying Guide - Vauxhall VivaroThe Vivaro a solid, dependable, and patriotic pick for a used van buyer. We tell you what to look out for when buying a one on the second-hand van market. |
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