Vauxhall Vivaro Review 2024

Vauxhall Vivaro At A Glance

4/5

+Easy to drive, affordable running costs, will carry up to 1450kg.

-Not as practical as the old Vivaro, side sliding doors feel cheap, cheapest model has no alarm or air con.

The Vivaro is Vauxhall’s best-selling van, and the third-generation model is one of the best medium size vans on sale right now. Easy to drive, efficient and capable of swallowing three Euro pallets, the Vivaro has plenty to offer businesses who want a comfortable and hard working van. 

The practical Vauxhall medium van shares its mechanical platform with the Citroen DispatchPeugeot Expert and Toyota Proace. However, while its stablemates are all built in France, the Vivaro is one of the few commercial vehicles to be built in Britain.

The Vivaro ranks among the best medium vans when it comes to payloads. There are two van lengths to choose from (4.9 and 5.3 metres) and heavy duty versions will carry up to 1450kg. All vans get twin side sliding doors, with space for a Euro pallet to be loaded either side. Mid-spec versions get a bulkhead hatch, which allows the Vivaro to carry copper pipes and planks of wood measuring up to four metres in length. 

A heavy hitter on payload, the Vivaro lags behind its rivals on outright loadspace. The old Vivaro provided 8.6 cubic metres, but this has been cut to 6.6 - this means some builders and delivery drivers (who prioritise useable space over payload) may find the Vivaro to be a snug fit for materials, parcels and equipment. There is no high roof option either. 

All versions are easy to drive in town or out on the motorway. The ride quality can be quite harsh when the van is empty on rough roads, but settles into a comfortable soft rhythm when laden. All vans get cruise control and hill start assist as standard, while mid-spec models get rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers and auto headlights. 

High spec models get lots of car-like tech, which includes a head up display that shows the vehicle's speed on the lower part of the windscreen. Automatic emergency braking is also available, which can avoid a crash or reduce its effects by automatically applying the brakes. 

Buyers get the choice of 1.5 and 2.0 turbodiesel engines. The entry-level 120PS 1.5-litre unit is sufficient for light loadmoving and returns up to 47mpg according to the advertised WLTP figures. Most engines are linked to a six-speed manual as standard, while the range-topping 180PS 2.0-litre engine gets an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

A clear upgrade on its predecessor, the Vivaro blends heavy duty carrying capacity with car-like comfort and road handling. If you are thinking of buying a medium size van then the Vivaro should be on your shortlist. 

Ask Honest John

Best van for a family of six?

"I'm looking for a safe seven to eight seater to accommodate a family of six, with a dog, and luggage for everyday use."
A Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Vivaro or Volkswagen Transporter with two rows of seats that will accommodate six passengers - this should leave enough space in the rear for your dog and luggage.
Answered by Dan Powell

What vans are best for delivery/courier work?

"I've been thinking for a while now of going into being a courier/delivery driver - especially with the recent huge uptake of online shopping. What van would you recommend? Any obvious pitfalls to watch out for?"
You will need a medium size van, like the Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter or Vauxhall Vivaro: https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/van-top-10s/top-10-medium-vans/ DPF (diesel particulate filter) problems are the key thing to look out for. Euro 6 diesel engines are not designed to be used for repeated short runs and this can cause the DPF to clog up over time. If you plan to use your van for short-drop city delivery work then you might want to get a petrol or petrol hybrid. The Transporter T6 was offered (for a short time) with a 2.0 TSI petrol engine. The Transit Customer is currently available with a plug-in hybrid.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Vauxhall Vivaro cost?