Vauxhall Vivaro LCV Commercial Panel Vans...

Vauxhall added the front-wheel drive Vivaro small panel van to its light commercial vehicle armoury in 2001. The result of a joint-venture with Renault (Trafic) - also sold as the Nissan Primastar - and built at Vauxhall's IBC plant in Luton, Vivaro has a choice of two 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre Euro 4 common rail turbodiesel. The two smaller capacity units replaced the previous 1.9-litre powerplants in 2006. They produce 90 bhp and 115 bhp, and develop peak torque of 177 Ib/ft and 214 Ib/ft. The 2.5-litre is an uprated version of the previous engine, reworked to meet the Euro 4 emission regulations and capable of producing 150 bhp at 3,500rpm and developing 234 Ib/ft of peak torque at 1,600rpm.

These new diesels are smooth in their power delivery, have a wide spread of torque and are relatively vibration-free. They are all mated to a six-speed manual gearbox with a dash-mounted gear stick. Although it is very well positioned for swift and ergonomic gear changes it juts out of the facia to such an extent that it hinders cross-cab movement almost as much as if it was mounted on the floor.

Handling and ride are well up to par compared to the competition, as are the brakes. Discs are employed in all four comers, ABS is a standard feature and ESP(Electronic Stability Programme) can be found on the options list. It's the latest generation Adaptive system which takes the weight and position of the load into account when making its lightening calculations.

Vivaro is remarkably manoeuvrable. On the downside the steering fails to tighten up sufficiently at speed.

Turning to the cab, a hooded facia ensures that items placed on top of the dashboard don't create distracting reflections in the windscreen.

Storage facilities include a bin in each of the doors that can hold a two-litre bottle of water. You'll find a shelf beneath the instrument panel, another shelf underneath the glovebox and a cup/can holder at either end of the dashboard.

The standard package embraces a height-adjustable driver's seat, tinted windows and a heating and ventilation system that includes air recirculation. The angle and reach of the steering wheel can be altered.

The 5.0m³ load area is well thought out and pretty ‘square’ with little tumblehome. Long-wheelbase versions have a 5.9m³ capacity.

The standard warranty is three-years/100,000 miles and servicing is required every 18,000 miles.

A great van from Vauxhall which has very radical styling that doesn't seem to have dated as well as an uprated all common rail engine line-up.

The Vivaro, like its Nissan and Renault siblings, offers a very usable and practical load space while providing the driver and passengers with a very car-like cab environment. Two wheelbases and roof heights means there's a good choice of load capacities and it's British-built.

ENGINE SIZE: CtD2.0/2.5
ENGINE POWER (bhp): 90/115, 150
PAYLOAD (kg): 1,023-1,212
MPG: 39 (115 bhp)

Vauxhall Commercial Diesels & LCVs - Vehicle/Van Range

Commercial Diesels & LCVs - Further Information

If you require any further information or would like some assistance with deciding upon which commercial diesel would best be suited to you and your business then please contact us at sales@denburydiesels.co.uk