Functional, good looking and packing punch on engine power and payload.

If you want a work van with great load capacity (up to 1400kg), class-leading fuel economy and a car-like drive, chances are it could be a Vivaro. This UK (Luton) manufactured van could be your tool for the job, with a range of panel and double cab vans, all-electric and Double Cab options, versatile for weekend getaways. Scooping ‘Medium Van Best for Practicality’ and ‘Electric Van of the Year’ at What Car? Van Awards 2021, its’ no surprise then that the Vauxhall Vivaro is a bestselling van.

Whether you need a cargo-based Panel or a versatile Double Cab ,Diesel or Electric (the best van e-range of up to 250-miles), with a Vivaro, it’s a dead cert you won’t lack style or practicality. Smooth-sculpted lines, dynamic shape, and chrome-detailed headlights, all say sleek, powerful and practical.

Vivaro trims, well, there is no shortage of choice. Van Sales can help you pick the right version for your needs so not to worry. Whether that be Panel or Double Cab, Edition up to Elite, or anything else in between. For bells and whistles, there is even an option for hands-free sliding door activation, where the doors open by waving a foot under the rear bumper! 

Body types/Trims

Vivaro Panel and Double Cabs come in two lengths. L1 (4,959mm) for narrow city streets and L2 (5,309mm) comfortable with carrying larger cargo. There is 1 van height (H1: 1,935mm) and one wheelbase (3,275mm).  The 4 trims, Edition, Dynamic, Sportive and Elite gives each version a number that reflects its gross weight. Wheels vary from 16-inch steel wheels to the Griffin or Elite’s 17-inch silver alloys. 

All vans come as standard with twin sliding side doors, airbags and cruise control, DAB radio with Bluetooth, separate cab and load area locking, electric windows and 12 Volt/USB connections. Dynamic Panel models get the extra-snazzy touchscreen infotainment with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, aircon, rear parking sensors, plastic wheel trims, auto lights/wipers and an alarm. 

Sportive gets body-colour bumpers and LED daytime running lights plus ‘FlexCargo’, a through-loading bulkhead feature, that allows the passenger seat to be moved up and out of the way to increase load room. Pipes and planks can be extended through to passenger footwell, or space used to carry boxes. The Double Cab crew van is available with a removable bulkhead, an unusual, handy feature. For Elite models, add in the luxury 17-inch alloy wheels, Sat-Nav, front/rear parking sensors and a suite of safety kit, including lane assist, adaptive cruise control and blind spot alert.

Payload & Gross Weights

With a payload close to top of its class, the Vauxhall Vivaro comes in 3 gross vehicle weights (GVW) 2,700, 2900 and 3100 – plus an extra one for the 180hp automatic, 3000. While the Vivaro can carry 1.4 tonnes in its strongest configuration, only a few versions have this spec. Towing capacity on all Vivaros is 750kg. 

• The 2700 1.5 100hp L1 has a GVW of 2,535kg and 975kg payload. 
• The 2900 1.5 120hp L1 has 2,830kg GVW with a 1,170kg payload. 
• The 3100 2.0 120hp L1 has 3,100kg GVW with a 1,458kg payload. 
• The 3100 2.0 180hp L1 has a 3,000kg GVW with 1,235kg payload.

Engines and Transmission types 

The main types of engine fuel are diesel or electric. 

The available diesel engines are the 1.5 Turbo D in 100PS and 120PS outputs, or the 2.0 Turbo D, offered in 120PS, 150PS and 180PS. All vans are front wheel drive with a six-speed manual gearbox, although there is the option of an 8-speed auto with selected 120PS models, while 180PS’ motor has the auto box as standard. 

The 2.0 litre Turbo D engines are not offered in the most basic versions of the Vivaro.  

You can now choose from a range of electric Vivaros. The Panel Van Dynamic, Panel Van Elite and Double Cab Elite, in (50kWh/75kW) 100kW/136 PS options. Go for the all-electric Vivaro-e and you will get a 136bhp electric motor and direct drive to the front wheels. 6 or 8 speed options on gears. 

Vauxhall Vivaro offers 2 battery options at 50kWh and 75kWh with claimed ranges of 144 and 205 miles. This is the longest range of any electric van currently on sale. This range plus competitive price makes Vivaro-e a front runner for van buyers looking to switch to electrification.