Vauxhall has recently revealed its new Vivaro and Vivaro Electric models, which are set to hit the UK market in 2024. These medium-sized vans offer a range of features and benefits for both business and personal use, such as high payload capacity, low running costs, advanced technology, and stylish design. In this article, we will take a closer look at what these vans offer, how they compare to their rivals, and why you should consider them for your next purchase.
What are the Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Electric?
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a medium-sized van that has been in production since 2001. It is based on the same platform as the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and Fiat Scudo, which are all part of the Stellantis group. The Vivaro is available in two body lengths (L1 and L2), three roof heights (H1, H2, and H3), and three trim levels (Edition, Dynamic, and Elite). It can carry up to 1,405 kg of payload and up to 6.6 cubic meters of load volume. It is powered by a range of diesel engines, with outputs from 100 hp to 180 hp, and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.
The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric is the fully electric version of the Vivaro, which was launched in 2020. It is also based on the same platform as the other Stellantis vans and shares the same body and trim options as the diesel Vivaro. However, it has two battery sizes to choose from: 50 kWh and 75 kWh, which offer driving ranges of 143 miles and 205 miles, respectively, according to the WLTP test cycle. The Vivaro Electric has a single electric motor that produces 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque and can be charged from 0 to 80% in as little as 32 minutes using a 100 kW rapid charger. It can also carry up to 1,226 kg of payload and up to 6.6 cubic meters of load volume.
What are the main features and benefits of the Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Electric?
The Vauxhall Vivaro and Vivaro Electric have a number of features and benefits that make them appealing to a wide range of customers, whether they are looking for a practical, efficient, or comfortable van. Here are some of the main ones:
- Practicality: The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric have a spacious and versatile load area, with a wide side sliding door, a low loading height, and a rear hatch or barn doors. They can also accommodate up to three Euro pallets or up to 8x4 sheets of material. The load area can be extended by folding the front passenger seat, which creates a load-through facility that allows for items up to 4 meters long in the L2 models. The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric also have a range of storage compartments and cubby holes in the cabin, as well as a fold-down table that can be used as a laptop holder or a clipboard.
- Efficiency: The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric have low running costs, thanks to their fuel-efficient engines and electric powertrain. The diesel Vivaro has a combined fuel consumption of up to 54.3 mpg and CO2 emissions of as low as 137 g/km, depending on the engine and transmission. The Vivaro Electric has zero tailpipe emissions and a low electricity cost of around 3 pence per mile, based on the average UK tariff. The Vivaro Electric also benefits from lower maintenance costs, as it has fewer moving parts and less wear and tear than a diesel engine. Additionally, the Vivaro and Vivaro Electric are eligible for various tax incentives and grants, such as the Plug-in Van Grant, which offers up to $8,500 off the purchase price of an electric van.
- Technology: The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric are equipped with a range of advanced technology features, both for safety and convenience. They have a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as DAB radio, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. They also have a digital instrument cluster, which displays key information such as speed, fuel level, battery charge, and driving range. The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric also have many driver assistance systems, such as lane departure warning, speed limit recognition, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, rearview camera, and automatic emergency braking.
- Design: The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric have a stylish and modern design, with a distinctive front grille, LED daytime running lights, and alloy wheels. They also have a range of colors and options to choose from, such as metallic paint, roof rails, and body-colored bumpers. The Vivaro and Vivaro Electric also have comfortable and ergonomic cabins with adjustable seats, a leather steering wheel, and air conditioning. The cabin is also well insulated from noise and vibration, making it a pleasant place to spend time in.