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Vauxhall is bringing an all-new version of its mid-sized Vivaro van to market in September. It will, like its predecessor, be built in Luton. Vauxhall not missing any opportunity to emphasise that it now manufactures the only van
in the UK following the closure last year of Ford’s Transit facility
in Southampton.
The new generation Vivaro will not be built alongside the closely related Trafic after Renault, Vauxhall’s joint-venture partner, opted to move its production to France. Efficiency drives and a £185m investment have resulted in a 10-year contract to build the new Vivaro here.
The Luton plant produced 44,000 Vivaros in 2013, 57% of them exported to European markets but demand is outstripping volume and the second shift could begin in the summer of 2015.
Vauxhall’s national product manager for vans Richard Collier said that the run-out of the current model had gone well.
“It’s been exceptional, to the extent that we are struggling to keep up with demand and dealers can’t wait to get their hands on the new vehicle. The sooner we can go to two shifts the better.
“Last year Vivaro was 18,000 units, up 34%, which considering it was launched way back in 2001 shows it still performs incredibly well,” he said.
The latest Vivaro brings a host of new weapons to bear in the marketplace.
It is visually very different to its predecessor with a dominant, plunging grille, wraparound headlights and the signature blade design along the flanks.
Practical improvements include a rear load length increased by 100mm while capacities are larger too. On the panel van it now ranges from 5.2 to 8.6 cubic metres. Clever additions include hatches between the load compartment and cabin to allow items up to 4.15 metres long to be carried.
The four-strong line-up of new 1.6-litre diesel powertrains includes a BiTurbo diesel, offering combined cycle fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 155g/km.
The cabin has been reworked, with more space and an improved mobile office environment, along with the addition of infotainment technology.
Vauxhall is also emphasising an increase in local content in the Vivaro, with 40% of components sourced from within 100 miles of the plant, compared to 25% in the outgoing version.
Collier believes the British aspect is a significant USP that dealers will make use of as will be the van conversion centre, which is located within the Luton facility.
“The Britishness is not necessarily a prime concern for the customer but in terms of logistics when ordering a vehicle you instantly shave two or three weeks off the delivery time, as it hasn’t got to be shipped in from anywhere.
“The conversion centre too is relevant especially to larger customers because it helps lower their overall CO2 figures. They don’t have to go anywhere for conversion as it comes converted direct from the factory,” said Collier.
Currently 264 of Vauxhall’s 350 car sales outlets also offer LCVs, with 116 of them selling the heavier Vivaro and Movano. And the move to more specialist van centres by rival brands has not gone unnoticed. Collier was unable to give details but Vauxhall will be launching its own specialist programme very shortly, under the title of Premier Van Centres.
Driving impressions
Viewed externally, the new Vivaro is a marked improvement on its predecessor with more sculpted exterior lines. Behind the wheel, too, it is a revelation. The cab generally is more spacious with much improved headroom.
On the road the Vivaro drives more like an MPV than a van. It is very easy to handle, even with the least powerful engine option, and this does not change with a load in the back.
The launch event scheduled pick ups from suppliers en route, which added more than 300 kilos to the payload but in truth it was hard to tell any difference.
Andrew Charman
Fact File: Vauxall Vivaro
Models: 1.6 diesels of 89, 114, 119, 138bhp, two body lengths, panel van (two roof heights), combi, double cab, platform cab
Prices: £17,995-£23,145 (panel van)
On sale: September 2014
Sales forecast: Not stated
(18,000 in 2013)
Rivals: Ford Transit Custom, Renault Trafic, VW Transporter
