Photo: Opel
Slated to arrive in European showrooms early this summer, the new-gen Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro commercial van has some very big shoes to fill when you take into account the success of the 13-year-old current generation. The old model has its underpinnings based on the Renault Traffic, which in turn acts as the technological basis of the Nissan Primastar. Weird origin aside, the existing Vivaro is Opel/Vauxhall's best selling light commercial vehicle, accounting for around 10 percent European market share in this segment (Van D).
Boasting fresh and funky looks with added practicality, modern tech and an efficient range of turbo diesel engines, the second generation Vivaro is more appealing than ever before. On the exterior front, the dominating feature is the front chrome finish grille, which combines nicely with the flowing blade side design motif and the large distinctive headlamps with LED daytime running lights. All models are availabe in a choice of 11 body colors and three trim levels.
The all-diesel powertrain consists of four different versions of the versatile 1.6-liter CDTI engine:
- the entry-level 90 horsepower and 192 ft-lb (260 Nm) of torque version
- the 115 horsepower and 221 ft-lb (300 Nm) of torque version
- the 120 horsepower and 236 ft-lb (320 Nm) of torque BiTurbo version
- the range-topping BiTurbo version with 140 horsepower and 250 ft-lb (340 Nm) of torque
The most mpg you can get out of these diesel units is 41.27 U.S. miles per gallon or 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers in old money, with best-in-class C02 emission down to 149 g/km. The BiTurbos provide maximum torque low in the rev range, from just 1,500 rpm to be more precise. All engine options are mated to a standard six-speed stick shift transmission.
To make the new Vivaro even safer to drive and more relaxing on those long motorway journeys, the light commercial van is available with cruise control and speed limiter, as well as a Park Pilot which helps the driver reverse into a tight parking space. The driver also has access to an optimum rear overview with the addition of a rearview camera, while another practical and safety-related feature is the large convex mirror in the passenger sun visor. In addition to ABS and Electric Brake-force Distribution (EBD), the driver is supported by Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Start Assitant (HSA), ESP and Traction Control with Roll Over Mitigation from Bosch.
Available as a panel van, Combi, crew van or platform cab with two body lenghts and roof options, the second generation Vivaro is a more versatile hauling machine than its predecessor. The cargo bay is 100 mm bigger from the former model, giving sufficient space to carry three Euro palettes stacked next to one another. Total load volume for the panel van is also increased, ranging from 5.2 to 8.6 cubic meters (183.64 to 303.71 cubic feet). Easy access to the cargo bay is provided by the rear doors. To transport especially long items, the right-hand door can be fixed open at a 90 degree angle while the other door is closed independently.
Things look good on the inside as well, the Vivaro providing comfortable seats with sufficient lumbar support that are adjustable for both length and height. Better ergonomics for the center console, a center seat that can be transformed into a small desk or table and lots of cubby holes with sufficient storage capacity add up on the interior practicality front. As for gadgets, customers can opt for the IntelliLink infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch color touchscreen, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, audio streaming and advanced navigation functions with maps that can be simply updated by USB download. Equipment features such as automatic climate control and a Keyless Open & Start system increase cabin comfort and usability.
Although pricing has yet to be announced, the cheapest new generation Vivaro is expected to be similarly priced to the current model, that starts from €27,300 ($37,904) in Germany.
The all-diesel powertrain consists of four different versions of the versatile 1.6-liter CDTI engine:
- the entry-level 90 horsepower and 192 ft-lb (260 Nm) of torque version
- the 115 horsepower and 221 ft-lb (300 Nm) of torque version
- the 120 horsepower and 236 ft-lb (320 Nm) of torque BiTurbo version
- the range-topping BiTurbo version with 140 horsepower and 250 ft-lb (340 Nm) of torque
The most mpg you can get out of these diesel units is 41.27 U.S. miles per gallon or 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers in old money, with best-in-class C02 emission down to 149 g/km. The BiTurbos provide maximum torque low in the rev range, from just 1,500 rpm to be more precise. All engine options are mated to a standard six-speed stick shift transmission.
Available as a panel van, Combi, crew van or platform cab with two body lenghts and roof options, the second generation Vivaro is a more versatile hauling machine than its predecessor. The cargo bay is 100 mm bigger from the former model, giving sufficient space to carry three Euro palettes stacked next to one another. Total load volume for the panel van is also increased, ranging from 5.2 to 8.6 cubic meters (183.64 to 303.71 cubic feet). Easy access to the cargo bay is provided by the rear doors. To transport especially long items, the right-hand door can be fixed open at a 90 degree angle while the other door is closed independently.
Although pricing has yet to be announced, the cheapest new generation Vivaro is expected to be similarly priced to the current model, that starts from €27,300 ($37,904) in Germany.
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