Vauxhall is one of the leading brands in the UK van market, offering a range of models that cater to different needs and preferences. One of its flagship products is the Vivaro, a medium-sized van that combines practicality, performance, and comfort. The Vivaro has been around since 2001, but it has undergone several changes and improvements over the years. The latest generation, launched in 2019, is based on the same platform as the Citroen Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, Toyota Proace, and Fiat Scudo. It also shares some of the same engines and features as these models, but it has its own distinctive design and identity.
Vivaro: A Flexible and Spacious Van
The Vauxhall Vivaro is available in two body lengths (L1 and L2), two roof heights (H1 and H2), and three trim levels (Prime, Pro, and GS). It can be configured as a panel van, a double cab van, or a crew van, depending on the number of seats and load space required. It can also be converted into a campervan, a minibus, or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, thanks to its flexible and modular design. The Vivaro can carry up to 1,226 kg of payload, and up to 6.6 cubic meters of load volume. It also has a clever load-through flap that allows it to accommodate items up to 4.15 meters long.
Vivaro: A Smooth and Refined Van
The Vauxhall Vivaro is powered by a range of diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 100 hp to 180 hp. The engines are paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on the model. The Vivaro offers a smooth and refined driving experience, with good handling, steering, and suspension. It also has a range of driver assistance and safety systems, such as cruise control, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring, and emergency braking.
Vivaro-e: A Zero-Emission and Low-Cost Van
But perhaps the most exciting feature of the Vivaro is its electric option. The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is the first fully electric van from Vauxhall, and it aims to provide a zero-emission and low-cost alternative for urban and suburban drivers. The Vivaro-e comes with a choice of two battery sizes: 50 kWh or 75 kWh, which offer a range of up to 143 miles or 205 miles, respectively. The batteries can be recharged to 80% in as little as 30 minutes using a 100 kW rapid charger or overnight using a 7.4 kW or 11 kW home charger. The Vivaro-e has the same dimensions and load capacity as the diesel versions, but it has a lower maximum payload of 1,001 kg. It also has a lower top speed of 81 mph, but it delivers a punchy performance with 136 hp and 260 Nm of torque.
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is eligible for the government’s plug-in van grant, which pays 35% of the purchase price up to a maximum of $6,800. It also benefits from lower running costs, maintenance costs, and road tax, compared to the diesel versions. The Vauxhall Vivaro-e also has a longer warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles for the battery, and five years or 60,000 miles for the vehicle.
Vivaro-e: A Competitive and Value-for-Money Van
The Vivaro-e is not the only electric van in the market, however. There are several competitors that offer similar or better features, such as the Volkswagen e-Transporter, the Ford E-Transit, and the Mercedes-Benz eVito. The table below compares some of the key specifications and prices of these models:
| Model | Battery size | Range | Payload | Load volume | Price (after grant) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall Vivaro-e | 50 kWh / 75 kWh | 143 miles / 205 miles | 1,001 kg | 5.3 m3 / 6.1 m3 | $38,600 / $43,900 |
| Volkswagen e-Transporter | 37.3 kWh / 74.6 kWh | 82 miles / 164 miles | 996 kg / 977 kg | 6.7 m3 | $51,500 / $58,700 |
| Ford E-Transit | 67 kWh | 217 miles | 1,616 kg | 9.5 m3 | $54,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz eVito | 35 kWh / 41 kWh | 92 miles / 110 miles | 923 kg / 898 kg | 6.0 m3 / 6.6 m3 | $48,500 / $50,000 |
As the table shows, the Vauxhall Vivaro-e has a competitive edge in terms of range, price, and load volume, but it falls behind in terms of payload and battery warranty. The Volkswagen e-Transporter has a higher payload and a longer battery warranty of 10 years or 120,000 miles, but it has a lower range and a higher price. The Ford E-Transit has the best range and payload, but it also has the highest price and the largest dimensions. The Mercedes-Benz eVito has the lowest range and payload, but it has a lower price and a premium brand image.
The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is a versatile and practical van that offers a viable electric option for many drivers. It has a decent range, a spacious load area, and a smooth and quiet performance. It also has a lower purchase price and running costs than many of its rivals. However, it has some drawbacks, such as a lower payload, a lower top speed, and a shorter battery warranty. The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric van may not be the best electric van in every aspect, but it is certainly one of the best value-for-money options in the market.
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