Top 10: Facts about the 2019 Vivaro van

Earlier this month, Vauxhall and Opel unveiled the people-carrying ‘Life’ versions of their new Vivaro. Now the all-important cargo van model has been revealed.

The launch is significant, because the third-generation Vivaro is bound to have a big impact on the UK’s commercial vehicle market. Here are ten things that prospective operators need to know about it.

1. The new Vivaro isn’t actually new

Groupe PSA bought Vauxhall and Opel in 2017, so some subsequent product rationalisation was surely going to be inevitable. In the case of the previous Vivaro one major factor – a shared design with the Renault Trafic – only hastened the process.

Vauxhall Vivaro Panel Van (2019) Front Side

That’s why the 2019 Vivaro is basically a badge-engineered adaptation of the current Citroën Dispatch (or Jumpy) / Peugeot Expert / Toyota Proace which first appeared in 2016. Nevertheless, Vivaro production remains at Vauxhall’s plant in Luton.

2. Vauxhall is offering two sizes

As before, Vivaro customers will have two body lengths to pick from (both of which are slightly shorter than their second-generation predecessors). The absence of any high-roof variants might be an issue for some users, though.

Vivaro L1H1 Overall length Load space length Load space width Load space height
Second generation 5.00 m
(16’ 5”)
2.54 m
(8’ 4”)
1.66 m
(5’ 6”)
1.39 m
(4’ 7”)
Third generation 4.96 m
(16’ 3”)
2.51 m
(8’ 3”)
1.63 m
(5’ 4”)
1.40 m
(4’ 7”)

Vivaro L2H1 Overall length Load space length Load space width Load space height
Second generation 5.40 m
(17’ 9”)
2.94 m
(9’ 8”)
1.66 m
(5’ 6”)
1.39 m
(4’ 7”)
Third generation 5.30 m
(17’ 5”)
2.86 m
(9’ 5”)
1.63 m
(5’ 4”)
1.40 m
(4’ 7”)

3. There’s a little more interior volume

Despite those marginally reduced dimensions, load capacity has actually increased.

For the L1H1, it’s up from 5.2 m3 (183.6 cu. ft.) to 5.3 m3 (187.2 cu. ft.). That figure becomes 5.8 m3 (204.8 cu. ft.) when deploying the ‘FlexCargo’ feature (essentially a floor-level opening in the bulkhead).

Opel Vivaro Panel Van (2019) FlexCargo Bulkhead

Similarly, the 2019 L2H1 boasts 6.1 m3 (215.4 cu. ft.) (or 6.6 m3 (233.1 cu. ft.) with FlexCargo), whereas the old one had 6.0 m3 (211.9 cu. ft.).

4. Opel is offering three sizes

The Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota Proace are also available in the UK in short-wheelbase guise. Measuring 4.61 m (15’ 1”) from bumper to bumper, the load area length is 2.16 m (7’ 1”) and internal space is rated at 4.6 m3 (162.4 cu. ft.).

Curiously, Vauxhall won’t be selling this compact van, but Opel intends to. Although the reasons for the divergent strategies are unclear, anybody who’s disappointed should perhaps bear in mind that the long-wheelbase Combo benefits from a comparable freight volume of 4.4 m3 (155.3 cu. ft.).

5. Payload is better

Maximum payload is 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs), which represents a gain of 200 kg (440 lbs) versus the superseded Vivaro.

Opel Vivaro Panel Van (2019) Rear Side

In addition, the maximum braked trailer weight is 2,500 kg (5,511 lbs) – a rise of around 25%.

6. Two other body styles complete the range

With six seats, the Vivaro double cab should be suited to applications where a mixture of people and things need to be carried. Alternatively, the platform chassis is designed to appeal to after-market body builders.

7. Purchasers will have a choice of three trim grades

The entry-level Vivaro Edition comes with an electronic stability programme, traction control, hill start assist, cruise control, a speed limiter, electric windows, a DAB radio, Bluetooth and 16” steel wheels.

Opel Vivaro Panel Van (2019) Interior

Moving up, the Vivaro Sportive is distinguished by metallic paint, body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, an acoustic windscreen and thicker side glazing. Inside, the specification includes air conditioning, a 7” multimedia touchscreen, automatic lights and wipers, the FlexCargo bulkhead and a dual passenger seat.

Sitting atop the line-up is the Vivaro Elite. 17” alloy wheels, front parking sensors, satellite navigation, high beam assist, lane departure warning, side blind-spot alert and a speed limit recognition function are all on its generous standard equipment list.

8. Starting prices have already been announced

In the UK, the Vivaro Edition panel van is going to cost from £21,240 (excluding VAT). For the Sportive and Elite, the equivalent amounts are £24,140 (excluding VAT) and £25,540 (excluding VAT) respectively.

9. Orders can be placed from next month

Buyers should be prepared for a brief wait though, as deliveries aren’t due to begin until late summer. In the meantime, the 2019 Vivaro will be displayed at April’s CV Show in Birmingham.

Opel Vivaro Panel Van (2019) Side

10. An electric powertrain is promised

While the Vivaro’s internal combustion engine selection has yet to be confirmed, various four-cylinder turbo-diesel units are expected. Looking to the future, a pure-electric option is set to arrive in 2020.

Related post:
2019 Vauxhall Vivaro Life first view

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