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If it ain't broke...
Page 30
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Vauxhall ripped up the light CV script when it launched the Vivaro in 2001; now it's had a
makeover. Julian Milnes reports.
In commercial vehicle circles 2006 will be known as the year of the van with more introductions than a speed dating evening. And now Vauxhall has come up with a revised version of its much admired Vivaro, aimed at keeping the vehicle's remarkable success moving forward — UK sales have improved by 15% year on year.
As well as the necessary introduction of Euro-4 technology, the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel is now a 2.0-litre unit producing either 89 or 114hp, while the 2.5-litre also receives a power hike to 144hp — a six-speed gearbox is now standard across the range, as is Brake Assist technology which ensures maximum force is applied in an emergency.
Options have also been improved and now include selective door locking (standard on the Sportive), allowing separate opening of the load and passenger doors, and adaptive ESP to keep you on the straight and narrow.
And of course there is the mandatory exterior restyling, which amounts to a revised grill and light clusters. Not exactly extreme —but then the Vauxhall Vivaro was always a goodlooking steed.
As a driving machine it's hard to tell the difference from the old model, and this is no bad thing as the original was a CM favourite. The extra grunt and improved torque characteristics are noticeable once you hit the mid-range and the claims of improved build are justified — there are no discernable squeaks or rattles to complain of.
But it's the way it rides and handles that really impresses. Over all road surfaces the Vivaro behaves impeccably — its damping set-up has an unerring ability to absorb rough surfaces and keep the driver cossetted from the outside world, while through the corners it stays flat and neutral.
This ability is married to positive steering that avoids the current trend to over-assist, instead giving you plenty of feedback when things become difficult. This all leaves you wondering why some rival manufacturers just can't get it right when it comes to bettering the Vivaro with their newer models. •