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SOLE PATROL
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Big vans are as practical as shoes and, like shoes, they come in different shapes and sizes. So for those with big
feet we've gone for the vast Mayan° L1A/B from Vauxhall. ptactical is a word that's always going to be welcomed when it comes to conunercial vehicles. Extras are always nice, but ley're never going to win people over on their )vvn. You could design the most advanced van n the world, but if it's lacking the basic lecessities it'll be as useful as asbestos trousers on a Monday.
Vauxhall's Mayan° has been a keen player in he big van market for quite a time now — Although the company may point to its facelift n 2003. Originally introduced in 1999, it proved A worthy competitor for the ubiquitous Ford Fransit. But this was not just a straight shootout )etween direct rivals, oh no.Also stepping up bra (considerable) piece of the action is Vlercedes' Sprinter and further down the line you also have the Citroen/Peugeot/Fiat collaboration producing the Relay,Boxer and Ducato respectively.
The Movano range gives you plenty of scope to find a set-up to suit your requirements.There's a choice of three wheelbases and roof heights,and an engine range with three common-rail turbo-diesels:a 1.9-litre — 80hp: a 2.5-litre — 98 or 113hp; and a 3.0-litre — 135hp.The last two outputs get six gears instead of five.
Vauxhall claims these units have been tuned for low-down torque to get you off the mark quickly and keep pace in mixed road condilions. GVW is between 2,800kg and 3,500kg and load volume starts at &0m3 and rises to 13.9m3 for the LWB 'Maxi roof. Being adventurous types we've gone for big options in size and driveline (3.0-litre, LWB, highroof) — though contrary to popular opinion this is not to make up for the CM test team's deficiencies elsewhere.
For the price (£22,695), Vauxhall throws in ABS with EBD,radio/CD player,full-height mesh bulkhead, and driver and passenger airbag. Security features include a nifty anti-intruder device that locks all the doors once the vehicle accelerates over 6mph, securing the occupants and cargo from light-fingered athletes, an alarm and central locking. Options on our model include metal bulkhead with window (£225), pneumatic rear suspension (£1,500) and electric pack —windows and mirrors (£275).
Productivity
There was a time when the Kent test route could be relied upon for consistent traffic flow with its mix of urban and motorway driving — how things have changed. Congestion now rears its ugly head on regular occasions (should we be surprised?), making fuel testing that bit more of a challenge. So for its sins and an increased level of stop-starting the Movano produced 26.6mpg, which when compared to the rest of the competition was certainly impressive. For the record, the Renault Master RWD using the same engine came in second with 262mpg.
The unladen figure naturally saw things improve with 33.0mpg. This was slightly off the pace compared with the Citroen Relay's 34.1mpg,but still ahead of the rest of the competition. What really helped the Movano's fuel cause was an engine that was strong on low-. down torque, thus allowing for minimal revving and smoother overall driving.
As you might expect with a long-wheelbase/ high-roof combination the Movano offers plenty of space with a load-volume of 12.6e. This is presented in a very usable package with near-flat sidewalls for maximum usage of space and a wide rear loading lip that's also low to the ground.
What was surprising was the lack of standard 270 opening rear doors it makes do with 180, hut they're easy to use and unclip at 90°.A further bonus is a parcel shelf above the cab. 11111' Side access is via a nearside sliding door (an offside is optional), which is smooth in operation and holds its locked-out position securely. It incorporates a decent-sized step and being the high-roof version you can happily hop inside without fear of cracking your bonce.The test vehicle also had self levelling suspension. which worked admirably under a full load and is worth considering if you like your goods on the heavy side. Servicing is a generous two years or 24.000 miles so ongoing costs should be low.
On the road
The Movano may be big, but it's also a tight package in the driving stakes.You do have to make exceptions when manoeuvring in tighter spaces due to its size or you may end up paying a trip to the repair shop, but with this in mind it provides a secure and relaxing experience.
While comparisons to its smaller and more nimble relative, the Vivaro, may be slightly off the mark, the big Vauxhall feels surprisingly solid in its build and road dynamics.
Let's start with the steering. Firm in its operation, but not overly so to make you feel disconnected from the road, its lock-to-lock ratio at 3.5 turns is tight enough to avoid having to exert yourself when navigating tight spaces. While the chassis is not especially technologically advanced in its setup, it provides more than adequate road holding, even under duress.
This positive experience is also reflected in the ride, which is compliant over most undulations and firm at high-speed cruising on motorways — it really does feel well planted and controllable for such a big van.
Further strings to its bow include the 3.0-litre engine that provides heaps of torque from around 1,200rpm.This allows the Movano to gather speed, even when fully laden, at a brisk pace — those claims of tuning for low-down grunt seem entirely justified. But nothing's perfect and this setup leaves a noticeable tailing off of power in the upper range of the revs. And by that time it's also become a little raucous with noise levels increasing substantially.
The hill-climbing times were among the best in the group and for those with a variety of terrain to handle on a day-to-day basis the higher output is the one to go for.
A six-speed box further enhances the engine's credentials, allowing you to further exploit its characteristics, though gearing leaves you 'between gears' when cruising at 30mph and the action does not allow rushed changes, feeling slightly sloppy in its movement.
For slowing down, there's plenty of response from the Vauxhall's anchors due to all the electronic gadgetry and the action is nice and progressive as well, even when braking with a heavy load.
Cab comfort
With a big van you can assume that cab space takes a step up as well. Driver access is good thanks to a wide aperture and low-level step, making hopping in and out on multi-drop deliveries a cinch. And the driver's seat also proves to be a positive thanks to its firm but fair composition and multi-adjustable functions that tilt as well as slide fore and aft.
The driving position itself is limited due to the lack of an adjustable steering-wheel, and the steel bulkhead restricts rear movement. Inspiration might not be a key word when it comes to the Movano's interior, but in a strange way it all seems to work.
A spacious design is helped by a mix of light and dark plastics that are durable but not cheap to the touch—while this might not be Changing Rooms we do believe an inviting cab is a happy mb.The driver's console is simply laid out with Legible dials and nicely-positioned stalks, though having the horn on the left stalk takes a while to get used to as you continually slam the airbagged steering wheel waiting for a response.
The central dash houses the dial heater and other secondary controls, hut though it looks a bit basic its brick-like design does increase cross-cab access and it can't be accused of over:ompl ication. Driver's forward vision is good, allowing manoeuvring in tight spaces without panicking about bumper scuff. Similarly, the rear view is aided by practical side mirrors. which incorporate a large main and a smaller blind spot area.
And overall noise levels are limited to slight road-roar at high-speed, though when pressed the engine does make its presence felt with small degree of vibration.
A paperless office may be nice, but for those working in reality the Movano may not provide bountiful storage. However, what you do get is practical enough for most requirements.
Door pockets are deep with a separate area for big water bottles and there are two faciamounted drinks holders as well as a centrallymounted clip for immediate paperwork and anA4-sized pocket for files and the like.The passenger seat whether single or double — also gets a pull-out tray. a