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Movano on the move
Page 104
Page 105
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CM tests more CVs than anyone else, giving us a unique perspective on the used market. Here we dust off a Vauxhall Movano 3.5-tonne panel van
Badge engineering has been with us for a few years now, but back in 2002 we were just starting to get to grips with similar looking vans that would be marketed under different banners.The Movano's sister ship is the Renault Master. Both vehicles were launched in 1998, and reached the UK in January the following year.
Vauxhall's approach was to highlight the cavernous load space. One radio ad featured the echoes of the driver as he walked deeper in the back of the van to load what appeared to be road transport's equivalent of a Tardis.
We tested Vauxhall's fleet-spec variant fitted with the 2.5DTi diesel engine, and with ABS as its only option.Testing the breadand-butter model is worthwhile, as having a cornucopia of optional extras can cloud the issue.
The Movano's first engine was the naturally aspirated 2.5D, but that was superseded in the autumn of 2000 by the 2.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel.
In January 2002, the 2.8DTi, which had been available since 1998, was replaced by the 113hp 2.5DTi tested here. Reducing engine capacity was seen to be out of step with the race for more horsepower, but the replacement engines were designed with increased levels of torque, making them ideal for fleet operators.
For example, the 2.2 has 260Nm on tap. which matches the old 2.8, while the 2.5DTi offers 290Nm at 1,60Orpm; 20Orpm lower than before. Peak power remains the same at 113hp,but again at a lower engine speed (3,500 instead of 3,60Orpm). The improvements come courtesy of some clever technology, with a first-generation common-rail injection system and a charge-cooled turbo feeding a 16-valve alloy cylinder head.
The lowdown Even without a plethora of luxury options, this particular example of the latest Movano range would seem inconceivably luxurious to a Bedford CF driver. Mind you, the CF man would also find the twenty grand price tag a bit hard to swallow.The Movano's performance, comfort and refinement are all approaching car levels, even at this spec level.
But as we all knowno-one buys a van for the fun of it — it's the financial bottom line that counts with owner drivers and operators. Yet, with its impressive fuel economy, competitive loadcarrying ability and a servicing/ warranty package that is the equal of any, the Movano's bottom line means getting back to basics makes perfect sense. If only it came with a CD player... •