Vauxhall launches updated Movano, with upgraded engines, improved specification and a new look inside and out, says Dan Gilkes.
Vauxhall has completely overhauled its light commercial vehicle range in the last 10 months, with the launch of the PSA-based Combo and Vivaro, now joined by an updated Movano. All Movano vans now feature bi-turbo engines, promising additional power and torque, improved fuel consumption and lower emissions.
Front-wheel drive models are offered with Euro 6d-Temp versions of the 2.3-litre engine, with new power ratings of 135hp and 360Nm of torque, 150hp and 385Nm, or 180hp with 400Nm. The rear-wheel drive models retain the previous 130hp, 145hp and 165hp ratings with the engines now tested to the heavy-duty Euro 6d standard. Both engine lines offer two-year/25,000-mile service intervals.
The 150hp engine offers the best mix of power and economy, boasting up to 48mpg and a CO2 output of just 154g/km. However, Vauxhall expects around 80% of fleet buyers to take the 135hp model, with 15% opting for the 150hp and just 5% for the 180hp.
Around 80% of Movano sales are front wheel driven. At present all vans drive through a six-speed manual gearbox, though an automated manual transmission will be added at a later date. The Oberaigner 4×4 conversion remains an manufacturer approved conversion, though it no longer features on the regular Vauxhall price list.
Indeed, Vauxhall has temporarily dropped many of its ready-built conversions, due in part to the constraints of WLTP regulations, offering instead factory-built vehicles or chassis cabs for local conversion. The French-built models include tippers, dropsides and box vans. The company does intend to re-introduce local ready-built conversions later this year. At present 60% of Movano orders are for panel vans, with 39% chassis cabs and 1% delivered as minibuses.
A totally redesigned interior brings the van up to date in the cab, with a rear vision camera system available for the first time. This provides a live feed to a seven-inch screen where a rear-view mirror would normally be. Blind spot monitoring is also available, along with an audible lane departure warning. Movano vans also come with Side-Wind Assistant as standard, using the ESP system to improve handling in high winds.
Vauxhall’s Navi 5.0 IntelliLink Pro infotainment is available for the first time on Movano, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus there is a wireless charging option available for smartphones. Standard specification also includes auto lights and wipers. There are no less than 22 storage compartments in the redesigned cab, which offers a comfortable place to work. Vauxhall will add its Connect Box in-vehicle connectivity system to the Movano range next year.
There are no changes at the rear of the van, with four body lengths and three roof heights offering load volumes of 8-17m3. Maximum payload in a 3.5-tonne model is 1.5-tonnes, while the 4.5-tonne vans can carry up to 2.1-tonnes. The updated vans feature a revised front-end, with daytime running lights now integrated into the headlights, continuing a chrome styling line that runs across the grille.
The Verdict
This will be the last Movano to use the Renault Master as a base, with Vauxhall moving to a PSA platform by 2024. The upgrades keep the van fresh, while offering cleaner engines and improved equipment levels.
Sector Large van Price £27,745-£39,815 Fuel 22.5-32.2mpg* CO2 230-330g/km
Fleet World Rating ****
