Vauxhall has introduced a four-wheel drive option for its Movano van range. Using a driven front axle and transfer box from German all-wheel drive specialist Oberaigner, which supplies components for the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 4×4, the conversion is available on all rear drive Movano vans, chassis cabs and double cab models.
The Movano 4×4 can be ordered on 3.5 and 4.5-tonne vans, but Vauxhall has limited it to engines with 125hp or 150hp. The conversion adds just 150kg to the vehicle weight, with no loss of load volume in the rear.
The van rides slightly higher than a two-wheel drive model but uses rear-wheel drive only in normal road use. A simple switch on the dash activates the front axle and this can be done at speeds up to 15mph. A second switch drops the transfer gearbox ratio by 1.42 when stationary, providing additional pulling power for off-road work.
That said, the van is not intended as an ultimate mud-plugger, more an occasional all-wheel drive that can cross construction sites or agricultural fields to access power lines and other utilities.
Activating all-wheel drive results in a beeping from the dash, along with a yellow warning light that becomes a bit wearing after a while. This warning has to be present however, as the move to all-wheel drive disables the van’s standard ESP.
As the vehicle drives in rear-wheel drive on the road there should be minimal impact on fuel consumption and emissions versus the regular rear drive van, though as mentioned the 4×4 does ride slightly higher. Of course those companies who need this type of off-road ability may well also fit mud and snow tyres, which would see a drop in fuel consumption.
As the 4×4 is a second stage conversion, Whole Vehicle Type Approval is carried out by Oberaigner, with the converter offering two years/75,000 miles of cover for the components. All UK Vauxhall dealers will be able to look after repair and maintenance of the vehicles, with the Movano’s standard two year/25,000 miles service intervals unchanged.
On the road you can certainly feel that there is additional componentry beneath the cab, though the front drive system is not in use at normal road speeds. While the Movano is perfectly happy in two-wheel drive, it won’t be chosen as a long distance hauler.
Find a muddy track or a gravel road however, and the Movano 4×4 comes into its own. You can opt for single or double rear wheels, as seen on our test van, for the ultimate in off-road grip. Certainly there were no problems with traction on wet grass, muddy bridleways and rough ground.
The extra height offers even better visibility and the Movano’s cab remains a good place to spend the day, with endless storage solutions for even the busiest driver.
The Movano 4×4 isn’t expected to be a big seller, a £10,000 premium over the regular two-wheel drive models will ensure that this remains a real working tool. However, for those fleets that do need to get across muddy fields, along rough tracks and even through snowy winters, the additional ability should justify the investment.
What we think
The Movano 4×4 will no doubt appeal to utilities and blue light operators and the Oberaigner four-wheel drive conversion provides Vauxhall’s biggest vans with real off-road capability, for a price.
Specification
MODEL Vauxhall Movano 4×4 L3H2 2.3CDTI
BASIC PRICE £28,313.33
ENGINE 4-cyl/2,298cc
FUEL INJECTION Common-rail
POWER 146hp @ 3,500rpm
TORQUE 350Nm @1,250-2,500rpm
Weights (kg)
GVW 3,500
KERB WEIGHT 1,970
PAYLOAD 1,530
MAX TRAILER WEIGHT 2,500
Dimensions (mm)
LOAD SPACE LENGTH 3,733
LOAD SPACE WIDTH 1,765
LOAD SPACE HEIGHT 1,894
LOAD HEIGHT (unladen) 557
LOAD VOLUME 13m3
Cost considerations
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 80 litres
COMBINED MPG & CO2 30.1mpg/232g/km
OIL CHANGE 2 yr/25,000 miles
WARRANTY 3 yr/100,000 miles