The latest model to make use of parent’s company PSA’sEMP2 platform, the Vivaro will go on sale in Europe next month with the restyled version of the Citroën Jumpy/Dispatch, Peugeot Expert and Toyota ProAce heading of the Old Continent in a choice of the same lengths as the Zafira Life; 4.6m, 4.9m and 5.3m.
In addition, the Vivaro will be offered in short and long wheelbase configuration with a claimed maximum load capacity of 6.6 cubic metres, a payload of up to 1 400kg, some 200kg more than before, and a tow rating of 2 500kg that improves on its predecessor by 500kg. Bodystyles will consist out of a traditional van, a chassis-cab and a crew-cab that will provide seating for six.
Like its passenger sibling, the Vivaro’s range of features has been given a complete overhaul in that tech includes a Heads-Up Display, kick-motion electrically activated sliding side doors as an option, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, front and rear parking sensors, an optional reverse camera and new safety items such as Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Traffic Sign Recognition and Driver Attention Alert.
Like the Zafira Life, Opel has declined to provide technical details, but expect the same range of BlueHDI turbodiesel engines also used in the Jumpy/Dispatch, Expert and ProAce, namely a 1.5-litre developing between 74kW and 88kW, a 1.6-litre making from 70kW to 88kW and a 2.0-litre producing 90kW to 130kW. Transmissions will be made up of a five-or-six-speed manual, while a six-or-eight-speed automatic will serve as the self-shifting options. A Dangel developed four-wheel drive system will also be optional on some models, while an all-electric variant will become available next year.
In the UK, the Vivaro, which be built at Vauxhall’s Luton Plant, will be offered in three trim levels; the Edition priced from £21 240 (R382 260), the mid-range Sportive that will retail from £24 140 (R434 452) and the top-spec Elite that can be had from £25 540 (R459 649). While the Zafira Life remains an unknown quantity for local introduction, the Vivaro has been confirmed for local introduction in December.
