A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a medium van that combines practicality with comfort? The Vauxhall Vivaro could be exactly what your business needs. This versatile commercial vehicle has built a strong reputation among tradespeople, fleet operators, and businesses who need reliable transport that won’t break the bank. It’s the van for those who want professional capability without compromising on driving comfort.
The Vivaro stands out in the competitive medium van market with its car-like driving experience and impressive build quality. Unlike some rivals that feel harsh and utilitarian, this van offers a refined cabin and smooth ride quality that makes long working days more bearable. The latest generation brings modern technology and safety features that were once reserved for passenger cars. You get the sense that Vauxhall has really listened to what van drivers actually want.
What makes the Vivaro appealing is its balance of capability and comfort. The payload capacity is generous, the loading area is well designed, and the driving experience feels more like a car than a traditional van. While it faces strong competition from rivals like the Ford Transit Custom and Renault Trafic, the Vivaro offers competitive running costs and a comprehensive warranty. It’s a van that aims to make your working day easier, whether you’re carrying tools across town or delivering goods across the country.
What's the Vauxhall Vivaro Like to Drive?
The Vauxhall Vivaro is built around efficient diesel engines that prioritise fuel economy and reliability over outright power. The 1.5-litre diesel engine produces between 100 and 120 horsepower, which provides adequate performance for most commercial applications. Around town, it feels responsive enough for stop-start traffic and has sufficient torque for carrying heavy loads. The 2.0-litre diesel option offers more power at 150 or 180 horsepower, making it better suited for regular motorway driving or maximum payload work.
Where the Vivaro excels is in its refined driving experience. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces or car parks. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between load carrying capability and ride comfort. Even when fully loaded, it remains stable and composed on the road. The six-speed manual gearbox shifts smoothly, though an eight-speed automatic is available for those who prefer effortless driving. This commercial van feels more car-like than many competitors, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L 4-cylinder diesel / 2.0L 4-cylinder diesel
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Power Output
100 - 180 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.2 - 9.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
38 - 45 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Vauxhall Vivaro: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Vivaro and you’ll immediately notice the car-like cabin quality. The dashboard is well laid out with clearly marked controls and a modern infotainment system featuring a colour touchscreen. The materials used feel durable and appropriate for commercial use, while still maintaining a pleasant environment for long working days. Standard features include air conditioning, electric windows, and a DAB radio, with higher trim levels adding conveniences like cruise control and smartphone connectivity.
The front seats are supportive and comfortable, with good adjustment range to suit drivers of different heights. The driving position is excellent, offering good visibility all round which is crucial when manoeuvring in tight spaces. Road noise is well controlled, making conversations easier and reducing fatigue on longer journeys. Storage solutions are thoughtfully placed throughout the cabin, with plenty of spaces for paperwork, drinks, and tools. The Vivaro’s cabin feels like a proper workplace that happens to be mobile.
The Vauxhall Vivaro is a well-rounded medium van that successfully combines practicality with comfort. It delivers the cargo space and payload capacity that businesses need while providing a driving experience that reduces fatigue and stress. The efficient engines, competitive running costs, and comprehensive warranty make it a sensible commercial vehicle choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall Vivaro?
The Vivaro offers competitive running costs that make it attractive for businesses watching their bottom line. Fuel economy is a strong point, with the efficient diesel engines delivering between 38 and 45 MPG in real world conditions. This translates to lower fuel bills and fewer stops at filling stations during busy working days. Insurance costs are reasonable for the commercial vehicle sector, though exact premiums depend on business use and driver history.
Purchase prices are competitive within the medium van segment, offering good value when compared to equivalent Ford or Renault models. Vauxhall’s comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind for business users, covering potential repair costs during the crucial early years of ownership. Service intervals are sensibly spaced to minimise downtime, and parts availability is generally good through the extensive dealer network. For businesses considering van finance, the Vivaro’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable while providing the reliability essential for commercial use.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Vauxhall Vivaro
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Ford Transit Custom
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Renault Trafic
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £32,000 | £34,000 | £31,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L diesel 120hp | 2.0L diesel 130hp | 1.6L diesel 120hp |
| Power | 120 bhp | 130 bhp | 120 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.1 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 42 mpg | 40 mpg | 43 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Car-like comfort, Modern tech, Smooth ride | Best payload, Strong brand, Wide dealer network | Competitive pricing, Good economy, Proven reliability |
Vauxhall Vivaro Practicality & Boot Space
For a medium van, the Vivaro delivers excellent practicality that suits a wide range of business needs. The load bay offers up to 5.8 cubic metres of cargo space depending on the wheelbase chosen, with a maximum payload of up to 1,400kg for heavier items. The rear doors open wide for easy loading, and the side sliding door provides convenient access in tight spaces. Interior load bay height is generous enough for most equipment and materials.
Where the Vivaro proves its worth is in everyday usability. The loading height is reasonable, reducing strain when lifting heavy items. Tie-down points are well positioned for securing loads safely. For businesses that need passenger carrying capability, crew cab and combi versions are available with additional seating. The compact overall dimensions make it manageable in urban environments while still providing serious cargo capacity. It strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Vauxhall cars, offering the space businesses need without being unwieldy in daily use.
We’ve been running Vivaros in our fleet for three years now and they’ve been excellent. The drivers love how comfortable they are on long runs and we’ve had very few reliability issues. Fuel economy is better than our old vans too.
The Vauxhall Vivaro stands out in the medium van market by offering genuine comfort and refinement without sacrificing commercial capability. It combines efficient engines, practical load space, and car-like driving dynamics into a package that works hard while keeping drivers happy. While it may not have the absolute highest payload in its class, it excels in areas that matter for daily business use.
You choose the Vivaro because you want a van that makes the working day easier and more pleasant. Its refined ride, quiet cabin, and thoughtful design details add up to a commercial vehicle that drivers actually want to spend time in. For businesses looking for reliable transport with cars under £30,000 when considering used options, the Vivaro represents excellent value with its combination of comfort, capability, and competitive running costs.
