Unveiled at the same time as sister model, the Renault Trafic, the new Opel Vivaro continues its predecessor’s successful concept of diverse variants and is available as a panel van, Combi, double cab or platform cab, in various configurations including two body lengths (L1: 4,998 / L2: 5,398mm) and two roof heights. Both body lengths are 216mm longer than before, adding 100mm to the cargo bay in both vehicle lengths for 2.5m (L1) and 2.9m (L2). Total load volume for the panel van is also increased, ranging from 5.2m3 to 8.6m3. Easy access to the cargo bay is provided by the rear doors. Hatches in the front passenger seat and cabin bulkhead also provide an extended load-through option. Alternatively, in the Combi variant with a sliding side door, eight passengers can comfortably travel in three rows of seats.

The new Vivaro represents the first application of Opel’s “sculptural artistry meets technical precision” design philosophy within the light commercial vehicle segment for the first time. The exterior gains new features such as a large, prominent grille, distinctive headlamps and a flowing “blade” side motif. Vivaro customers can choose between three equipment/trim variants as well as 11 body colours.

The new model also gains two new turbo diesel engines in four output levels. These comprise a 1.6 CDTi with 90PS and 115PS, as well as the 1.6 BiTurbo CDTi with sequential turbocharging and a twin-cooler system giving 120PS and 140PS. Featuring twin turbochargers, this engine combines excellent performance with high fuel economy. The new turbo diesel units’ fuel consumption decreases in the combined cycle by over one litre, with the BiTurbo’s dipping to as low as 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers with 149g/km CO2 emissions (preliminary data). There’s also a special “eco” driving mode.

The units have also been engineered for fast acceleration even when the Vivaro is fully loaded. From just 1,500rpm, the 120PS BiTurbo generates maximum torque of 320Nm, while the 140PS variant delivers 340Nm.

The chassis’ ride and handling have been tuned for optimum comfort, road-holding and security and the braking system includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP) fitted as standard. Finally, a reduced drag co-efficient further contributes to low fuel consumption and emissions.

The new model also brings chassis control systems and numerous safety functions. In addition to ABS, including Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), there’s Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Hill Start Assistant (HSA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control (TC) and Roll Over Mitigation.

The Vivaro is also available with a combined cruise control and speed limiter, as well as a Park Pilot which helps the driver reverse into a parking space, a rear-view camera and a large convex mirror in the passenger sun visor to help the driver to see into the “blind spot” area.

The Vivaro’s interior has been designed to provide a modern, mobile workspace. Customers can choose comfort seats with lumbar support that are adjustable for both length and height. All key functions in the cockpit are now positioned in line of sight and within optimal reach, ensuring exemplary ergonomics. These include practical details such as the centre front seat, which can be quickly and easily transformed into a small desk to hold a laptop. Work or other everyday items can be stowed in spaces above the infotainment system on the centre console, or in a drawer under the front passenger seat with 42 litres of storage volume.

The Vivaro now offers optimum onboard connectivity via Opel’s IntelliLink infotainment system, which includes a seven-inch colour touchscreen, Bluetooth telephone connectivity, audio streaming and advanced navigation functions with maps that can be simply updated by USB download.