The new Vauxhall Movano, with its diverse range of body styles, up to 17m3 of cargo volume and a payload of up to two tonnes, is the largest LCV from the British brand has always been impressive. It retains class-leading qualities and adds new ones on top, such as advanced driver assistance systems that enable level 2 automated driving for the first time.
What is it?
VAUXHALL has announced a series of updates to its latest generation of light commercial vehicles with new versions of the compact Combo, mid-size Vivaro and large Movano vans.
And LCVs don’t come much larger than the Movano which now comes as a battery electric version and , will also be available as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in the near future.
Vauxhall’s LCV models feature a new ‘Vizor’ front-end, mirroring the latest design found across the latest generation of passenger models. The Vizor integrates the Griffin brand emblem with the signature front lighting systems, creating a single visual unit that stretches fully across the face of the vehicle. Inside, a refreshed cockpit includes a new 10-inch touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Vauxhall, along with its sister Stellantis brands, is the only manufacturer to make vans in the United Kingdom and does so at its Luton and Ellesmere Port plants – the latter having recently been upgraded to be the UK’s first electric-only vehicle plant, manufacturing the Vauxhall Combo Electric.
Vauxhall is also one of few brands to offer a fully electric variant across its entire LCV line-up and has been the UK’s best-selling electric van manufacturer for the past two years and continues to lead the sales charts so far in 2023.
The new Vauxhall Movano, with its diverse range of body styles, up to 17m
3 of cargo volume and a payload of up to two tonnes, is the largest LCV from the British brand has always been impressive. It retains class-leading qualities and adds new ones on top, such as advanced driver assistance systems that enable level 2 automated driving for the first time.
The locally emissions-free Movano Electric comes with higher power and a longer driving range, powered by an especially strong electric motor with 200 kW/270 PS and 400 Newton metres of torque. Thanks to the new 110 kWh battery, the new Movano Electric can cover up to 261 miles (WLTP) without a charging stop, making it a capable, reliable partner, even on those longer delivery journeys. Additional versatility is provided by the new optional 230V dashboard socket that enables electrical devices to be powered or recharged.
In the interior, the focus is on connectivity, ergonomics and comfort. The redesigned cockpit offers infotainment systems with up to 10-inch colour touchscreens. Wireless smartphone charging is possible, as is keyless entry and start. An optional versatile ‘Eat & Work’ bench seat can also be used as a work surface. The Movano underlines its new, modern and future-oriented character when viewed from the outside, featuring a refreshed design at the front and rear that is typical of the brand, as well as optional LED headlights.
However, the latest offers the appropriate drivetrain for every user-profile including hydrogen for those who want to travel long distances locally emissions-free and also need to refuel quickly – provided they can locate hydrogen fuel stations which remain few and far between in the UK. It offers a range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and can be refuelled with hydrogen in only around five minutes. Orders for hydrogen versions will open in Q4 of next year, with customer deliveries expected in early 2025.
Diesel remains the weapon of choice for most businesses and van owners given its long range wide range of and ability to haul heavy loads – weight remains the big enemy of the EV.
The Movano diesel offering comes with outputs from 103 kW/140 PS to 132 kW/180 PS and – depending on the version – can be combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Together with aerodynamic improvements to the body, the drivetrains reduce fuel consumption by up to 9% compared to the previous engines, which also makes the Movano a top player in the segment in terms of fuel efficiency and CO
2 emissions.
The new Movano also displays pioneering achievements among the numerous driver assistance systems. The electric power steering automatically adjusts the assistance to the speed of the vehicle. This increases driving comfort at higher speeds and makes manoeuvring in the city more comfortable. The electric parking brake is activated via a switch on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.
In addition to traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with emergency braking and side blind-spot alert, there are now new systems such as drowsiness alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with “Stop & Go” function, 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and a digital rear view mirror that further improves all-round visibility. A total of 22 assistance systems and electronic helpers make driving and manoeuvring easier.
The combination of adaptive cruise control with “Stop & Go” function, lane keep assist and traffic jam assist enables the Movano to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph – for example in slow traffic – provided that the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel. This means that automated driving at level two is possible with the new Movano for the first time in its successful career.
You can also do a bit of officee work or have lunch in the cab. The cockpit has been comprehensively redesigned, making it more ergonomic and, above all, more connected. As standard on Electric versions and as an option on diesel versions, the most important information can now be displayed in a fully digital, configurable seven-inch colour driver information centre. A 3D map from the navigation system can also be displayed there.
The new infotainment and navigation system is operated via the 10-inch colour touchscreen located centrally at the top of the centre console. Compatible smartphones connect wirelessly to the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation uses TomTom maps in 3D. The most important functions can be controlled via speech recognition. Particularly practical for delivery services and professionals who often have to use a mobile phone at work is a shelf in the centre console for charging smartphones inductively.
Versatility is a highlight of the new Movano, not only in the variety of variants and the range of cargo-carrying options, but also in the interior. The optional ‘Eat & Work’ bench-seat turns the cockpit into an ergonomic control centre. In just a few simple steps, the seat next to the driver can be transformed into a movable, practical work surface, e.g. for a laptop, turning the Movano into a mobile office. Alternatively, the seat can be converted into a small table with a cup holder – ideal when the time comes for a short break. And with the keyless locking and starting system (‘Keyless Entry & Go’), the driver no longer even needs to take the key out of his pocket to open, start or lock the Movano.
There are three vehicle lengths, two wheelbases and three heights, as well as panel van, chassis Doublecab, platform and back to back versions allow countless configuration options to suit the respective user-profile.
At the same time, Vauxhall’s largest LCV makes no compromises in terms of payload or cargo volume. The Movano Electric can carry a payload of up to 1,385 kg, and the diesel version can carry up to two tonnes. Thanks to the practical underbody location of the battery, the cargo volume of up to 17m
3 is fully retained. The Movano Electric is also suitable for numerous conversions.
Prices for the New Movano (L2H2 Panel Van) start at £32,025 (exc. VAT), while the Movano Electric (L3H2 Panel Van) will be available from £50,385 (exc. VAT) – a saving of £12,350 compared to the outgoing model, despite the additional benefits of the new electric powertrain, upgraded interior and new advanced driver assist systems.
