The second incarnation of the Vauxhall Movano brings a breath of fresh air to the light commercial vehicle market in the UK
The launch of the new Movano also heralds the start of an ambitious drive by Vauxhall to strengthen its commercial vehicle offering. The company is escalating its activities in an area where it has an impressive tradition and proven expertise, with plans to double annual sales volume of Movano in the UK
Commenting on the launch of the new Movano Duncan Aldred Managing Director at Vauxhall Motors said, “The commercial vehicle market is of great strategic importance to us,” “The rejuvenation of our product offer in this important commercial vehicle segment clearly reflects our ambitions to grow in this area and to strengthen our market position. This also includes focused improvement and reinforcement of our sales and dealer network. “The new Movano plays a key role in our sales plans for 2010. We believe that with its combination of a wide selection of variants and low operating and maintenance costs, the new Movano has what it takes to establish itself at the top of the light commercial vehicle segment.” “Movano drivers can also expect to be among the happiest and most comfortable when they get behind the wheel with special attention having been paid to cabin comfort and ergonomics, as well as to the cargo space areas.” “A new range of fuel-sipping common rail diesel engines ensure operators will be just as content.”
The Movano’s balanced proportions in profile highlight the vehicle’s solidity and quality in terms of function, look and feel, with sculpted wheel arches, distinctive protective side moulding and bold ergonomic door handles. Bumpers and rear lights, too, are wrapped around the side of the body, adding to the harmonious look while also offering additional protection to the body. Under the bonnet, a new generation of 2.3 CDTi four-cylinder common-rail diesel engines combine strong performance with low operating costs. Three power outputs are available: 100PS/285 Nm, 125 PS/310 Nm and 150PS/350 Nm. All engines come with a six-speed gearbox as standard and are Euro 4 or Euro 5 (with DPF) compliant. The 125PS and 150PS versions can be coupled with the semi-auto Techshift transmission. Fuel consumption is of course a critical part of any van’s overall running costs; new Movano’s consumption starts at 35.3mpg for the 3.5t L2H2 100PS version with 211 g/km CO2. Increased fuel efficiency isn’t the only way new Movano owners will save money. The new engines are now designed with a 250,000-mile lifespan while extended mileage service intervals and reduced maintenance costs are an added bonus.
The modular platform, developed jointly with Renault, comes with front or rear-wheel drive depending on payload category. Rear-wheel drive variants can be ordered with twin wheels at the rear. The new Movano will offer a wider selection of variants than most of the competition, as well as a tailor-made model for nearly every potential customer profile. The full range includes panel van, doublecab and Combi versions, chassis cabs with standard or crew cab, platform cab, three wheelbases, four vehicle lengths and three roof heights. New Movano is also an excellent base for conversions and will be available ex-works as a tipper, dropside and box van. The new Movano can be specified in three wheelbases from 3.18 to 4.33 meters, four exterior lengths from 5.05 to 6.85 meters that allow for cargo load lengths on floor from 2.58 to 4.38 meters. There are also three interior roof heights from 1.7 to 2.14 meters, while load volume ranges from 8.0 to 17 cubic meters. Gross vehicle weight ranges from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes, with maximum payload to 3.0 tonnes, depending on body. The new Movano is also an excellent vehicle for towing. Depending on the variant, towed weight can reach up to 2.5 t (FWD and RWD versions with single rear wheels) or 3.0 t (RWD with dual rear wheels).Loading the new Movano couldn’t be simpler. Front-wheel drive variants feature low sill heights while all models offer side sliding and rear access doors. Large door apertures make access for large loads and Euro palettes easy.
Cab comfort and safety has been enhanced in a number of areas such as driver visibility, multi-adjustable seats (in various configurations) and an adjustable steering column that allows for relaxed driving on the longest journeys. Meanwhile the options list for the new Movano has really moved the game on with items such as static cornering lights, a centre seat back that folds into a work surface and a rotating laptop table. As you would expect, there is plenty of storage bins and compartments, which include a large, 7.6 litre glove box, practical storage compartments, trays and fixtures located in the doors, instrument panel, ceiling area and under the seats. Together, they provide easy reach storage of typical work items such as A4-sized folders, lunchboxes; drink bottles (up to 2 litres) thermos flasks, CDs, mobile phones and work boots.
Movano’s advanced chassis has been tuned to be agile but also comfortable, both when loaded and empty. Active and passive safety equipment includes ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) as standard on all models while electronic stability program (ESP) is also standard on rear-wheel drive and optional for front-wheel drive versions. Passive safety features include front airbags, side airbags integrated in the seats (optional) and seat-belt pretensioners.
To celebrate the new van’s launch, Vauxhall is giving away £1,400 worth of options, to include air conditioning, a multi-function trip computer, vehicle alarm and Bluetooth connectivity. Known as the Launch Pack, it will be offered on new Movano’s until July 31 this year.
