The What Van? Road Test: Vauxhall Movano (2019)

Date: Monday, February 10, 2020   |   Author: Steve Banner

 VAUXMOVrear

Operating

The Movano is protected by a three-year/100,000-mile warranty while service intervals are set at two years/25,000 miles. Vauxhall quotes an official combined economy figure of 47.8mpg, calculated by translating the WLTP figure into NEDC – New European Driving Cycle – to allow comparisons.

NEDC is being replaced by WLTP. We achieved around 45mpg on our test run.

Movano L2H2 FWD 3.5t 2.3 CDTi 150hp BiTurbo S/S

Price (ex VAT)    £32,710
Price range (ex VAT)     £27,745-£39,815
Gross payload     1,529kg
Load volume     10.8m3
Load length     3,083mm
Load width (min/max)     1,380/1,765mm
Load bay height     1,894mm
Loading height     562mm
Rear door aperture     1,820 x 1,577mm
Side door aperture    17,80 x 1,270mm
Gross vehicle weight    3,500kg
Braked trailer towing weight     2,500kg
Residual value     14.1%*
Cost per mile      61.0p*
Engine size/power    2,298cc, 150hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque     385Nm @ 1,750rpm
Gearbox     6-speed
Fuel economy     47.8mpg (WLTP combined)
Fuel tank     80 litres
CO2      156g/km
Warranty     3yrs/100,000mls
Service intervals     2yrs/25,000mls
Insurance group     50A
Price as tested      ££36,815

*after 4yrs/80,000mls; source:  KwikCarcost

Options fitted: Permanent rear-view camera £850; Navi Pro £760; Aircon £700; Advanced Safety Assist. Pack £550; Convenience Pack £450; Front and rear parking sensors and camera £450; 270° rear doors £285; Full-diameter wheel covers £60

Rivals

Ford Transit
Price (ex VAT) £26,235-£38,600
Load volume     9.5-15.1m3
Gross payload    872-2,169kg
Engines     105hp, 130hp, 170hp, 185hp  2.0 diesel, 130hp 2.0 hybrid diesel

Verdict: It’s said nobody ever got shot for buying a Transit and it’s not hard to see why. In its latest incarnation it is on offer with a mild hybrid diesel powertrain, a new 185hp version of its 2.0-litre diesel, a revised front end and a revamped interior. Due to appear in rear-wheel drive soon, the new 10-speed auto should prove popular with home-delivery fleets.

Peugeot Boxer
Price (ex VAT) £24,735-£34,630
Load volume     8.0-17.0m3
Gross payload    1,125-1,570kg
Engines    120hp, 140hp 2.2 diesel

Verdict: The Boxer is sometimes viewed as an also-ran in the panel van market, but that underestimates its capabilities. It has recently been revised, with a new engine plus new trim levels, changes it has in common with its near-identical Citroen Relay cousin. Sharing the same basic design, Fiat’s Ducato has been upgraded too, and all three are worth taking a look at.

Volkswagen Crafter
Price (ex VAT) £25,790-£43,170
Load volume     9.3-17.5m3
Gross payload 735-2,573kg
Engines. 102hp, 122hp, 140hp, 177hp 2.0 diesel

Verdict: Anybody afer a solidly constructed van with the accent on safety is likely to head to Merc’s Sprinter, but take a look at the Crafter before you do. It shares many virtues, and its front assist with city emergency braking package is a potential life-saver in urban areas. An e-Crafter is on its way, and remember the Crafter is also marketed by MAN as the TGE.

The Final Verdict

Design

8/10

 

Plenty of intelligent features, including the Eco Mode button.

 

Cabin

8/10

A remarkable amount of storage and a comfy driving position. 

Ride

8/10

Better than expected, with potholes causing limited disruption.

Refinement

6/10

In-cab noise levels could be more thoroughly suppressed.

Load area

8/10

Easy to access, low loading height, and a healthy payload. 

Handling/performance

8/10

Ample feedback through the steering and brisk acceleration.  

Engine/transmission

7/10

Well-matched, with the latter offering a smooth gear-change.

Standard equipment

7/10

Not especially generous, but all the basics are there.

Operating costs

7/10

Sensible service intervals/warranty, and it seems fuel-frugal.

What Van? subjective rating

8/10

A well thought-out package with a lot to offer.

 Overall Rating = 75/100



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