The Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, commonly known as the Vivaro, is a light commercial vehicle (LCV) produced by the German manufacturer Opel under license from Renault. The Vivaro has been in production since 2001 and is one of the most popular LCVs on the European market.
History
The Vivaro was first introduced to replace the previous model, the Bedford HA/Bedford SB/Denby/Horizon, which had been produced by various manufacturers under license agreements. The name “Vivaro” comes from the department in southwestern France where Opel’s factory is located. Initially, the Vivaro shared its platform with vivarocasino.ie the Renault Kangoo and Ford Transit Connect.
Design
The Vivaro has undergone several design changes throughout its production run. Its exterior dimensions vary depending on the model year, but it typically measures around 4.6 meters (15 feet) in length, 1.9 meters (6.2 feet) in width, and 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in height. The Vivaro’s interior offers ample space for cargo, with a payload capacity ranging from 800 to over 1500 kilograms.
Interior Space
The Vivaro features various configurations to accommodate different needs:
- Panel vans provide maximum storage volume
- Crew cabs are equipped with seats for two or three passengers and larger load bay
- Tipper trucks have an open rear end for easy loading of loose materials, such as aggregate or soil
- Combi vehicles combine the versatility of a crew cab with a large load capacity
Powertrain Options
The Vivaro has used various engines over its production run:
- Early models featured Opel’s 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 60 horsepower and an unspecified top speed
- Modern versions typically come equipped with more powerful options, such as the Euro-6 compliant 2.0-liter turbo-diesel unit producing 140 or 120 horsepower
Technology and Features
As a modern LCV, the Vivaro incorporates various safety features:
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for improved handling
- Hill Hold Control to prevent rolling when starting on an incline
- ABS braking system with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution)
- Driver’s side airbag and passenger seat airbag as standard equipment in most models
Additionally, some trim levels offer advanced infotainment systems featuring:
- Navigation systems with traffic information
- Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation
- USB ports for smartphone integration