Vauxhall revitalises its Movano large van - with a little help from its French cousin brands. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Until now, large vans have often been pretty far behind the curve when it comes to technology, but Vauxhall's Movano has now caught up. For the first time, there's a credible EV version - and even hydrogen power. Plus a smart new look and a properly car-like cab.

Background

Vauxhall's largest van, the Movano, has come in many different forms since we first saw it in 'Movano A' form back in 1998. Both that design and the replacement 'Movano B' (which arrived in 2010) were based on a Renault Master. But with Vauxhall's takeover by the French PSA conglomerate (now part of the Stellantis Group), this design switched in 2022 to the same one used by Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat. But those underpinnings were in dire need of a technological update, even in the full-electric model that joined the range at the same time. In short, this new era Movano needed thoroughly bringing up-to-date - which is exactly what's happened as part of the far-reaching package of improvements announced with this model at the end of 2023. Almost everything we roundly criticised before - the old-fashioned cab design, the EV version's feeble range and performance, plus behind-the-curve standards of media and safety; it's all been addressed. Time to consider the Movano in a completely new light.

Driving Experience

Diesel versions of this improved Movano continue with the same PSA Group-derived 2.2-litre unit you'll find in its Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat Stellantis Group cousins, as well as in the Toyota Proace Max. This is available with a range of power outputs, from 140PS to 180PS, and can be combined with 8-speed automatic transmission. This Movano Electric uses a big Stellantis-derived 110kWh battery which now takes this LCV 260 miles between charges (105 miles further than the previous 75kWh model). It powers an electric motor putting out 270bhp and 400Nm of torque - though you only get that with the fastest of the three available drive settings ('Power'). The default 'Normal' mode restricts this Vauxhall to 217bhp, while the 'Eco' setting you'll need to get anywhere near the quoted driving range figure restricts you to just 163bhp. There are four selectable levels of brake regeneration, which are operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. Bear in mind that as usual with EV vans, the range figure will drop off quite a bit if you've a full load out back. This EV model's under-floor battery positioning results in a low centre of gravity, improving cornering and stability even when fully loaded. The electric power steering now 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. There's now an electric parking brake, activated via a switch on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. Those who want to travel long distances locally emissions-free and also need to refuel quickly can talk to their dealer about a Hydrogen version which will offer a range of up to 311 miles.

Design and Build

This isn't a completely new Movano under the skin, but Vauxhall wants you to think it is. Hence the new grille, bumper and (on certain models) alloy wheels introduced as part of this update. The headlamps are new too and can optionally feature LED beams. The key differences though, lie inside where the dash has been redesigned around modern-era central infotainment screens that can be up to 10 inches in size. Compatible smartphones connect wirelessly to the infotainment system via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation is possible using TomTom navigation maps in 3D. The most important functions can be controlled via natural 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. You can now have a digital instrument display too (standard on the EV version) which is configurable and can show 3D mapping. 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, for example 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, the driver no longer even needs to take the key out of his pocket to open, start or lock the vehicle. As you'd expect, this Movano features a dual passenger seat. And up to ten in-cab storage areas are available, including the glovebox, a dash-mounted document clip and various open or lidded compartments on the dashboard. In addition, there are large door pockets, storage space beneath the passenger seat and a sizeable 22-litre overhead storage compartment.

Market and Model

Prices, as you'd expect, are much the same as those being charged for the Citroen Relay and Peugeot Boxer models that now share this Vauxhall's engineering. Prices for the Movano in diesel form (L2H2 Panel Van) start from just over £33,000 (exc. VAT), while the Movano Electric (L3H2 Panel Van) will be available from just over £47,000 after grant deduction (exc. VAT) - a saving of well over £11,000 compared to the outgoing model, despite the additional benefits of the new electric powertrain, upgraded interior and new advanced driver assist systems. The Hydrogen version is much pricier than the diesel or the EV, starting (after PiVG grant deduction) from around £66,000 ex-VAT. As before, this Movano comes with a wide range of body styles. 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. Drive assist tech has taken a big step forward. 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 a 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 possible assistance systems and electronic helpers make driving and manoeuvring easier. The combination of adaptive cruise control, 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 this Movano for the first time in its career.

Practicalities and Costs

On to practicalities. The junior Movano is the L1H1 (short wheelbase, low roof) panel van which can be specified in 3.0 and 3.3 tonne gross weights, and has a load space volume of 8.0 m3. Despite this being the smallest van in the range, it still has a load length of 2670mm, an internal load compartment height of 1662mm, a maximum load width of 1870mm and a between-the-wheel arches dimension of 1422mm - wide enough for an 8ft x 4ft sheet to be loaded flat on the floor. Graduate to the medium wheelbase L2 model and you can get both standard and high roof formats, giving respective load volumes of 10m3 and 11.5m3. The Movano L2 panel van has a load deck length of 3120mm and either an interior load height of 1662mm (H1) or 1932mm (H2). It can also be specified in 3.3, 3.5 and 4.005 tonne gross weight versions. Should you really need some big capacity, the long wheelbase L3 format will be the ticket. In this configuration, the Movano has a load deck length of 3705mm and an internal load height of 1932mm, which gives a 13 m3 capacity. The largest Movano panel vans are the 3.5 and 4.005 tonne L4H2 and L4H3 models, which have a load deck length of 4070mm and a 17.0m3 capacity. If you're opting for the Movano Electric, you'll be pleased to find that its EV powertrain doesn't compromise load volume. That's because the drive system's lithium-ion battery is mounted under the floor between the front and rear axle and so doesn't impinge on the cargo bay. You'll still need to compromise a bit on payload though, which is restricted to 1,385kg: for comparison, an electric Renault Master E-Tech manages 1,625kg. And a diesel Movano will take around 2 tonnes. On to running cost efficiency. The 2.2 litre turbo-charged diesel 140PS variant manages up to around 35mpg on the WLTP cycle in regular use. Even the gutsier 180PS powerplant only falls as far as around 31mpg. What about the EV version? Well the Movano Electric offers a 260 mile range from its 110kWh battery and is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11 kW onboard charger for AC charging. It is also the first Vauxhall to offer the option of charging with up to 150kW DC. At a public fast charging station, it only takes 55 minutes to recharge to 80 per cent of the battery capacity. Additional practicality is provided by an optional 230V socket. It helps to easily charge electric devices such as laptops, electric tool batteries, tablets and other low power appliances that require electricity up to 150 Watts. Finally, if you're brave enough to opt for the hydrogen version, it can be refuelled in only around 5 minutes.

Summary

If your business needs a large van and you're familiar with this segment of the market, you may have in recent years ignored the Vauxhall Movano as a potential alternative in a sector full of more modern, efficient designs. This improved third generation version though, once more deserves a place on your shortlist. This model line now matches most of the requirements many operators will have in terms of efficiency, practicality and body choice. And there's at last a really credible all-electric option for those businesses needing it. In short, Vauxhall's biggest LCV has moved on. It'll be interesting to see if potential customers are ready to move on with it.