Vauxhall’s Movano is a mighty mover

The 125hp engine feels strong and flexible. Coupled with the Techshift transmission, it makes for a relaxed driving experience

Vauxhall Movano 2.3 CDTI (125) L3 H2 Front Wheel Drive 3500 Techshift

What is it?

Vauxhall’s substantial Movano comes in a broad choice of model configurations, with three 2.3-litre diesel engines and in gross weights from 2.8 to 4.5 tonnes.

Three wheelbases are offered, a long body option and three roof heights. It’s also available in front- or rear-wheel-drive and, with an available load area from 8cu m to 17cu m and payloads from 994kg to 2500kg, it certainly covers a lot of bases.

The rear-wheel-drive variants have added traction and towing ability. Twin rear wheels are available in panel van, chassis and crew-cab formats.

Twin rear wheels are standard on 4.5-tonne gross vehicle weight models and optional for 3.5-tonne front-wheel-drive models.

Vauxhall’s Movano is a mighty mover

Well thought-out cab includes a built-in clipboard

Six-speed manual transmission is standard on all variants and automated Techshift transmission is available as an option with the 125hp and 146hp engines. The test model was equipped with the six-speed Techshift semi-automatic gearbox.

As a competitor to large Ford Transits, Iveco Turbo Dailys and Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, it’s certainly a van of substance.

The cab is well thought out with bundles of storage space, although there’s a rather plasticky feel to the finish. The driving position offers good visibility from the driving seat and no problem with comfort. In fact, the Movano has multi-adjustable seats and a height-adjustable steering column, which should ensure every driver finds a comfortable driving position.

The 125hp engine feels strong and flexible and the Techshift transmission makes for a relaxed driving experience. If you’re working your van in urban environments this would be especially useful, although its operation feels a little quirky and takes some getting used to.

Vauxhall’s Movano is a mighty mover

The side door is big enough to take a pallet – even if the forklift driver isn’t looking!

The Movano rides well, too, and handles far better than you might expect from such a large van.

The L3 H2 test model has 13cu m of volume and a payload of 1530kg. If it’s volume you need, this van is well worth a look.

And front-wheel-drive models feature low-loading sill heights for easy access to the cargo area. Rear doors open through a full 180 degrees, and a 270 degree version is optional.

The standard sliding side load door, with a maximum width of 1270mm, allows a Euro pallet to be loaded sideways. Maximum height is 1780mm.

And the rear door aperture of 1580mm with maximum height of 1820mm and load-through width between wheel arches of is 1380mm adds to the ease of loading. Movano’s straight body sides also help space efficiency.

If you need to haul a trailer, the Movano should make a pretty good tug. Depending on model, it’ll tow up to 3.0 tonnes and maximum gross train weight is 7.5 tonnes.

 

Vauxhall’s Movano is a mighty mover

If it’s load volume you need, this van is well worth a look

What’s hot?

  • Massive range with 29 body styles
  • Available with front and rear-wheel drive
  • Three wheelbases from 3.18 to 4.33 meters, four exterior lengths from 5.05 to 6.85 meters offering cargo load lengths from 2.58 to 4.38 meters.
  • There are also three interior roof heights from 1.7 to 2.14 meters, and load volume ranging from 8.0 to 17 cubic meters
  • Gross vehicle weight up to 4.5 tonnes, payload to 2.5 tonnes
  • Cab offers good all-around visibility, a host of practical storage compartments and has multi-adjustable seats and height-adjustable steering column
  • Six-speed gearbox as standard with option of semi-automatic Techshift transmission
  • ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) standard on all models. The electronic stability program ESP is also standard in all rear-wheel drive models, and available as an option with front-wheel drive versions.
  • Driver’s airbag, and three-point safety belts with belt tensioner and belt force limiter are standard. A passenger airbag, seat-integrated side airbags and headlamps with cornering light are all available as options.

 

What’s not?

  • Techshift gearbox takes some getting used to and can be quirky in operation
  • Cab interior finish has a rather plasticky feel.

 

Business Vans verdict

The Vauxhall Movano comes in such a broad range of variants, the conclusion of this Vauxhall van review is that it would be difficult not to find a configuration to suit your business.

The cab is well thought out with ample storage, and adjustable seating makes it simple to find a comfortable driving position. The flexible engine, surprisingly good handing and reasonable ride make the Movano easy to live with.

Added to this, the wide opening doors and low sill heights provide first-class load space access. If you need a sizable panel van, then you should check out this big Vauxhall.

What you need to know

On the road price excluding options (ex-VAT) £ 26,933.23
Load length (max) 3733mm
Load width (max) 1765mm
Load height 1894mm
Load capacity 13cu m
Payload 1530kg
GVW 3500kg
Towing capacity braked/unbraked 2500kg/750kg
Engine 2.3-litre, 4-cyl diesel
Power/Torque 125PS/310Nm
Economy (combined) 34.9mpg
CO2 emissions 214g/km

Got a spare 30 seconds?

 Help us to provide you with better market insight by completing a very short survey. It is anonymous and only takes 30 seconds. You will get free access to the quarterly results.

Thinking of the switch to electric?

Need help in finding the right electric vehicle for you? Compare driving range, battery capacity, charging time, price, and features to find the perfect EV for you.

logo