Best Large Trades Van: Vauxhall Vivaro 2700 Panel Van

ON sale since 2014 and winner of our Best Large Trades Van award for the second year in a row is the Vauxhall Vivaro.

The reason why the Vivaro has kept hold of this title in the Business Van Awards is twofold: first,  it is car-like to drive which is only good if it can do the practical stuff, which of course it does so impressively –  a practical load area that can accommodate three Europallets or 8×4 ply. Combine both and you’ve got a van that’s capable of beating the tough opposition.

Our winning Vivaro this year is the Panel 2700 1.6CDTi 16v BiTurbo (120PS) L1H1 Sportive Start/Stop ecoFLEX that can carry a load volume of up to 8.6 cu m and an impressive payload of up 2,760kg.

Our Sportive trim winner also boasts the FlexCargo load-through bulkhead functionality as standard, meaning items of up to 3.75m can be carried with ease. Like the Vivaro’s exterior styling, the interior is state-of-the-art, with a generous level of specification as standard.

This includes a six-way adjustable driver’s seat with height adjustable armrest and lumbar support, Bluetooth, USB and a digital radio. Other innovative features include the wide-angle, blind spot mirror and ecoMode offered as standard.

Fuel economy is excellent right across the range, but the 1.6 CDTI 16v BiTurbo engine of our winner is capable of 47.9mpg on the combined cycle.  And that’s on top of the impressive 120 PS power and 320Nm torque generated by the BiTurbo engine.

Proudly built in Britain, the Vivaro offers impressive levels of build quality and is offered with a wide range of accessories including roof base carriers and plylining which can be either fitted at dealers or at the factory. Need something more bespoke? No problem as the Luton plant has a Conversion Centre for more bespoke requirements.

Judge Eddie Parker, LCV expert at GE Fleet Capital, said: “Vivaro is a fine van, and justifiably popular. It seems no one will be sacked for choosing one!”

The Business Van Awards 2016 are sponsored by Vanarama.

Best Large Trades Van. What were the judges  looking for?

• The iconic van of the trades. It needs to be spacious and reliable, comfortable to drive yet tough, tough, tough to do the job day in day out for those in professional trades, from plumbers to builders.
• Open to 2.5-3.0t vans.

Sandy MacRitchie, Vauxhall marketing manager – commercial vehicles, with the Best Large Trades Van Award