Road Tests & Reviews: Vauxhall Astravan

Road Tests:

• Vauxhall, Vauxhall Astravan LS Dualfuel LPG, 13 Jun 2002
• Vauxhall, Vauxhall Astravan 2.0 Dti, 22 May 2003
• Vauxhall, Vauxhall Astravan 1.7 CDTi Sportive, 21 Apr 2005

With the Uk making up the majority of Astravan sales in Europe there's no wonder it has taken on cult status in light CV circles.

The appeal is pretty straightforward: it's aimed at those who like driving a car but also need to carry around their tools.

What works in its favour is the fact that the passenger version is a real performer; removing the rear seats gives a load volume of 1.6m3 and a payload of up to 645kg.
These figures are by no means outrageous and will allow only a limited amount of kit in the back, but once you position yourself in the body hugging driver's seat, clasp the stubby steering wheel and survey the minimalist dashboard, you know the drive is going to be a cut above that found in your average light CV.

And so it proves, although the 1.3-litre engine - there are also 1.7 and 1.9-litre options - can feel a little overburdened if you are carrying a full load.