Road Tests: Vauxhall Movano 2.8DTi

Published: Commercial Motor, 18 Jan 2001

Tradesman's Treat
by: Kevin Swallow
The positive side to badge-engineering vans is that prices fall as manufacturers share technology, production and ideas. The downside is that more of the same weaknes the gene pool. Vauxhall's slogan "Done in a Mo… A Movano." is meant to convince us that this is nut just a re-badged Renault Master - but is it merely the same story with a different narrator?

Verdict

Hard-pressed local authorities and the trade sector buying in fleets tend to go for a cheaper dropside because of the low-mileage / varied-volume nature of the work. But smaller and independent companies requiring a dropside will struggle to beat the Movano. it has comfort and plenty of engine power, as you might expect in a 2.8DTi, without dominating the driving experience. It does lack manoeuvrability in tight spaces but this seems to be a common problem with vans. It is becoming par for the course that operators are having to choose from a windling selection of vans as manufactuers continue to re-badge similar models. Nevertheless a thirfty fuel performance on our Kent test route and good driveability make the Movano a wise statement.

Vehicle Specifications

Vauxhall Movano 2.8DTi
Fuel Consumption:27.7mpg(10.2lit/100km)
Average speed:60.7km/h
Gross weight as tested:3,500kg
Net payload:1,510kg
Price as tested:£18,845(ex-VAT)