Motoring with Joe Rayfus: Viva Vavaro... Opel's practical new commercial

The 2024 Opel Vivaro brings a fresh design and updated tech to the medium van segment, building on an already solid platform. It shares many components with its Stellantis siblings – the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Fiat Scudo. But with the van market becoming ever more competitive, is the facelifted Vivaro enough to stand out against rivals like the new Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter, and Mercedes Vito?

The most obvious change for the 2024 Vivaro is the introduction of Opel’s "Vizor" grille, a signature design element that aligns the van’s appearance with the brand’s latest passenger cars. The new front fascia gives the Vivaro a more modern and polished look, but the rest of the exterior remains largely unchanged. The clean lines and boxy shape ensure maximum utility, though it’s not the flashiest van in the market. However, for a commercial vehicle, form often follows function, and the Vivaro delivers on that front.

Under the bonnet, the 2024 Vivaro offers two familiar diesel engines: a 1.5-litre unit with 120bhp and a 2.0-litre option with 145bhp. Both come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. While there’s no groundbreaking new tech here, the important bit is that these engines are tried and tested, providing reliable and capable performance. Exactly what you’d be looking for in a commercial vehicle.

The 1.5-litre engine impresses with its refinement, particularly on longer journeys, and manages a respectable 221lb/ft of torque, which is just 30lb/ft shy of the larger engine’s output. For those looking to save on running costs, the smaller engine is more than up to the task of hauling a fully loaded van. Even with a middling sized payload, the difference in performance is negligible, and unless you’re regularly pushing the van to its full 1078kg capacity, the 1.5-litre diesel is likely the more economical choice.

On the road, the Vivaro is easy to drive. The steering is light yet precise, with enough feedback to inspire confidence, particularly when navigating tight urban streets. The traditional hydraulic power steering adds to the overall feel of control. While it doesn't quite match the car-like handling of the Ford Transit Custom, it strikes a good balance for a van of its size. Body roll is minimal, even when fully loaded, and the ride remains comfortable, though longer trips might highlight the somewhat awkward driving position. The pedals and steering wheel are slightly offset from each other, creating an awkward posture that for some could lead to discomfort on long trips.

One nice touch is the new 10.0-inch digital instrument cluster, which can be configured to display everything from basic speed readings to more detailed fuel economy and, in the Sportive model, navigation instructions. The overall build quality is solid, though the hard plastics on frequently touched surfaces like the door panels are a reminder that this is a commercial vehicle, not a luxury van.

The Vivaro offers solid, if unspectacular, load-lugging credentials. The short-wheelbase version provides 5.3 cubic metres of cargo space, while the extended XL model increases that to 6.1 cubic metres. This is slightly behind key rivals like the Ford Transit Custom, which offers up to 6.8 cubic metres in its long-wheelbase variant, but the Vivaro makes up for it with easy access via sliding doors on both sides and rear doors that open to 180 degrees.

The payload capacity is impressive, and depending on which version you opt for the Vivaro handles up to 1,400kg. This puts the Vivaro ahead of competitors like the Renault Trafic and VW Transporter, though the new Ford Transit Custom now edges it out with a payload of 1,416kg.

The 2024 Opel Vivaro continues to be a solid contender in the medium van segment, offering a reliable, comfortable, and practical option for businesses. Its updated design and tech keep it relevant, though it’s the strong diesel engines and impressive payload capacities that truly stand out. While the driving position may be a sticking point for some, the Vivaro’s overall refinement, ease of use, and competitive pricing make it a worthwhile consideration, especially for those looking for a dependable workhorse. In a market packed with strong rivals, the Vivaro may not lead in every category, but it remains a well-rounded and capable van that should satisfy the needs of most operators.

Pricing for the 2024 Opel Vivaro starts from €35,995.