LIFE BEFORE ELECTRIC (some text hidden) SECTIONED_mid_vauxhallvivarolife_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 75

Launched in 2019, the Vauxhall Vivaro Life was a large MPV based on the marque's medium-sized Vivaro van. Initially, it was only available in the diesel form we focus on here, though a full-EV version joined the range in 2020. Which then completely superseded the diesel variant in 2022. But on the used market, not everyone will want this Vivaro Life is full-electric form. Are the earlier diesel-powered versions of this model worth seeking out?

Modelsword count: 5

Medium-sized large MPV (1.5/2.0 diesel)

Historyword count: 199

If you need a family MPV, then you'll need room for a family's luggage. If you're looking at People Carriers from the latter part of this century's second decade, the problem you'll find is that a merely 'large' People Carrier like, say, a Ford Galaxy or a Volkswagen Sharan, can't provide room for seven people's-worth of luggage, unless you add on a roof box. All of which might drive you towards a van-based super-large MPV model. These tend to be quite expensive - or at least they are from this period in the case of models like the Volkswagen Caravelle and the Mercedes V-Class. In 2016 though, what was then the PSA Group introduced Citroen SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller models that provided a more affordable route into super-large MPV motoring. When Vauxhall joined the PSA conglomerate (shortly afterwards re-named The Stellantis Group), it too was able to offer such a model. And this was it, the Vivaro Life. Initially, this model could only be had in the diesel form we look at here (though a full-EV variant followed in 2020). The diesel version was phased out in 2022 except for customers needing a conversion point for Wheel-Chair Assisted Vehicles.

What You Getword count: 240

This Vivaro Life certainly doesn't shout 'school bus' in terms of the way it looks. Well it doesn't in its top 'Elite' form anyway. Vauxhall also offered a base 'Edition' version which has much more of a minibus vibe. Car-like design elements include a sharply angled windscreen and smart frontal treatment. Under the skin, this MPV utilised the PSA Group's acclaimed 'Efficient Modular Platform 2' (EMP2) as the basis to combine its relatively compact exterior dimensions with maximum roominess. The Vivaro Life is available in two defined lengths, M and XL, measuring in at either 4.95m or 5.30m. At the top of the range, the 'Elite' version gets hands-free electric sliding side doors which can be activated with a wave of the foot. All versions are usually 7-seaters. However, on an 'Edition' model, from new there was the no-cost option of a three-person front bench seat that made this Vauxhall a 9-seater. Original 'Elite' buyers could have an 8-seater cabin format. Or a true VIP-style six-seater set-up with a pair of well-spaced seats in both the second and third rows which could be positioned to face each other - facilitating impromptu business conferences on the move. With this format, there was also a pull-out table between the seats. As for luggage capacity, well this super-large MPV can provide up to 1,500 litres of boot space - or up to 4,900-litres of luggage space if you take out the removable seats.

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