Vauxhall has started taking orders for its new Movano range, the brand’s largest van – which, for the first time, includes an electric version.
If you’re thinking that the new Vauxhall Movano looks awfully familiar, that’s because it’s actually a rebadged Fiat Ducato, the final part of an overall Vauxhall LCV range realignment under Stellantis ownership.
The Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Relay are also rebadged versions of the same van, whereas the previous Vauxhall Movano was a rebadged Renault Master (as is the Nissan NV400).
While the latest Movano may be new to Vauxhall, the current Fiat Ducato actually dates back to 2014. That means this “new” van is really a much older vehicle than rivals like the latest Mercedes-Benz Sprinter or Volkswagen Crafter large vans.
The Movano-e is powered by an electric motor of 90kW (equivalent to 120hp) and 260Nm of torque, fed by a 70kWh battery – official battery range between charges is up to 139 miles.
The electric Movano will be sold alongside the traditional diesel model. This uses a 2.2-litre unit and is available in power outputs ranging from 140 to 165hp. All are front-wheel-drive and matched to six-speed manual gearboxes.
The new Movano line-up includes three different lengths and three heights, ranging up to a maximum payload of 2,110kg and a load volume of 17m3, accommodating five Euro pallets.
The diesel Movano is available in Panel Van, Chassis Cab and Crew Cab configurations in L2H1, L2H2, L3H1, L3H2, L4H2 and L4H3 lengths and heights, while the Movano-e is only offered in Panel Van configuration in either L3H2 or L4H2 lengths.
Vauxhall also offers a host of bespoke models for specific roles through its network of conversion specialists, the total Movano range stretching to 150 different versions.
Two trim levels are available, dubbed Edition and Dynamic though the Movano-e is only offered in the higher-specification. Standard equipment on all versions includes a one-sided sliding door, full steel bulkhead, DAB radio and Vauxhall’s Connect system that alerts emergency and breakdown services if needed.
Dynamic versions add Bluetooth to the audio system along with a foldable, rotating tray to the passenger bench, a tablet holder inside the glove box, rear pedestrian detection and parking assistance.
Prices for the diesel Movano start from £30,755 plus VAT, buying the panel van in shortest and lowest body format and with the 140hp version of the engine. The Movano-e costs from £61,085 with mid-sized body length and lower height, while an extra £900 buys the longest body length.
First deliveries of the new Movano are planned before the end of 2021. The Movano-e will join the mid-sized Vivaro-e and compact Combo-e in showrooms, adding to the brand’s claim to be Britain’s largest electric LCV manufacturer with close to 1,500 vehicles sold so far the year.
