Movano's moving in
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The launch of Vauxhall's new entry in the 2.83.5-tonne van sector heralds the company's return as a serious contender in the van market.
by Colin Barnett
• The Movano marks the second of the three initial phases in Vauxhall's van-building alliance with Renault which started with the Trafic-based Arena—the final phase will be the all-new Luton-built 2.5-2.8-tonne contender, scheduled for 2001.
Meanwhile, Vauxhall's ambition to return to being a major contender in the van market depends on the Movano. Built by Renault in France, the Movano is unashamedly a re-badged Master, but fortunately this pairing should have a rather rosier future than the geriatric Arena/Trafic.
Wheelbases
The panel van range consists of three wheelbases, from 3.08 to 4.08m, three roof heights and three GVW ratings, with load volumes from 8.0-13.9m3.
The other standard variants are medium and long-wheelbase chassis-cabs; the long wheelbase is also available with a double cab. A range of standard conversions will also be be available, including clropside, tipper, box and Luton vans and a fully racked service van.
The Movano goes on sale in January—prices are due to be announced next month.
The same pair of Sofim eightvalve OHC engines as fitted to
the Master are used. These are the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated indirect-injection diesel, producing 80hp (60kW); and the 2.8litre direct-injection, chargecooled turbo-diesel, giving 115hp (84kW). Other mechanical features include five-speed front-drive transmission, independent front suspension with in-board coil springs, and disc front/drum rear brakes.
It's no secret that a Vauxhall Movano differs only in detail from the Renault Master, the only sheet metal changes being the front panel, which comes complete with Vauxhall's corporate "vee" grille design. White front indicator lenses, "Griffin" hub logos and appropriate rear door badging complete the external differences.
Inside, there is a new trim material for the seats and the instrument panel has a more conventional white-on-black design. The radio/cassette equipment is by Grundig rather than Blaupunkt and gains RDS capability, but unfortunately loses the handy steeringcolumn-mounted controls.
The Movano's standard equipment list includes power steering, tinted glass, a driver's side mesh bulkhead and seatbelt pre-tensioners.
Security features include remote central locking, anti-drill
door locks, unglazed rear doors and an immobiliser. Following the trend set by the Astravan, many of the Movano's long list of options are contained in themed option packs (see below).