Vauxhall Movano (99-03) - Review

The Movano offers anything between eight cubic metres and 14 cubic metres of loadspace and payloads of between 1,047kg and 1,705kg. A side sliding door came as standard but an additional one on the other side was an option. Also worthy of note is that a full bulkhead was on the options list, whereas most modern offerings have this facility as standard. Three wheelbases are on offer – short, medium and long – and three roof heights too.

As with so many van manufacturers at this time, Vauxhall did not deem safety a high enough priority to offer a driver’s airbag and ABS brakes as standard. Both remained on the options list and thus, it is unlikely that most secondhand Movanos offered for sale will have them, such is the money-saving attitude of most of Britain’s fleet buyers. On the security front, central locking and an immobiliser came as standard but an alarm was a paid-for option.

The cost of running a Movano came down dramatically at the introduction of common rail engines in 2001, as these high tech units not only offer more power, but also greater fuel economy and longer servicing intervals. Vauxhall reckons fuel economy improved by 6% for the 1.9-litre unit and a massive 12% for the 2.5-litre, while oil changes increased from 12,500 miles to 20,000 miles.

The newer engines – sourced from Renault – are legendary for their frugality and longevity. In fact they power many Renault cars as well as vans. With proper servicing and a light right foot they should be good for a couple of times round the clock on the speedo.