Vauxhall Movano and Movano Electric review

While much of the Vauxhall Movano has remained unchanged since it was originally launched in 2010, it is one of the vans which has recently benefited from updates under Stellantis’s Pro One strategy for commercial vehicles.

This has seen the 12 vans across the group’s four brands – Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall – all receive a variety of upgrades.

For Movano specifically, these include the large van being given a sharper exterior design, a revised cabin, and upgraded driver assistance features.

The range, continues to be available in three length options (L2, L3 and L4) and three heights (H1, H2 and H3), offering up to 17cu m of cargo volume and a payload of up to two tonnes.

However, the most significant improvements are to Movano Electric. These include a massive price drop - available from £46,135 exc VAT, it is a saving of £12,350 compared to the outgoing model.

Using a new 110kWh battery, it has a WLTP range of up to 261 miles on a single charge, around 100 miles more than its predecessor, while its electric motor produces 272PS and 400Nm of torque. These are increases of 150PS and 140Nm.

New Movano Electric also has an 11kW on-board charger as standard allowing to fully charge from empty in 11 hours 45 minutes from an appropriate charge point, and is also the first Vauxhall capable of charging at 150kW from a DC rapid charger, enabling a 0% to 80% charge in 55 minutes.

Payloads for Electric Movano range from 635kg for the N1-category L3H2 model to 1,385kg for the N2-category L3H2 model.

The other powertrain option currently available is a 2.2-litre turbodiesel offered with power outputs of 140PS and 180PS. The 140PS variants are available only with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 180PS engine adds the choice of an eight-speed automatic. Combined fuel efficiency ranges from 29.1mpg to 37.7mpg.

For the diesel models, these range from 1,235kg for the 140PS L4H3 variant (N1) to 1,975kg for the 140PS L4 H2 glazed panel van (N2).

Prices for the diesel Movano (L2H1 panel van) start at £32,285 (exc. VAT).

Just one trim level – Prime – is available. Standard equipment on the diesel models includes a five-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and DAB radio, combined with a 3.5-inch driver information display, cruise control, electronic power steering, rear-parking sensors, electrically-adjustable/heated door mirrors and rear-view camera.

Electric Movano differs with a 10-inch touchscreen with an integrated TomTom satellite navigation system and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a seven-inch digital instrument cluster. It also has an electronic parking brake, automatic air conditioning and keyless entry and go.

Additional practicality for both powertrains provided by the new, optional 230V socket, positioned in the centre of the dashboard. This helps to charge electrical devices such as laptops, electric tool batteries, tablets and other low power appliances that require electricity up to 150 watts.

Standard safety features across the Movano range includes intelligent speed assist incorporating traffic sign recognition.

The Movano is also capable of level two autonomous driving for the first time (available on automatic models in conjunction with specific option packs).

The combination of adaptive cruise control with ‘Stop & Go’ function, lane positioning assist and traffic jam assist enables the Movano to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph - for example in slow traffic – provided that the driver’s hands remain on the steering wheel.

We drove the L2H2 model powered by the 140PS diesel and manual transmission. With a 400kg load in the back, the ride was a little unsettled, but not unpleasant.

The changes to the cabin have improved the experience for the driver, adding comfort and convenience, while visibility and practicality remain high.

A further zero-emissions powertrain will be added to the Movano range later this year, with orders for the Movano Hydrogen set to open in Q4 ahead of first deliveries in 2025.

The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will offer a range of up to 311 miles (WLTP) and can be refuelled in approximately five minutes.