The Vauxhall Vivaro Life is a van-derived MPV offering up to nine seats and electric power. While it caters to those needing high passenger capacity, it falls short of newer rivals in efficiency and driving experience, making it suitable for a limited audience. The model’s strengths lie in its practicality and spaciousness, but its lackluster performance and higher price point position it as a niche choice.
A Legacy of Space in a Changing Market
Vauxhall has historically provided spacious MPVs like the Zafira and Meriva, but with SUVs dominating the market, the Vivaro Life fills a shrinking role. It’s one of several models within the Stellantis group – sharing platforms with Citroen, Peugeot, Toyota, Fiat, and Opel – which highlights the economies of scale driving its production. The availability of both fully electric and diesel versions reflects a compromise between modern demand and legacy fleet needs.
Powertrain and Configurations
The Vivaro Life standardizes on an electric powertrain with a 75kWh battery and front-mounted motor. It comes in two lengths (standard and XL) with options for eight or nine seats, or a six-seat executive configuration. Crew van derivatives offer five or six seats with a bulkhead separating passenger and load space. Despite the electric focus, Vauxhall continues to offer diesel options, primarily for specialized conversions like wheelchair accessibility, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to fleet requirements.
Performance and Driving Experience
The electric motor delivers adequate but not exhilarating performance. The 0-60mph acceleration is modest, and overtaking requires careful planning. The van-derived chassis means the driving experience isn’t engaging, with vague steering and a heavy feel. The Vivaro Life prioritizes functionality over driver enjoyment.
Pros:
- Smooth electric powertrain
- Comfortable ride at most speeds
- Good visibility from the tall seating position
Cons:
- Sluggish electric motor lacks power
- Poor steering feedback
- Visibility could be better for its size
Interior and Technology
The interior reflects the Vivaro Life’s van roots: hard plastics and simple fabrics dominate, though higher trims offer more refined materials. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system is functional but not cutting-edge, with slow response times and limited customization. A basic digital driver’s display provides essential information, but lacks advanced features.
“The Vivaro Life suits the executive travel market well, and is an ideal shuttle for airport or hotel concierge services. The Ultimate version looks pretty smart and is quiet and refined at lower speeds.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor
Range, Charging, and Costs
The electric range is quoted at up to 216 miles, but real-world performance is lower, particularly in cold weather. The maximum DC charging rate of 100kW takes 45 minutes for a 5-80% charge, slower than newer rivals. Pricing starts around £37,000 before incentives, with higher-spec models exceeding £48,000. Insurance is relatively high, and residual values remain uncertain.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Vivaro Life offers a practical and spacious solution for high-capacity passenger transport. However, its dated powertrain, uninspired driving dynamics, and high price point place it behind competitors like the Kia PV5 Passenger. While it excels in specialized markets like executive shuttles, most buyers will find better value and efficiency elsewhere.
