Vauxhall Movano Panel Van LCV (2021 - ) Review

Well, it’s not an exaggeration to call the new Movano’s load area a best-in-class example of what you want from a large van. Its huge doors open nice and wide to help you access the up to 17.0m³ of load volume. You’ve got enough room here for up to 4 Euro-pallets and a total maximum payload of up to 2100kg (depending on which one you choose). There are plenty of tie-down loops to secure your loads and the lighting is much improved from the previous version - just check out those LEDs. The clear message is that if you’re a large van operator, you need the van to do a job in the cargo area - and the Movano gets the job done. It also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes - 4 different lengths and 3 heights across Panel Van, Crew Van, Chassis Cab, Crew Cab, & Platform Cab formats. Prime is now the only trim level available and comes with all standard options installed.

Top of my list is the sheer volume of storage available - it’s in the doors, above your head, under the seats and you have a choice of two lockable storage containers to stash your valuables in. As with previous Movano vans, the driving position is nice and high. You get excellent visibility out of the front windscreen, although the A pillars intrude heavily into your peripherals. However, it’s nothing a bit of a lean forward can’t fix and only ever becomes an issue at tight junctions. A nice addition in the latest version is the reversing camera option that makes manoeuvring far easier than it should be. Apart from that, this van’s cabin doesn’t feel like it’s changed too much, and some might think it feels a little dated. This is especially clear if you compare the interiors of the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. However, I believe the Movano’s affordability is gained here in the relaxed cabin environment, so a few compromises on the more cutting-edge tech bells and whistles is to be expected.

Unladen, the Movano will return around 40mpg (which I was surprised to see), with a 500kg dummy load in the back that dropped to around 30mpg. Running costs will be reflective of that mpg under load. The electric will need charging more often if running with a load in the back, and depending on whether you’re charging at home, a depot or out and about, the prices you incur to keep the electric variants running will vary significantly.

With a three-year warranty as standard, the Vauxhall Movano is clearly rated by the manufacturer as reliable. Platform sharing with multiple other vans from Stellantis means that repairing the Movano or replacing components is an easy task.

The new Movano features a powerful diesel engine, a Euro 6d compliant, 2.2-litre unit that is used by the other Stellantis vans, and available in 120PS, 140PS and 165PS output offering a maximum torque of up to 370Nm. These are all matched up to the same 6-speed manual gearbox. There’s even an electric version available - the Movano Electric - providing a power output equivalent to the least powerful diesel engine at 120PS (90kW) with 260Nm of torque and a top speed of up to 75mph. This allows you to use the range of up to 139 miles (WLTP, so probably closer to 110 real-world). Charging times on a 50kWh public charger circle around 0% to 80% in just 1 hour.

As with many other large vans, the ride and handling of any Movano improve with more weight being carried in the back – when driving it unladen, there were a few times I thought the van would topple over in tight corners (it didn’t, but the feeling was strong). The 2.2-litre diesel engine is a far better unit than the previous 2.3-litre versions, offering better response when you put your foot down and a great feeling that you’re in charge of where the power is going. The electric versions offer a smooth ride with impressive torque for a van of its size, however the faster you drive with weight in the back the quicker your range will drop, and anxiety starts to creep in – which does make it a slightly nervy van to drive.

Although NCAP has confirmed the Fiat Ducato as the safest Stellantis van, the Movano features several driver assistance technologies, such as electronic stability programme (ESP), speed sign recognition, lane departure warning, traction control, rear cross traffic alerts, automatic braking assistance, blind spot alerts, cruise control, speed limiter and trailer safety assist. That’s a lot of safety tech in a van that doesn’t feel overly techy.

The infotainment suite has been upgraded - you can now enjoy digital radio, Bluetooth, USB connectivity (including a USB socket inside one of the lockable storage bins) and a 5-inch digital touchscreen with an integrated SatNav system. A nice addition in the latest version is the reversing camera option that makes manoeuvring safer and simpler for drivers - it even features guidelines to show where you’re aiming and does a good job letting you know where this enormous van is going. The display flashes up on the touchscreen and the camera automatically activates when you slip into reverse or when the rear doors are opened (handy). Other than that, climate control is all present and correct, and much of the standard equipment you’d expect to find in a basic large van is here.

The Movano is a no-frills large van experience, and it does it very well. Consolidating trim levels into just the one - Prime - is a sensible way to make this van even more affordable while offering a solid level of options as standard. You’d be hard pushed to find a more competitively priced large van in the market right now, and that’s got to count for something.