The need to have a large car in the family arises for various reasons. Opel Vivaro - a nice car, which can be attributed to the category of commercial vehicles. The two best-selling configurations of the model are a van and a minibus.
There is a lot of talk and debate over the issue of which category “Vivaro” belongs to. Some call it a minivan, others call it a minibus. We will adhere to the side of those who attribute it to minibuses, because the Opel is noticeably larger than minivans, and its performance is closer to the minibuses in style.
Model history
The multi-purpose Opel Vivaro began production in 2001. Then three modifications of it entered the market at once: a lorry, a cargo-passenger version and a passenger minibus.
In 2006, the manufacturer updated the model. The changes affected optics, the grille and bumper also changed, then new engines appeared and for the first time the buyer was offered an automatic robotic gearbox.
In Russia, the model was not widely used, but it is very popular in Europe.
Options and Features
There are versions of Opel Vivaro with one side (right) door, there are also models with two side doors (one on each side). The back door of the Vivaro can be double-wing, single-wing or lift. If we talk about the cargo modification of a car, then it has a floor, some wall elements are equipped with special protective plastic coatings.
An interesting and practical solution is to transfer the gearshift lever to the front panel of the car, this can significantly save space in the cab, and also makes it possible to install a triple seat in the cab, taking into account the modest dimensions of the car. The van is available in 6 different trim levels.
Opel Vivaro: engine specifications
The company offers its customers several options for powertrains. There is a two-liter gasoline engine that produces 120 liters. from. power. In addition, there are three turbocharged diesel engines. Their power can be 82 liters. S., 99 l. S., 150 l. from. with volumes of 1.9 l, 2.0 l and 2.5 l, respectively. All diesel engines are equipped with a modern Common Rail system. All engines work with a five-speed manual gearbox, except for the top version with a 2.5-liter engine, a five-speed robot is installed here.
Feature of Opel Vivaro diesel engines: the engine is extremely demanding on fuel quality. Bad fuel clogs the fuel filter relatively quickly and leads to other serious problems that result from it.
Car dimensions
This is a small minibus. For example, comparable to this car and Ford Transit, the American will look much larger and more massive than the Opel Vivaro. Dimensions "Opel": wheelbase - 3098 mm, body length - 4782 mm. The carrying capacity of Vivaro, depending on the version, is in the range of 765-1100 kg.
If we talk about a model with an extended base, the length of its body is 5182 mm, the width of the wheelbase in this version is increased to 3498 mm, also in this version the vehicle's carrying capacity also grows, it equals a solid 1250 kg.
Suspension and brakes
In front is the classic McPherson spring suspension, rear mounted independent spring. Front and rear of the car are equipped with disc brakes equipped with anti-lock braking system.
It must be admitted that the suspension is strong enough and the service intervals for its maintenance are significant provided that you do not overload the car. Follow the rules of load capacity, then you will not know the problems with the suspension. It is worth noting that its elements are not too expensive, given that the model relates to commercial vehicles.
Salon
We must pay tribute to the designers of Opel Vivaro. The interior of the car looks stylish. An interesting solution is the "visor", which itself covers the dashboard. An original solution that helps even on the sunniest day to easily read information from car devices. Opel Vivaro and Renault Traffic are two twin brothers, differing in the country of production. Opel is being made in England; Renault is going to France. It was not for nothing that we remembered the twin brother Renault Traffic. The Vivaro interior is trimmed with the plastic that Renault creators have taught us. This is an average hardness material with a tendency to cheapness.
"Crickets" in the Vivaro cabin live almost from the first turn of the wheel after the start of movement. You can fight them, but this struggle will be long, creaks will appear all in new places. The only question is whether you will put up with this or overcome the problem. In any case, we are talking about commercial vehicles, and not about a family wagon, in which all these creaks would be considered an unacceptable omission of the developers.
Yes, the Opel Vivaro can be used as a family car, but you need to either make a discount on some features of the vehicle, or solve all the problems that the owner does not like.
Total
The car looks good, it looks cheerful and sporty. The car has a moderate appetite (consumption of about 8 liters per hundred), it is quite simple in design. It is because of this simplicity that there are some disadvantages, for example, the very unfortunate creaks in the cabin, not quite even and slightly large gaps in the car body elements. But these are small flaws that can easily be forgiven for this car.
Buying "Opel Vivaro" you need to understand that you are taking a loyal friend and assistant who will always come to your rescue. "Vivaro" will not be a machine that shocks others, this car will become a member of the family, which, as you know, is loved not for appearance. If you have a large family, and the budget is modest - give preference to this particular model.