Vauxhall Vans is looking to target the lifestyle side of the industry with an eye-catching concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. We caught up with the head of Vauxhall and Opel Vans at the show, who described the Vivaro Surf as the “perfect alternative” for modern tradespeople.
Background
Commercial vehicles rarely get a look-in at car shows, but one such vehicle that was certainly attracting the crowds was found on the Vauxhall/Opel stand. The Vivaro Surf Edition is based on the combi layout but features distinctive paintwork, detailing and alloy wheels.
We spoke to Steffen Raschig, Director for Opel and Vauxhall Commercial Vehicles, to find out who the vehicle is targeting and why he decided to unveil it at the Frankfurt Show.
“This is a versatile vehicle for the versatile tradesperson,” said Raschig. “They work hard during the week and, at the weekend, they have to take care of the kids and they go out and take part in sport activities.
“It’s got a very large load compartment, with additional roof loading, and yet it still has room for up to six people. It has been fitted with all the latest gadgets you’d expect to find on a passenger car, and is the perfect alternative for people who need more than a car but do not want to miss out on the usual comfort.”
Driveline and specification
Sporting copper-brown paintwork with ice white highlights, the Vivaro Surf Edition certainly draws the attention. In addition to being lowered 70mm for the sporty look, the paintwork has been complemented by 17-inch Irmscher alloys and a special surfboard bracket.
In the back, a 3.2 or four cubic metre load area can be specified, depending on the wheelbase, and is illuminated by blue lighting in the side walls and roof liner. To compensate for the shorter springs used for the 70mm lowering, air suspension has been fitted on the rear suspension to provide additional comfort.
The standard rear tailgate is available with the option of Keyless Open to make loading and unloading easier. The cargo floor is fitted with a rail and there’s a load box stored underneath the rear seats that accessed via the load area.
Under the bonnet is the top of the range 138bhp versions of the twin turbo 2-litre unit. The 340Nm on offer means the Vivaro Surf will rarely struggle, even with a full load, and it achieves 46.1mpg on the combined cycle when selected with the ecoflex pack.
In the cab, very little has changed although it does feature the new Intellilink system provides hands-free calling to access to personal music.
Availability
Despite Mr Raschig’s optimism that the new vehicle will be hitting dealerships next year in Europe as an Opel, Vauxhall’s UK side of the operation was a bit more sceptical.
“The Vivaro Surf Edition is a stunning vehicle and is intended, at this stage, just to be a concept model for the UK and nothing more”, explained a source at Vauxhall UK. “But who knows? Concepts are all about testing the water and we will be monitoring the response. If we deem the reaction to be positive, it may go into production at Luton”.
