The Vauxhall Maloo is being revised for 2016, gaining a new name (the Vauxhall Maloo LSA), a redesigned front-end design, a more powerful engine and more standard kit, although the price has been increased slightly to £54,500 plus VAT.
Having first gone on sale in the UK back in 2012, the Vauxhall Maloo is the only vehicle of its type here, having been designed and developed in Australia, where these types of vehicles (utes) are a common sight.
New engine and redesigned chassis
The supercharged 6.2-litre V8 LSA engine has been tuned to achieve a new power rating of 528bhp (up from 425bhp). Torque in the new Maloo has also been increased to 671Nm, helping propel it from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds (down marginally from 4.9 seconds), making it easily the fastest commercial vehicle available in the UK.
To deal with the extra power, modifications have been made to the chassis. The Maloo receives stiffer suspension to combat body roll and an updated rear suspension module to help improve rear stiffness and braking efficiency.
New equipment
As well as the performance upgrades, Launch Control (which reduces wheelspin to help you accelerate faster) on the manual models, a limited slip differential, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Onyx leather trim and Enhanced Driver Interface, which displays real-time performance data have all been added as standard.
The Maloo LSA has undergone a slight redesign to freshen it up, with a new front splitter and black bonnet vents giving the front end a more aggressive look. On the outside, the black theme continues with black mirror-backs and wing-vents, while new 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels complete the new design.
Pricing and availability
The all-new Vauxhall Maloo LSA will be available from £54,500, and you can even claim the VAT back on that if you’re a business user. Very few Vauxhall Premier Van Centres will stock them; they will be distributed by the exclusive VXR authorised dealerships (around seven in the UK) and they are available to order now.
