VAUXHALL VIVARO LIFE ELECTRIC ESTATE 100kW Design XL 75kWh 5dr Auto

Vauxhall's largest People Carrier, the Vivaro Life Electric, now makes more sense with a larger 75kWh battery. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

Need a really large MPV? Perhaps you need a full-electric one? Here's Vauxhall's take on this concept, the Vivaro Life Electric, now improved with a larger 75kWh battery. This model is, as its name suggests, based on the marque's medium-sized Vivaro van but it's actually pretty sophisticated as well as being light, airy, and seriously spacious, with room for up to 9 people, depending on variant. If anything, its commercial vehicle roots serve as a strength and the huge interior, tough build and uncomplicated design might prove ideal for family buyers.

Background

Really large People Carriers are these days almost exclusively based on vans - and it's easy to see why. Previously, with a car-based large MPV like, say a Ford Galaxy, once you'd filled the vehicle with a family, there was usually no room for a family's luggage. But with a model based on a boxy van, there's usually space for both. But prior to 2016, the only way to get a really large LCV-based people carrier of this sort was to pay the high prices required for either the Volkswagen Caravelle or the Mercedes V-Class. It was to offer a more affordable alternative that the Vauxhall Vivaro Life was launched in this year, based on the Vivaro van. It was introduced alongside two identical clones, the Peugeot Traveller and the Citroen SpaceTourer. In 2021, the diesel versions of all three models were discontinued in favour of a single all-electric drivetrain. But they could only be had with the compact 50kWh battery used by small Stellantis Group cars, so driving range was correspondingly feeble and sales were slow. Hence the urgent need for a bigger battery, which Vauxhall has introduced at the same time smartening the exterior styling and upgrading the cabin screens. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

You might have previously dismissed the original 50kWh version of this Vivaro Life Electric because of its restricted 143 mile range. Well there's been a big improvement there thanks to the installation of a new 75kWh battery pack that boosts range to 217 miles. A useful improvement, but we're a little disappointed that Vauxhall hasn't also installed the even bigger 110kWh pack that's now available with its larger Movano LCV (which gives an even better range of up to 260 miles). Perhaps the thinking was that a battery of that weighty size might have rather over-whelmed the 134bhp (260Nm) electric motor which is carried over from the original model. Three driving modes are available, but you'll need the most frugal of them - 'Eco' - to get anywhere near the claimed range figure - and that restricts power output significantly. The other two settings are 'Normal' and 'Power'. There's also a new regenerative braking system with three different levels, using paddles located behind the steering wheel. Through the corners, as you would expect, there's plenty of body roll if, rather unwisely, you start throwing the thing about. If you can ignore both that and the slightly vague steering and find yourself absolutely having to push on, you'll find that there's reasonable grip and traction. For outdoor activities, the Vivaro Life Electric can come with an Advanced Grip Control system, incorporating Hill Assist Descent Control and adjustable traction control. This set-up's ideal for use on low grip surfaces, with modes for sand, mud and snow.

Design and Build

This Vivaro Life Electric certainly doesn't shout 'school bus' in terms of the way it looks. Not in this updated form anyway, which gains the brand's signature 'Vizor' grille design along with revised bumpers. Narrower LED headlights can now feature the brand's IntelliLux matrix technology. As before, this flexible People Carrier is available in two lengths - 4.9m. and 5.3m. The cabin can be configured for up to nine people - three in each row. For business users wanting a VIP shuttle, it can be ordered with four individual seats in the rear. At the wheel, there's a new 10-inch digital colour instrument cluster which provides an optimised and customisable display of the essential information, including that of the navigation system and information relating to energy flow and recharging. Vauxhall has also revised the dashboard to incorporate a larger 10-inch HD central touchscreen for controlling the multimedia system and connected navigation. This includes a voice assistant which allows drivers to control the main infotainment functions without taking their eyes off the road. The battery installation hasn't compromised passenger or cargo space in any way. All the rear seats can be removed to reveal a van-like cargo area, but they've heavy and awkward to lift and you'd need a big garage to store them in. Depending on the configuration, the Vivaro Life Electric can carry up to nine people with a boot volume of 1,500 litres, or five people and 3,000 litres, or even offer up to 4,900 litres of load volume with two or three people on board.

Market and Model

Prices sit in the £39,000-£56,000 bracket. There's a choice of two body lengths, M and L. Entry-level 'Combi' models can seat nine, while the mid-range 'Design' model seats eight. The top leather-lined 'Ultimate' version also seats eight and prices from around £55,000. In total, the Vivaro Life Electric offers up to 18 driver assistance systems. The highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control with a stop & go function, as well as a high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera. Intelli-Grip with hill descent control provides a firm grip on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Sensors at the front and rear as well as flank guard and blind spot warning facilitate safe manoeuvring. Numerous additional systems such as Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert with Emergency Braking complete the portfolio. If desired, customers can order the fully digital 10-inch driver information display, which delivers all important information (including from the navigation system) and also provides information on energy consumption and charging. The new infotainment systems with 10-inch colour touchscreens use the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies and enable, among other things, state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and computer vision functions. In addition, important functions can be operated via the 'Hey Vauxhall' natural voice recognition. Compatible smartphones can be wirelessly connected to the vehicle's multimedia systems using 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' and charged wirelessly.

Cost of Ownership

Because the Vivaro Life Electric supports up to 100kW rapid charging technology, an 80 per cent charge will take 45 minutes. This EV People Carrier also features a 7.4kW on-board charger. A full charge from a 7.4kW domestic wallbox takes 11 hours 20 minutes. With the alternative 11kW wallbox, you can reduce that to seven and a half hours. For peace of mind, the lithium-ion battery pack in this model comes with an eight year/100,000 mile warranty, for up to 70% of the initial battery capacity. To get close to the quoted 217 mile range figure, you'll need to engage 'Eco' mode frequently - which reduces power output to 80hp. To maximise range, you'll also need to regularly engage the fiercest of the regenerative braking settings, activated by steering wheel paddles. Owners can set up deferred charging or to pre-condition the vehicle via a 'Vauxhall Connect' mobile app on their smartphone. This app also allows drivers to initiate or schedule thermal preconditioning and view, schedule, start or deferred charging remotely.

Summary

With this larger 75kWh battery fitted, this Vivaro Life Electric at last makes some sort of credible sense for larger families and businesses needing to provide comfortable shuttle transport. We're disappointed though, that the brand couldn't have offered the larger 110kWh battery available in the big Movano van, which would have given this model a range even more appealing to combustion users. Still, if all you want to use this Vauxhall for is short-to-medium trips, what the 75kWh battery provides could well be quite sufficient. And the front-of-cabin experience you now get certainly feels a lot more up-to-date. The other practical attributes are as before. And if you're attracted to the all-round package, it just comes down to whether you want the Vauxhall version of this design rather than the Peugeot or Citroen variants. Vauxhall's dealer network and bargaining power might sway that decision for you and if so, there's plenty to like here if for you, space is the ultimate luxury.

Body Glass

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Two speed windscreen wipers with variable intermittent wipe

Intermittent rear window wash/wipe

Electric Front windows with one touch up/down facility

Solar heat absorbing windscreen

Laminated/Acoustic windshield

Row 2 slide opening windows both sides 70% opacity

Brakes

Cornering brake control

Advanced emergency braking system

Electric parking brake

Anti-lock braking system, emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, engine drag torque control and hill start assist

Electronic stability programme with traction control

Brake energy recuperation

Paddles for regenerative braking selection 3 level - light, medium, strong

Carpets/Rugs

Flooring - TPO plastic carpet

Communication

Bluetooth connectivity

Vehicle microphone

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

Driver Aids

Lane keep assist

Speed limiter

Active cruise control with stop and go

Forward collision warning

Intelligent speed assist

Rear parking sensors

Driver Attention Alert level 3

Speed sensitive electrically assisted power steering

Driver Information

Lights on audible warning

Multi function trip computer - Trip odometer, vehicle range, average speed and fuel economy, instantaneous fuel economy and driving time

Vauxhall connect

Digital clock with automatic RDS time adjustment

Phone book access

10" Full digital cluster

Outside air temperature with ice warning function

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable/heated door mirrors

Electrically foldable door mirrors

Painted Black mirror housings and door handles

Embellishment Trims

Mistral black/grey facia and door trim

Entertainment

Flexible short antenna (200mm)

Connectivity via BTA with RCE (emergency call and local assistance/offers for branded services - programmable heating and delayed charging via app

4 speakers radio + 4 tweeters in Row 1 and Row 2

2x USB-C in dashboard

Exterior Body Features

Black exterior door handles

Flexible roof mounted aerial

Body colour rear corner bumper with black centre section

Tailgate and heated rear window with wash/wipe facility

Chrome effect Griffin logo and black vizor frame

Body colour rear door handles

Body coloured sliding side door rail cover

Painted black side protection mouldings

Exterior Lights

Front fog lights

Reversing lights

Third brake light

LED daytime running lights

High beam assist

Rear fog lights

Hazard warning lights

Auto headlights

ECO LED headlamps

Side repeat indicators

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Illuminated controls

Interior Features

Upper glovebox

Reach and rake adjustable steering column

Curitiba cloth upholstery

Two facia mounted drinks holders

Lower shelf

Open storage compartments in facia

Storage pocket in front of gear lever

Front door pockets with three separate compartments

Seatbelt unfastened audible warning

Open lower glovebox with 12v socket and aux-in facility

Floor mounted handbrake lever

Audio controls through steering wheel button

Second and third row 2 ceiling lights (Adome type 3 lamps) with reading lights

Fixed trunk light in right

Chrome interior door handles in 1st row

Black interior door handles in 2nd row

Premium woven type roof trim

Mistral black side trim panels with decorative inserts

12V socket In lower glove box at 1 only In cabin

12V socket In load area LHS at bottom of D-pillar

220 volt socket behind driver seat

Interior Lights

Console with adome type ceiling 3 lamps and TNB seatbelt reminder indicators, assigned ignition, delayed extinguish with card reader and BTA in row 1

Packs

Acoustic pack - Vivaro Life

Safety

Front seatbelt force limiters

Tyre pressure monitoring system

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Mechanical child locks

Drivers and front passenger lap belt pretensioner system

ISOFIX child seat mountings incorporating top tether anchor points located on second row rear seats

Driver and front passenger airbags

Height adjustable lap and diagonal inertia reel seatbelts

Curtain airbags second and third row seating

Driver and front passenger head/thorax airbags

Manual airbag deactivation for front passenger

Automatic unlocking system incase of crash

Seats

Height adjustable front seat head restraints

3 rear headrests

Body lock seatbelt pretensioner system

Third row bench 2/3-1/3 tilting and foldable

R1 - "Comfort Seat" ergonomic 6-way driver's seat (reach/rake/height) with lumbar/armrest. heated driver's seat with controls on seat

Row 1 - Individual codriver seat with armrest

Second row three passenger 60/40 split bench seat with tilt and fold function

Security

Immobiliser

Visible vehicle identification number

Steering column lock

Selective door locking

System monitors doors, tailgate, bonnet and the passenger compartment

Remote central locking with deadlocks

Transmission

Automatic transmission with e-toggle shift

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated sunvisors and retractable handles

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable

Delayed charging facility

Wheels

17" Steel wheels with full size hub cap

Wheels - Spare

Tyre inflation kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2205

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 1.8

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 680

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 7.4

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 45

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 100

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 5-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 75

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 279

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 214

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 24.1

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 24.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 173

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 133

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: N

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 100

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Design XL

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 33U

Service Interval Mileage: 25000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 136

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 14.3

Top Speed: 81

Engine Power - BHP: 136

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 100

Engine Power - RPM: 5500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 192

Engine Torque - NM: 270

Engine Torque - RPM: 3674

Engine Torque - MKG: 26.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 17" STEEL

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: 0

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5331

Width: 1920

Wheelbase: 3275

Width (including mirrors): 2204

Height: 1890

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

No. of Seats: 8

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.4

Body Glass

Rear tailgate with opening window, with heated system and wiper

Driver Information

Multimedia Pro navi with radio AM/FM/DAB, connected nav, 10" HD touch screen with mirror screen and 4G connectivity + voice control + E-call + A-call

Exterior Body Features

Two coat metallic paint

Additional two coat metallic paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Rear air conditioning with roof control panel at roof

Packs

ACC pack - Vivaro Life

Handsfree and easy access pack - Vivaro Life

Driver pack - Vivaro Life

Converter pack - Vivaro Life

Paint - Metallic

Two coat metallic - Carbon black

Additional two coat metallic - Contrast grey

Additional two coat metallic - Kapari green

Additional two coat metallic - Mercury grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Arctic white

Security

Remote control security alarm system

Trim - Cloth

Curitiba cloth - Brazilia black with art grey

Vehicle Charging

11kW three phase on board charger with mode 3 - 22kW cable