Vauxhall, Opel's British arm, has introduced the sporty GS trim for its facelifted Vivaro van, injecting a dose of style and performance into the popular light commercial vehicle. This move comes in response to the growing demand for more dynamic and visually appealing vans in the UK market, with the Vivaro GS directly competing with models like the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.
The GS trim distinguishes itself with a distinctive and aggressive aesthetic. A bespoke body kit adds a touch of flair, featuring an aerodynamic front bumper extension, side skirts with integrated front mudflaps, a reworked rear bumper, and a stylish piano-black roof spoiler. The vehicle rides on eye-catching 18-inch black Y-spoke alloy wheels and proudly displays the "GS" emblem on the tailgate. Available in two sophisticated paint colors – Quartz Silver and Mercury Grey – the GS trim can be specified in both Panel Van and Doublecab body styles. While the styling components are potentially compatible with other Stellantis van models, the GS trim remains exclusive to the UK-spec Vauxhall Vivaro for the time being.
Inside, the GS trim elevates the interior with premium touches. The seats are upholstered in a durable and stylish "hand-crafted eco-leather" material, featuring the GS logo on the seatbacks and contrasting red stitching for a sporty touch. A comprehensive list of standard equipment includes a user-friendly 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control for enhanced comfort, convenient wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors for added safety, a rearview camera for improved visibility, a heated steering wheel for those chilly mornings, and a heated driver's seat for added comfort.
Under the hood, the Vivaro GS offers a choice of three powertrains to suit diverse needs. The diesel engine options include a robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit available in two power outputs: a 143 hp variant paired with a five-speed manual transmission, and a more powerful 178 hp version mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter represents the most potent diesel option within the Vivaro lineup, although it doesn't incorporate any chassis upgrades for enhanced handling.
For those seeking an eco-friendly alternative, the Vivaro Electric GS provides an electric motor producing 134 hp. It's important to note that this electric motor differs from the newer and more powerful units found in other recent Stellantis electric vehicles. The Vivaro Electric GS draws power from a 50-kWh battery pack, offering a respectable WLTP-certified range of up to 209 miles on a single charge.
The Vauxhall Vivaro GS is now available for purchase in the UK, with prices starting at £39,990 for the diesel version and £48,940 for the electric model. It's worth noting that these prices exclude taxes but already include the UK Government's Plug-in Van Grant for the electric variant.
The introduction of the Vivaro GS demonstrates Vauxhall's commitment to offering a wider range of options to meet the evolving demands of the commercial vehicle market. With its distinctive styling, refined interior, and choice of efficient powertrains, the Vivaro GS is poised to attract the attention of businesses and drivers seeking a blend of style, practicality, and performance.