Vauxhall Vivaro GS proves even Vans want to look cool

The most powerful version of the Vauxhall Vivaro GS is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 178bhp, mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox

Vans are no longer just an inconspicuous workhorse on the road—they’re hitting the gym and swapping out their steel-toed boots for a pair of sporty sneakers. Opel’s British arm Vauxhall has launched a GS trim for the facelifted Vivaro, bringing fresh styling and interior upgrades. The sporty light commercial vehicle is available with both turbodiesel and all-electric powertrains, with the diesel option offering the most power.

The GS trim is first launched in 2022 as part of Vauxhall’s response to growing demand for sporty vans in the UK. Now, it returns as part of the facelifted Vivaro range, competing against the likes of the Ford Transit Custom MS-RT.

More information: Stellantis will convert used diesel vans into electric ones for less than €20,000

The GS trim gives the Vivaro a more aggressive appearance thanks to a custom body kit. These include an aerodynamic front bumper extension, side skirts with integrated front fenders, a redesigned rear bumper and a piano black roof spoiler. It also features newly designed black 18-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels and prominently displays the GS logo on the tailgate. This trim is available in quartz silver and mercury gray paint colors, and in van and crew cab body styles.

While the styling package may be compatible with other Stellantis van models, such as those from Citroën, Peugeot and Fiat, the GS trim remains exclusive to the UK-spec Vauxhall Vivaro for now.

The seat interiors are upholstered in tear-resistant “handmade eco-leather” material, with a GS logo on the seat backs and red contrast stitching. Equipment includes an infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen display, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, a heated steering wheel and a heated driver’s seat.

Powertrain options: Diesel or electric

Under the hood, the Vivaro GS comes with a choice of three powertrains. On the diesel side, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with two outputs: 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) with a five-speed manual transmission or 178 hp (132 kW / 180 PS) with an eight-speed manual gearbox. – Speed ​​automatic. The latter option is the most powerful diesel variant in the Vivaro range, although it doesn’t come with any chassis upgrades.

For those considering electric options, the Vivaro Electric GS comes with an electric motor that produces 134 horsepower (100 kW / 136 PS), rather than the newer, more powerful setup found in other Stellantis electric cars. It is powered by a 50 kWh battery pack that is WLTP certified and has a range of up to 209 miles on a full charge.

The Vauxhall Vivaro GS is now on sale in the UK. Prices start at £39,990 ($49,500) for the diesel version and £48,940 ($60,500) for the electric version. These prices exclude tax but include the UK government’s plug-in Van Grant for the electric version.

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