The Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab LWB (Long Wheelbase) is a commercial vehicle produced from 2006 to 2014, representing a significant facelift of the first-generation Vivaro. This model, powered by a 2.5 CDTI 16V engine producing 146 horsepower, served as a popular choice in the European market for businesses and families needing a versatile and spacious van. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Vivaro provides insight into the European light commercial vehicle segment and the increasing demand for van-based passenger transport. The Doublecab configuration, with seating for five, broadened its appeal beyond purely commercial applications, offering a practical alternative to larger MPVs.
Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab LWB: A Detailed Overview
The Vivaro was a product of a joint venture between Renault, Opel (Vauxhall’s parent company), and Nissan. This collaboration resulted in a platform-sharing arrangement, with the Vivaro being mechanically identical to the Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar. This allowed each manufacturer to benefit from economies of scale and reduce development costs. The 2006 facelift brought cosmetic updates, improved interior trim, and, crucially, the introduction of diesel particulate filters (DPF) to meet increasingly stringent Euro 4 emissions standards. The Doublecab LWB variant specifically catered to those requiring both passenger and cargo capacity, making it suitable for tradespeople, shuttle services, and larger families.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Vivaro Doublecab LWB is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder CDTI (Common-rail Direct Injection Turbo) diesel engine. This engine, designated G9U 630, delivers 146 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 320 Newton-meters (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. The turbocharger and intercooler work in tandem to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The engine’s relatively high torque output at low engine speeds makes it well-suited for carrying heavy loads and navigating urban environments. Fuel economy is rated at 8.7 liters per 100 kilometers (27 US mpg combined), with CO2 emissions of 229 grams per kilometer, reflecting the emission standards of the Euro 4 era. The weight-to-power ratio of 12.9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.9 kg/Nm indicate a reasonable balance between performance and load-carrying capability.
Design & Features
The Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab LWB is a five-door minivan characterized by its functional and utilitarian design. The long wheelbase provides a generous cargo area behind the rear seats, while the doublecab configuration offers seating for up to five occupants. The vehicle’s dimensions – 5182 mm (204.02 in.) in length, 1960 mm (77.17 in.) in height, and a wheelbase of 3498 mm (137.72 in.) – contribute to its spacious interior. Key features include a driver’s airbag, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), and hydraulic power steering. The interior, while primarily focused on practicality, received updates in the 2006 facelift to improve comfort and aesthetics. The suspension system comprises an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent longitudinal arm arrangement with transverse torsion shafts at the rear, providing a reasonable compromise between ride comfort and load-carrying capacity. The front brakes are ventilated discs measuring 305 mm, while the rear brakes are solid discs at 280 mm.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Vauxhall |
| Model | Vivaro |
| Generation | Vivaro Doublecab LWB (facelift 2006) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 CDTI 16V (146 Hp) DPF |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2014 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 229 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 146 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1500 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G9U 630 |
| Engine displacement | 2464 cm3 (150.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 11 l (11.62 US qt | 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1887 kg (4160.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3035 kg (6691.03 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1148 kg (2530.91 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 4191 l (148 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal | 19.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 5182 mm (204.02 in.) |
| Height | 1960 mm (77.17 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3498 mm (137.72 in.) |
| Front overhang | 833 mm (32.8 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 851 mm (33.5 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 13.17 m (43.21 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, longitudinal arms with transverse torsion shafts |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 280 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
The Vauxhall Vivaro Doublecab LWB 2.5 CDTI 16V (146 Hp) DPF, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represents a practical and versatile option for those needing a combination of passenger and cargo space. Its robust diesel engine, coupled with a functional design, made it a popular choice in Europe for both commercial and family use.
