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Launched in 2019, the Vauxhall Vivaro Life was a large MPV based on the marque's medium-sized Vivaro van. Initially, it was only available in the diesel form we focus on here, though a full-EV version joined the range in 2020. Which then completely superseded the diesel variant in 2022. But on the used market, not everyone will want this Vivaro Life is full-electric form. Are the earlier diesel-powered versions of this model worth seeking out?
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History
If you need a family MPV, then you'll need room for a family's luggage. If you're looking at People Carriers from the latter part of this century's second decade, the problem you'll find is that a merely 'large' People Carrier like, say, a Ford Galaxy or a Volkswagen Sharan, can't provide room for seven people's-worth of luggage, unless you add on a roof box. All of which might drive you towards a van-based super-large MPV model.
These tend to be quite expensive - or at least they are from this period in the case of models like the Volkswagen Caravelle and the Mercedes V-Class. In 2016 though, what was then the PSA Group introduced Citroen SpaceTourer and Peugeot Traveller models that provided a more affordable route into super-large MPV motoring. When Vauxhall joined the PSA conglomerate (shortly afterwards re-named The Stellantis Group), it too was able to offer such a model. And this was it, the Vivaro Life. Initially, this model could only be had in the diesel form we look at here (though a full-EV variant followed in 2020). The diesel version was phased out in 2022 except for customers needing a conversion point for Wheel-Chair Assisted Vehicles.
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What you get
This Vivaro Life certainly doesn't shout 'school bus' in terms of the way it looks. Well it doesn't in its top 'Elite' form anyway. Vauxhall also offered a base 'Edition' version which has much more of a minibus vibe. Car-like design elements include a sharply angled windscreen and smart frontal treatment. Under the skin, this MPV utilised the PSA Group's acclaimed 'Efficient Modular Platform 2' (EMP2) as the basis to combine its relatively compact exterior dimensions with maximum roominess.
The Vivaro Life is available in two defined lengths, M and XL, measuring in at either 4.95m or 5.30m. At the top of the range, the 'Elite' version gets hands-free electric sliding side doors which can be activated with a wave of the foot. All versions are usually 7-seaters. However, on an 'Edition' model, from new there was the no-cost option of a three-person front bench seat that made this Vauxhall a 9-seater.
Original 'Elite' buyers could have an 8-seater cabin format. Or a true VIP-style six-seater set-up with a pair of well-spaced seats in both the second and third rows which could be positioned to face each other - facilitating impromptu business conferences on the move. With this format, there was also a pull-out table between the seats. As for luggage capacity, well this super-large MPV can provide up to 1,500 litres of boot space - or up to 4,900-litres of luggage space if you take out the removable seats.
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What to look for
We've heard of various issues with this Vivaro Life diesel. Some owners have had problems with the fuel injectors, leading to reduced engine performance. There have also been reports of timing chain issues and manual gearbox problems like slipping clutches or difficult gear engagement. Worn shock absorbers and potential Diesel Particulate Filter blockages are relative common. And look out for electric faults like alternator failure or battery drain. We've heard of radiator issues causing engine over-heating; corrosion issues on older models; and exhaust system problems like a noisy muffler. There are no major issues reported with the Vivaro Life Electric, but do a thorough full charge to check the system through.
This big MPV is pretty tough, but there are a few things you'll need to look out for. Check that all the seat folding works as it should; if there are sliding floor rails, check them thoroughly. And check the boot area for scuffs and scratches. Make sure that all the connectivity works properly - Bluetooth-linking and so on. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a Vivaro Life 1.5 Turbo D 120hp - 2022)
Air filters are around £8-£40. Oil filters are around £6-£13. Front brake pads are around £28-£111 - it's £33-£51 for a set of rear pads. A pair of front brake discs cost in the £41-£60 bracket. A pair of rear brake discs are typically in the £27-£53 bracket. Wiper blades are around £6-£20. A headlight is in the £256-£308 bracket.
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On the road
The Vivaro Life is more agile than you might expect a super-large MPV to be, primarily thanks to the lighter, stiffer 'EMP2' platform that Vauxhall's switch to PSA Group ownership dictated it had to have. There's a relatively nimble feeling through the turns for a big People Carrier, helped by quite a low centre of gravity and steering that, though not especially feelsome, responds quite quickly to inputs. There's a choice of two main diesel engines, a 1.5-litre unit offered with either 100 or 120PS. And the 2.0-litre powerplant we'd recommend, available with either 150 or 180PS. The most powerful model has to be had with 8-speed automatic transmission. Otherwise, you'll be using a 6-speed manual.
Refinement was supposedly a priority with this design, as was ride quality thanks to load-sensitive shock absorbers and a so-called 'passive' suspension system that adjusts springing and damping as required, depending on the road surface. Plus this model feels quite manoeuvrable. Testers who'd found the sheer size of some other big MPVs in this segment a little daunting when dealing with narrow country lanes and squeezing through gaps in the traffic were, we found, much more easily able to acclimatise to a Vivaro Life. The bonnet's set quite high, but the nose has a squared-off shape that we found during our testing programme makes this Vauxhall easy to place in tight urban situations.
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Overall
Older Vivaro van models could never have provided the base for a credible luxury family MPV but it says much for the third generation design that it pulls off this trick without much difficulty. The cabin can feel really quite up-market if you go for the top 'Elite' model. From new, we were slightly disappointed that this flagship variant couldn't be had in 9-seater form, but otherwise, as a used buying proposition, we like this Vivaro Life quite a lot.
With rugged build, competent driving dynamics, strong economy and attractive prices, it seems well-suited to its target market and as a result, could well be worth a look for larger families.
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